If you’re looking for an elegant dish that impresses without requiring hours of slaving in the kitchen, look no further than Mini Beef Wellingtons. These delightful bite-sized morsels are a luxurious combination of tender beef, savory mushrooms, and flaky pastry, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, or any special occasion. The magic of Mini Beef Wellingtons lies not only in their exquisite flavors but also in their elegant presentation, ensuring that your guests will be wowed from the first bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare! Just follow this easy recipe, and you’ll soon have a tempting platter ready to serve.
But what makes these Mini Beef Wellingtons truly special? It starts with perfectly seared beef tenderloin, which brings a satisfying richness to each bite. Paired with a robust mushroom mix sautéed with shallots and seasoned with thyme, every piece bursts with flavor. When wrapped in crispy puff pastry, it becomes a delightful canvas for the delicious ingredients. And let’s not forget the homemade Gorgonzola sauce that perfectly complements the beef and adds an extra layer of creaminess. These will soon become a favorite at your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Mini Beef Wellington
- Elegance: Perfect for any special occasion, adding a touch of sophistication to your meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of beef, mushrooms, and Gorgonzola sauce creates a mouth-watering experience.
- Easy Preparation: Despite their impressive appearance, these Mini Beef Wellingtons are simple to make.
- Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and bake just before serving for a seamless experience.
- Versatile: A perfect appetizer or entree that can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the culinary adventure of making Mini Beef Wellingtons, it’s essential to establish a well-prepared workspace. A clean kitchen with ample counter space is crucial for rolling out your pastry and assembling the Wellingtons. Make sure you have a cutting board for slicing your tenderloin and mushrooms, as well as a sturdy knife for chopping.
For this recipe, you’ll need a frying pan for searing the beef and sautéing the shallots and mushrooms. Have some parchment paper ready for the baking tray to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup. Additionally, a pastry brush is a handy tool for applying the egg wash to give those pastries that beautiful golden finish. If you have it, a rolling pin can be beneficial for evenly rolling out your puff pastry to the right thickness. Preparation is the key to success!
Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tbsp crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 2 slices prosciutto
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6–8 oz beef tenderloin fillet
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- ¼ cup Cabernet Sauvignon or sherry
- 8 oz crimini or button mushrooms
- 2 shallots, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Create the Flavorful Mushroom Mix
Begin by making the mushroom filling, which will be the heart of your Wellingtons. In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is foamy, add the minced shallots and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant. Next, toss in the finely chopped crimini or button mushrooms and fresh thyme. Stir frequently until the mushrooms have released their moisture and the mixture is relatively dry. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. After that, pour in the Cabernet Sauvignon (or sherry) and allow it to simmer until the liquid completely evaporates, concentrating the flavors. Finally, stir in the minced parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let this mixture cool completely before using it.
Step 2: Sear the Beef Tenderloin
While your mushroom mix cools, focus on the beef. Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tenderloin fillet, turning it to ensure that all sides develop a beautiful brown crust. This process should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on how well done you prefer your meat. Once seared, remove the beef from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. Once it’s slightly cooled, slice it into 12 equal pieces, ensuring each piece is seasoned generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Mini Beef Wellingtons
It’s time for the fun part—putting everything together! Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares, making sure they’re large enough to fully encase your delicious fillings. On each square, place a slice of prosciutto, followed by a spoonful of the mushroom mix, a piece of the seasoned beef, and lastly, a dollop of Dijon mustard. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangular shape, pressing the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring none of the filling escapes during baking. For best results, chill the assembled Wellingtons for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After chilling, brush the tops of each Wellington with the beaten egg and make a small slit in the top of each to allow steam to escape. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 5: Prepare the Gorgonzola Sauce
While the Wellingtons are baking, take a moment to prepare the Gorgonzola sauce, which will add creaminess and depth to your dish. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese with heavy cream and a tablespoon of water. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more water until it reaches your desired consistency. Keep it warm until you’re ready to serve!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out the beef for lamb or chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add spinach or roasted red peppers to the filling for added freshness.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to enhance the flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your beef is at room temperature before cooking for even searing.
- Do not skip chilling the assembled Wellingtons; this helps maintain their shape when baking.
- Use a sharp knife for slicing the beef to maintain its juiciness and tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a crisp salad for a light and balanced meal.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for a hearty side.
Tips
- For a twist, try adding a layer of pesto before the mushrooms for additional flavor.
- Reheat Wellingtons in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 290 per Wellington
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQs
Can I make Mini Beef Wellingtons ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen.
What can I substitute for Gorgonzola?
If you’re not a fan of Gorgonzola, crumbled feta or goat cheese can be excellent alternatives.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! You can use shiitake, portobello, or a mix of your favorites for the mushroom filling.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
Mini Beef Wellingtons are the epitome of culinary delight—simple to prepare, exquisite in taste, and a feast for the eyes. You can share them as a special treat for your loved ones or showcase them at your next gathering, and they will undoubtedly be a hit. The blend of tender beef, savory mushrooms, and crispy puff pastry topped with creamy Gorgonzola sauce create a taste sensation that is both comforting and sophisticated. We invite you to try your hand at this recipe and get creative with your variations. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experiences or any modifications you made. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
Print
Mini Beef Wellingtons
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Mini Beef Wellingtons are a luxurious combination of tender beef, savory mushrooms, and flaky pastry, perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tbsp crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 2 slices prosciutto
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6–8 oz beef tenderloin fillet
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- ¼ cup Cabernet Sauvignon or sherry
- 8 oz crimini or button mushrooms
- 2 shallots, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by making the mushroom filling. In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté until translucent. Toss in the finely chopped mushrooms and fresh thyme. Stir until the mushrooms release their moisture. Pour in the Cabernet Sauvignon and let it simmer until evaporated. Stir in parsley and season with salt and black pepper. Let cool completely.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tenderloin fillet, ensuring all sides are browned. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing into 12 pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 12 squares. On each, place prosciutto, mushroom mix, beef, and Dijon mustard. Fold pastry over the filling, sealing the edges. Chill for 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush tops of each Wellington with beaten egg, make a small slit for steam, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the Gorgonzola sauce, combine crumbled cheese, heavy cream, and water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth. Keep warm until serving.
Notes
Can assemble and freeze before baking. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Protein: 15 g