Holiday Stuffed beef

Holiday Stuffed beef is an incredible dish that brings warmth and joy to any festive gathering. This tender rolled beef, filled with sweet cranberry sauce, caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and creamy goat cheese, serves as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. Not only is it perfect for family dinners or special occasions, but its unique flavor combination makes it a memorable dish that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Filling: The combination of cranberry, spinach, and goat cheese creates a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess.
• Impressive Presentation: This rolled beef dish looks stunning when sliced, making it ideal for holiday celebrations.
• Versatile: Perfect for various occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even dinner parties.
• Easily Scalable: Adjust the recipe to serve more guests without complicating the process.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the stuffing in advance to save time on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make Holiday Stuffed beef successfully, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools can streamline the cooking experience and enhance results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Large pot
• Roasting pan
• Kitchen twine
• Foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when preparing vegetables and butterflying the meat.
• Roasting pan: A sturdy roasting pan is crucial for even cooking and easy transfer from oven to table.

Ingredients

A tender rolled beef filled with sweet cranberry sauce, caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and creamy goat cheese. The perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

For the Beef

• 1 boneless beef tenderloin (1-2 lbs)

For the Filling

• 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 6 oz goat cheese, crumbled

For Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Holiday Stuffed beef

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Heat butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Cook onions with salt until caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Sage Mixture

Add sage to the caramelized onions. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Spinach

Melt the remaining butter in the same pot. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds before removing from heat.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 450°F (232°C) while you prepare the beef.

Step 5: Butterfly the Beef Tenderloin

Butterfly the beef tenderloin lengthwise by cutting it open without slicing all the way through. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Assemble the Filling

Spread cranberry sauce over the inside of the beef tenderloin while leaving a small border around edges. Layer on cooked spinach mixture, caramelized onions, and crumbled goat cheese.

Step 7: Roll and Tie

Roll up the tenderloin tightly like a jelly roll. Use kitchen twine to tie it securely at intervals along its length. Season the outside with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Roast

Place your rolled beef in a roasting pan lined with foil. Roast for about 30-35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C).

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Once done roasting, remove from oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into rounds for serving. Enjoy this delicious Holiday Stuffed beef!

How to Serve Holiday Stuffed beef

Serving Holiday Stuffed beef is an opportunity to create a stunning and delicious centerpiece for your festive table. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and sauces, making it versatile for any holiday gathering.

With Seasonal Vegetables

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until golden.
• Glazed Carrots – Cook carrots in a mixture of butter and brown sugar for a sweet touch.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the rich flavors of the beef.

With Sauces

• Red Wine Reduction – A simple sauce made from red wine can enhance the flavor of the stuffed beef.
• Cranberry Relish – Brighten up your plate with fresh cranberry relish for a zesty contrast.
• Herbed Yogurt Sauce – A tangy yogurt sauce with herbs can add freshness to each bite.

With Breads

• Crusty Artisan Bread – Serve slices of crusty bread to soak up juices.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

How to Perfect Holiday Stuffed beef

Perfecting your Holiday Stuffed beef involves attention to detail and careful preparation. Follow these tips to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Bold seasoning – Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they enhance the beef’s natural flavors.
• Even cooking – Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; aim for 140-145°F for medium-rare.
• Rest before slicing – Allow the beef to rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting; this keeps it juicy.
• Tight roll – Roll the beef tightly when stuffing to maintain its shape during cooking.
• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables will elevate your dish’s flavor profile significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Holiday Stuffed beef

Pairing side dishes with your Holiday Stuffed beef can enhance the meal’s overall experience. Consider these delightful options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery, they are a classic pairing that balances the savory beef.
2. Roasted Root Vegetables – A mix of carrots, parsnips, and beets roasted until caramelized adds sweetness.
3. Creamed Spinach – Rich and creamy spinach echoes the stuffing’s flavors while adding a luxurious touch.
4. Honey Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots glazed with honey provide a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the beef.
5. Wild Rice Pilaf – Nutty wild rice mixed with herbs is a hearty addition that complements the meal beautifully.
6. Cauliflower Gratin – Creamy cheese and tender cauliflower create a comforting side dish that pairs well with stuffed beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Holiday Stuffed beef, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a successful dish.

• Not seasoning properly: Many people forget to season the beef and stuffing adequately. Always season each layer, including the beef itself, to enhance flavor.

• Overcooking the beef: Overcooked beef can become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your Holiday Stuffed beef reaches the perfect internal temperature of 140-145°F.

• Skipping rest time: Cutting into the beef immediately after cooking can lead to juices running out. Allow the stuffed beef to rest for 10-15 minutes for optimal tenderness.

• Rushing caramelization: Caramelized onions add depth of flavor but require patience. Cook them on low heat for 30-40 minutes to achieve that sweet, rich taste.

• Ignoring ingredient quality: The flavors in your Holiday Stuffed beef depend on quality ingredients. Use fresh herbs, good-quality cheese, and homemade cranberry sauce if possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Holiday Stuffed beef

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Holiday Stuffed beef

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place wrapped stuffed beef in a baking dish and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave: Slice the stuffed beef into portions. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Cover and cook until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holiday Stuffed beef?

Holiday Stuffed beef is a tender rolled beef filled with sweet cranberry sauce, caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and creamy goat cheese—perfect for festive meals.

Can I use other cheeses besides goat cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with feta cheese or mozzarella if you prefer different flavors in your Holiday Stuffed beef.

How can I customize my stuffing?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits like apricots for added texture and flavor in your Holiday Stuffed beef.

What sides pair well with Holiday Stuffed beef?

Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad as great accompaniments to your Holiday Stuffed beef.

How do I know when my stuffed beef is done?

Using a meat thermometer is key—your Holiday Stuffed beef should reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F for medium rare.

Final Thoughts

Holiday Stuffed beef makes an impressive centerpiece for any festive meal. Its combination of flavors from sweet cranberry sauce and creamy goat cheese creates a delightful dish that’s both hearty and elegant. Don’t hesitate to customize the stuffing based on your preferences! Try this recipe for your next holiday gathering; it’s sure to impress your guests!

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Holiday Stuffed Beef is the ultimate festive dish that transforms any holiday gathering into a memorable occasion. This succulent rolled beef tenderloin is generously filled with a delightful mixture of sweet cranberry sauce, caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and creamy goat cheese. As it bakes, the flavors meld beautifully, creating an impressive centerpiece that will have guests raving. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or dinner parties, this dish is not only versatile but also easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for hectic holiday schedules.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 boneless beef tenderloin (1–2 lbs)
• 1 sweet onion
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons fresh sage
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 6 oz goat cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Caramelize the sliced onion in butter over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes.
2. Add sage to the caramelized onions and set aside.
3. Cook spinach in remaining butter until wilted; add garlic for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
5. Butterfly the beef and season with salt and pepper.
6. Spread cranberry sauce inside the beef, followed by spinach mixture, onions, and goat cheese.
7. Roll tightly and tie with kitchen twine; season outside.
8. Roast in a foil-lined pan for 30-35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.
9. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

• Author: Stephanie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added texture, consider including chopped nuts or dried fruits in the filling. If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with feta or mozzarella.