Apple Bourbon Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Prepare to dazzle your dinner guests with a culinary masterpiece – Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Apple Bourbon! This indulgent dish marries the succulence of beef tenderloin with the sweetness of apples and a touch of bourbon, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and luxurious. The fragrant herb stuffing nestled within the tenderloin, coupled with the rich apple bourbon gravy, elevates this meal to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Every time I serve this Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Apple Bourbon for a special occasion, the anticipation in the air is palpable. The aroma that wafts through the kitchen as it roasts is simply irresistible, leaving everyone eager to dig in. Whether it’s a cozy winter birthday celebration or a festive holiday meal, this dish never fails to impress, making it a favorite request from my family throughout the year.

The secret ingredient in this recipe is undoubtedly the apple bourbon extract, which adds a subtle yet distinctive warmth to the gravy without overpowering the other flavors. Even the pickiest eaters will find themselves reaching for seconds, especially when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or garlicky green beans. So, roll up your sleeves, tie up that tenderloin with kitchen twine, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for more!

Quick Benefits

• Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for celebrations or special dinners where you want to impress guests with a showstopper dish.
• Balanced Flavors: Combines juicy beef, aromatic herbs, sweet apples, and a hint of bourbon for a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and herbal notes.
• Versatile Options: Can be customized with different types of apples, substitutes for apple bourbon extract, or omitting bacon for a pork-free version, catering to various dietary preferences.
• Leftover Friendly: Can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, with the gravy stored separately, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Bourbon Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Recipe Recipe

• Exciting Flavor Combination: The juicy beef, aromatic herbs, sweet apples, and hint of bourbon create a flavor explosion that is sure to delight your taste buds.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: This showstopper dish is perfect for celebratory dinners when you want something that feels both rustic and luxurious.
• Family Favorite: A recipe that will have your guests asking for seconds and your family requesting it for special occasions throughout the year.
• Versatile Gravy: The apple bourbon gravy complements the dish perfectly without overpowering the herb stuffing, making it a versatile and delicious addition to the meal.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the leftovers by storing them in the fridge and reheating gently for up to three days, ensuring you can savor this dish multiple times.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap ingredients like apples, bacon, or the type of apple bourbon extract, making it adaptable to your preferences and pantry staples.
• European Roots: This recipe pays homage to European roasts filled with aromatics and fruit, adding a modern twist with the bourbon and herbs.
• Balanced Flavors: The balance of savory, sweet, and herbal flavors in this dish will surprise and delight your guests, making it a memorable meal to share.
• Perfectly Executed Dish: Detailed instructions on tying the tenderloin, choosing the right apples, and roasting to preferred doneness ensure a flawless execution every time.
• Versatile Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, soft polenta, or roasted root veggies for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Apple Bourbon Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Beef and Seasoning

• 680 grams beef tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin and excess fat
• Kitchen twine
• 30 grams kosher salt, divided
• 30 milliliters olive oil, divided
• 4 grams black pepper, divided

Stuffing

• 2 slices bacon, diced
• 15 milliliters chopped fresh sage
• 20 grams packed light brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 7 grams chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 grams smoked paprika
• 2 small to medium gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 grams garlic powder
• 5 grams chopped fresh thyme

Gravy

• 5 milliliters apple bourbon extract
• 15 milliliters Worcestershire sauce
• 8 grams cornstarch, mixed with 30 milliliters cold water
• 14 grams cold unsalted butter
• 710 milliliters low-sodium beef broth
• 5 milliliters Dijon mustard

Pro Tips for Apple Bourbon Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Recipe

For a successful dish, be sure to tightly secure the stuffed beef tenderloin with kitchen twine to maintain its shape during roasting. This step ensures that the stuffing stays intact and cooks evenly throughout the tenderloin.

When selecting apples for the stuffing, opt for Honeycrisp or Braeburn varieties for a firm texture and balanced sweetness. These apples hold up well during cooking and provide a delicious contrast to the savory flavors of the beef and herbs.

If you don’t have apple bourbon extract on hand, feel free to substitute with a splash of real bourbon or a mix of apple juice with a hint of bourbon to achieve a similar flavor profile. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences for a delightful twist on the gravy. Remember not to overcook the tenderloin – use a meat thermometer to roast it to your preferred doneness and allow it to rest before slicing for juicy and tender results. Serve this showstopper dish with side dishes like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to complement the flavors and elevate your dining experience.

