Beef Tenderloin Stew



Beef Tenderloin Stew

When I am cooking for my EAT! personal chef clients, I occasionally get requests for a special or fancy version of beef stew.  Sometimes the traditional stew that includes cubed beef chuck roasts, carrots and potatoes cooked for a long time over low heat is the perfect meal for a cold winter night.  But especially during the holiday season, the entrees served to our friends and family have a little more flare.

Beef Tenderloin Stew is one such dinner that will impress your guests and not break the bank.  Even though the recipe calls for beef tenderloin - a pricey cut of meat - only 1 pound is used to serve 4 people.  Also, ask for the end cut or tail of the tenderloin from your butcher or at the grocery store.  It is typically less expensive than the center cut filet portions - sometimes as much as 50% less per pound.

After a quick sear of the meat, the remaining ingredients are sauteed and then simmered in a beefy sauce flavored with fresh herbs.  The cubed and seared beef tenderloin is added back in along with bright green peas and chopped parsley to give the stew a fresh taste.  A loaf of bread and a tossed salad round out the meal.

A note to all you cooks you like to get a jumpstart on dinner -- Beef Tenderloin Stew can be made ahead of time, cooled and refrigerated for up to 3 days.  Gently reheat over low heat, adding more beef stock if the sauce is too thick, until the meat and vegetables are just heated through.

Beef Tenderloin Stew

Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound beef tenderloin cubes, about 1-inch each
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
12 small or baby potatoes, quartered
8 ounces crimini mushrooms, quartered
2 large sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat a large pot over medium high heat and add 1 tablespoon of the oil. Dry beef with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Add to pan and sear on each side for about a total of 3 - 4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

Add the remaining oil to the pot and add the onion, garlic, potatoes, mushrooms, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 6 – 8 minutes or until the onions and mushrooms begin to soften. Add the flour and stir until it is combined with the vegetables. Stir in the tomato paste, beef stock, vinegar, and mustard and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer, partially cover pot and continue cooking for 20 – 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Return the meat to the pot and any accumulated juices and the peas. Heat through and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Serving suggestions – loaf of bread and a tossed salad with balsamic vinaigrette.