There’s something so elegant about Beef Wellington—it’s the kind of dish that always impresses at the table.
Wrapped in golden puff pastry with savory mushrooms and prosciutto, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for holidays or special dinners.
Though it looks fancy, the process is straightforward when broken into steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef Wellington combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and buttery puff pastry in one perfect bite.
It’s rich and flavorful yet surprisingly manageable with a step-by-step approach.
The recipe can be prepped ahead, making it ideal for dinner parties.
The golden crust ensures a dramatic presentation that wows guests.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Beef tenderloin is the star, prized for its tenderness.
Mushrooms are cooked into a duxelles, adding depth and savoriness.
Prosciutto creates a savory barrier, preventing soggy pastry.
Dijon mustard balances richness with a tangy bite.
Puff pastry wraps everything in a crisp, golden shell.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Sear the beef quickly for a crust without overcooking.
Make sure the mushroom duxelles is fully dry to avoid sogginess.
Chill the wrapped beef before adding pastry—it helps hold the shape.
Always rest the baked Wellington before slicing for clean layers.
How to Make Beef Wellington in Puff Pastry
Step 1 – Sear the beef
Season and sear the tenderloin until browned on all sides. Let it cool.
Step 2 – Cook the mushroom duxelles
Sauté mushrooms with shallots, garlic, and thyme until dry and flavorful.
Cool completely.
Step 3 – Layer with prosciutto
Arrange overlapping slices of prosciutto on plastic wrap.
Spread the cooled mushroom mixture evenly on top.
Step 4 – Wrap the beef
Place the cooled beef in the center and roll tightly using the plastic wrap. Chill briefly.
Step 5 – Prepare the pastry
Roll out puff pastry sheets on a floured surfac
Unwrap the beef and place it in the center.
Step 6 – Seal with egg wash
Fold pastry over the beef, trim excess, and seal edges with beaten egg
. Make sure no gaps remain.
Step 7 – Chill again
Wrap the pastry-covered beef and chill to firm up.
Step 8 – Bake until golden
Brush with more egg wash and bake at 400°F until golden brown.
Step 9 – Rest and serve
Let the Wellington rest before slicing for neat, tender portions.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
A simple green salad adds freshness to balance the richness.
Serve with red wine sauce or gravy for extra indulgence.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap prosciutto for Parma ham or pancetta.
Try wild mushrooms for a more robust flavor.
Add a thin crepe layer between beef and pastry for extra moisture control.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving, as it softens the pastry.
FAQs
Can I make Beef Wellington ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What cut of beef works best?
Beef tenderloin is the classic choice because of its tenderness and uniform shape.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Cook the mushroom duxelles until dry and use prosciutto as a protective layer.
Can I freeze Beef Wellington?
Yes, freeze it before baking, then bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
What internal temperature should I aim for?
125–130°F after resting will give you a juicy medium-rare center.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely—good quality store-bought puff pastry works perfectly.
Do I need to rest Beef Wellington before slicing?
Yes, resting 15–20 minutes helps juices settle and keeps the pastry crisp.
Can I substitute the mushrooms?
You can use a mix of vegetables like caramelized onions or spinach, but mushrooms give the best flavor.
Is prosciutto necessary?
It’s recommended for flavor and moisture control, but you can use Parma ham, pancetta, or skip it with a crepe layer.
What sauce pairs well with Beef Wellington?
A classic red wine reduction or mushroom cream sauce enhances its rich flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Beef Wellington in puff pastry is a timeless dish that feels luxurious yet approachable.
With flaky pastry, tender beef, and savory mushrooms, every slice is a celebration on the plate.