How to Make Apple Bourbon Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Bacon for Stuffing

Cook diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pan. Set bacon aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Apples

Cook diced onion in bacon fat in a skillet for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent. Add diced apples and minced garlic, then cook for 3 to 5 minutes until apples soften.

Step 3: Season and Finish Stuffing

Add chopped sage, rosemary, thyme, light brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to enhance flavors, then remove from heat. Stir in reserved bacon and let mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare and Flatten Beef

Lay the beef tenderloin on a cutting board and make a lengthwise horizontal cut, leaving a 1.5 cm hinge. Open the tenderloin like a book, adjusting thickness to 1.5 to 2 cm as necessary.

Step 5: Pound and Season Interior

Place plastic wrap over butterflied tenderloin and pound to even 1.5 cm thickness. Remove plastic and season inside with 15g kosher salt and 2g black pepper.

Step 6: Fill, Roll, and Secure

Evenly spread stuffing mixture on the cut side of the tenderloin, then tightly roll from the long side to enclose stuffing. Secure by tying with kitchen twine at 5-centimeter intervals.

Step 7: Season Surface and Sear

Brush the tenderloin with remaining olive oil, then sprinkle with remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Sear the tenderloin in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until deeply golden brown on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total.

Step 8: Roast Beef

Place the seared tenderloin from the skillet into a preheated oven at 190°C. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 54°C for medium-rare. Rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Prepare Apple Bourbon Gravy

Once the beef is resting, combine beef broth, apple bourbon extract, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in a cornstarch slurry, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in cold butter.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Remove twine from stuffed tenderloin, slice crosswise, and arrange on a serving platter. Spoon gravy over the slices.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the sumptuous Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Apple Bourbon, any leftovers should be stored properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. To store the dish, tightly wrap the leftovers in foil and place them in the refrigerator. The stuffed beef tenderloin can be stored this way for up to three days, ensuring it stays delicious for future meals.

For the flavorful apple bourbon gravy, transfer it to an airtight jar for storage. This will help preserve the integrity of the gravy and keep it fresh for use with any remaining tenderloin slices. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat the dish by slicing the beef and warming it with a splash of extra broth to retain its juiciness. This reheating method will ensure that the tenderloin remains moist and flavorful for a delightful meal experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have apple bourbon extract on hand, you can substitute it with a splash of real bourbon or apple extract to still achieve a similar flavor profile in the gravy. Additionally, if gala apples are not available, you can use other firm, slightly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji apples to maintain the desired texture and sweetness in the stuffing.

For a pork-free option, you can omit the diced bacon and use a spoonful of olive oil along with a pinch of smoked paprika to still add a hint of smokiness to the dish. This substitution will cater to dietary restrictions or preferences while keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying. Remember to roast the stuffed beef tenderloin to your preferred doneness using a meat thermometer and allow it to rest before slicing for the best results in terms of tenderness and juiciness.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, slice the stuffed beef tenderloin apple bourbon into thick rounds and arrange them on a platter drizzled with the rich apple bourbon gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs like sage and rosemary for a pop of color and aroma. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up all the delicious flavors.

To elevate the dish even further, roast some honeycrisp or fuji apples alongside the tenderloin and add them to the platter for a festive touch. The roasted apples will add a sweet contrast to the savory meat and make for a visually appealing spread. Don’t forget to pour extra gravy over the sliced tenderloin and roasted apples before serving to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

FAQs for Apple Bourbon Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Can I use a different type of apple for the stuffing?

Yes, firm, slightly sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn work well for stuffing, maintaining texture and flavor.

What can I use as a substitute for apple bourbon extract?

A splash of real apple bourbon or a bit of apple juice with a drop of bourbon can be used for similar flavor, adjusting to taste.

How do I prevent overcooking the stuffed beef tenderloin?

Don’t overcook—roast to your preferred doneness using a meat thermometer, and let the tenderloin rest before slicing for best results.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with the stuffed beef tenderloin?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad make excellent side choices to complement the flavors.

Conclusion

Preparing this Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Apple Bourbon dish is a labor of love that will undoubtedly impress your family and guests. The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe is a true indulgence that brings warmth and comfort to any special occasion or gathering.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a festive holiday meal, this stuffed tenderloin is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The rich apple bourbon gravy is the perfect finishing touch that ties all the elements together, creating a dish that is both elegant and down-to-earth.

So don’t hesitate to give this Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Apple Bourbon recipe a try. Embrace the process of preparing this showstopping dish and savor the delightful aromas and flavors that will fill your kitchen. Your efforts will be rewarded with a memorable meal that will become a cherished favorite for years to come.