The holidays are all about gathering around the table and sharing delicious meals, but sometimes cooking a show-stopping dish can feel overwhelming. What if you could prepare an elegant, flavorful centerpiece in less time than you expect? Enter the Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin, a stunning recipe that blends tender, juicy beef with savory stuffing, bursting with festive flavors. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich taste, tender texture, and speedy preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or special meal prepping.

This stuffed beef tenderloin comes together quickly without sacrificing sophistication, offering a delicious protein-packed option that can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences with simple swaps. Ready to impress your guests or treat your family? Jump to the recipe below for step-by-step instructions and get started on this memorable holiday meal!

Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin

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• Author: Alexandra
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free (with swaps), Dairy-Free (with swaps), Vegan (with swaps)

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Description

An elegant and flavorful centerpiece for the holidays, this Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin combines tender beef with savory stuffing for a delicious meal ready in no time.

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Ingredients

• Beef tenderloin (1.5–2 pounds)
• Stuffing (1½ cups): A mix of breadcrumbs, fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme), and sausage (optional)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
• Vegetables (spinach or mushrooms, 1 cup)
• Cooking twine

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Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sliced mushrooms or spinach, cooking another 2 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs, herbs, cooked sausage (optional), salt, and pepper.
2. Trim excess fat from the beef tenderloin. Slice the tenderloin horizontally, almost through but not all the way, then open it like a book.
3. Spread the stuffing evenly over the opened tenderloin, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll tightly and secure with cooking twine.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat remaining tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the tenderloin on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15–20 minutes for medium rare, or until desired doneness is reached. Let rest covered in foil for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use a digital instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a winter salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

What Is Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin?

Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin is a variation on the classic beef tenderloin roast, where the tenderloin is slit open and filled with a savory stuffing before being rolled, tied, and roasted to perfection. Unlike traditional whole roasted tenderloins that take longer to cook and prepare, this version focuses on speedy assembly and baking, making it accessible for cooks short on time during the busy holiday season.

The stuffing typically combines breadcrumbs, aromatic herbs, sautéed vegetables, and sometimes sausage or other protein, which brings moisture and extra flavor, a festive twist on simpler beef roasts. This dish is versatile enough to enjoy for casual weeknight dinners, meal prepping for the week ahead, or serving as an impressive centerpiece at Christmas or other holiday celebrations. Plus, it packs a nutritious punch with lean protein, fiber from vegetables, and the benefits of fresh herbs.

Ingredients for Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin

For the best Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin, start with high-quality ingredients, as they profoundly influence texture and flavor. Freshness matters particularly for the tenderloin and vegetables, while the right seasoning can elevate the dish from good to unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef tenderloin (1.5–2 pounds): Choose a well-marbled, fresh cut for tenderness and flavor. Best substitute: beef sirloin roast if unavailable, though it’s less tender.
• Stuffing (1½ cups): A mix of breadcrumbs, fresh herbs (parsley, sage, thyme), and sausage (optional) for richness.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds flavor and helps in sautéing vegetables. Substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning; kosher salt preferred.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds depth and aroma. Garlic powder can be substituted but fresh garlic is best.
• Onion (1 small, finely chopped): For sweetness and texture.
• Vegetables (spinach or mushrooms, 1 cup): Boosts fiber and nutrients; mushrooms add umami, spinach adds freshness.
• Cooking twine: For securing the roast during cooking.

Quick swaps: For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. For dairy-free versions, avoid cheese in stuffing and confirm sausage is dairy-free. Vegan adaptations can replace beef with portobello mushrooms or plant-based roasts, and use vegan sausage or omit it. Lower sugar approaches are naturally supported, as this recipe contains little to no added sugar.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin

Step 1: Prepare the stuffing
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sliced mushrooms or spinach, cooking another 2 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs, herbs, cooked sausage (optional), salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Troubleshooting: If stuffing feels too dry, add a splash of broth or olive oil. Too wet? Add more breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Butterfly the tenderloin
Trim any excess fat from the beef tenderloin. On a clean cutting board, slice the tenderloin horizontally, almost through but not all the way, then open it like a book to create a flat surface for stuffing, about 1-inch thick.

Troubleshooting: Be careful not to slice all the way through to prevent stuffing from spilling out when rolled.

Step 3: Stuff and roll
Evenly spread the stuffing over the opened tenderloin, leaving about a 1-inch border. Roll tightly from one long end to the other, forming a cylindrical roast. Secure with cooking twine at 1- to 2-inch intervals.

Troubleshooting: Use kitchen twine to avoid the roll unraveling during cooking. If you don’t have twine, metal skewers can work but might be less secure.

Step 4: Sear the beef
Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Brown the tenderloin on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, until a rich crust forms.

Troubleshooting: Avoid touching the roast too much in the pan to get a nice sear. If it sticks, give it a few more seconds before turning.

Step 5: Roast the tenderloin
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 15–20 minutes for medium rare (internal temp 135°F), 20–25 minutes for medium (140°F), or until your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Safety notes: Always verify internal temp to ensure safe consumption. Let meat rest covered in foil for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Pro Tips for Flawless Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin

• Use a digital instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness and avoid overcooking; beef tenderloin is best medium-rare to medium.
• Rest the roast at least 10 minutes after cooking for juicier results.
• Cast iron skillets give excellent heat retention and searing; nonstick pans are easier to clean but may not give the same crust.
• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for vibrant flavor; dried herbs are handy but less potent.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; reheat gently in a low oven or microwave covered to maintain moisture.
• If you don’t have a mixer, a whisk or fork works fine for mixing stuffing ingredients.

Variations & Dietary Swaps

Give this recipe a festive twist by experimenting with different spices and fillings:

• Savory spice blend: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the stuffing for a holiday-inspired warmth.
• Cheese filling: Mix in goat cheese or feta for tangy creaminess.
• Fruit accents: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped apricots for subtle sweetness.

Dietary adaptations include:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground nuts for stuffing; trade-offs may be texture differences.
• Dairy-free: Omit any cheese from the stuffing and double-check sausage ingredients.
• Vegan: Substitute beef tenderloin with a large portobello mushroom cap or a plant-based roast; stuffing can be made from nuts, seeds, veggies, and vegan sausage or omit sausage entirely.
• Low-carb: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, and focus on low-carb veggies.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve your Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin alongside classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a colorful winter salad. A simple pan sauce made from the roasting juices, deglazed with red wine or balsamic vinegar, can be whipped up in five minutes for an impressive accompaniment.

For drinks, full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complement the beef beautifully. This dish is perfect for holiday dinners, special occasions, or even upscale weeknight cooking when you want to treat yourself.

Nutrition & Notes

Per serving (based on 6 servings), this Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin provides approximately 400 calories, 30 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 5 grams of carbohydrates. It is a rich source of iron and B vitamins thanks to the beef and vegetables. Keep in mind the sodium content may vary depending on sausage and seasoning choices. This recipe contains gluten unless substituted, and garlic/onion may not suit all diets.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a festive, elegant, yet quick and approachable main course for your holiday table, this Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender beef and flavorful stuffing makes for a satisfying, impressive meal without hours of prep and cooking. Try it at your next celebration and share your results in the comments, we love seeing your kitchen successes! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with friends who want to make their Christmas dinners extra special.

FAQs

Can I make Quick Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed and rolled tenderloin up to a day in advance, wrapping it tightly and storing it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before searing and roasting for even cooking.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave covered or in a low oven (about 300°F) wrapped in foil to retain moisture.

What can I substitute for beef tenderloin?
If beef tenderloin is unavailable or pricey, try a beef sirloin roast or even a pork tenderloin for a similar stuffed roast concept. Keep in mind that textures and cooking times will vary.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Absolutely! For larger groups, increase beef and stuffing quantities proportionally and adjust cooking times accordingly. For smaller portions, halve the recipe, but keep an eye on cooking time as smaller roasts cook faster.

Enjoy crafting this quick and festive centerpiece that’s sure to delight your family and guests with every bite!