Classic Joy of Cooking Beef Wellington Recipe for Elegance

Beef wellington whispers culinary magic, transforming humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

This legendary dish blends elegant technique with comfort food charm, creating a masterpiece that feels both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

Layers of tender beef, rich pâté, and delicate mushroom duxelles wrap lovingly in buttery, golden pastry that crackles with promise.

Imagine a meal that looks like a work of art but comes together with surprising ease and confidence.

Professional chefs and passionate home cooks have long celebrated this iconic recipe for its luxurious yet approachable nature.

Every slice reveals intricate textures and complex flavors that tell a story of culinary craftsmanship.

Elevate your cooking game and create a show-stopping meal that will leave everyone speechless.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Beef Wellington Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for a less greasy filling with robust flavor.
• Onions: Select firm, crisp onions that provide a sharp, sweet base note.
• Mushrooms: Pick fresh, firm mushrooms without dark spots for earthy richness.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for more intense, vibrant taste.

• Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Select full-fat varieties for creamy, luxurious texture.

• Crescent Roll Dough: Look for fresh, refrigerated dough with golden color.
• Egg: Use room temperature egg for smooth, even egg wash.
• Italian Seasoning: Choose a blend with balanced herb combination.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for maximum aroma.

Tools for Puff Pastry Perfection

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing and browning meat with even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Provides stable surface for chopping onions and mincing garlic.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing meat mixture smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for assembling and baking crescent roll dough.
• Pastry brush: Helps apply egg wash evenly for golden-brown finish.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and spices.
• Mixing bowl: Used for beating egg and combining ingredients.
• Oven: Bakes Wellington to crispy, flaky perfection.

How to Make the Joy of Cooking’s Wellington

• Kickstart Savory Filling

Brown ground beef with aromatic onions and earthy mushrooms in a sizzling skillet. Sprinkle in garlic and robust seasonings, stirring until meat develops a rich, caramelized exterior and releases irresistible aromas.

• Craft Creamy Beef Blend

Transform cooked meat mixture by gently folding in velvety sour cream and melty cheese. Stir until ingredients meld into a luxurious, smooth filling that promises decadent flavor in every bite.

• Wrap Delectable Package

Unfold crescent dough onto baking sheet, creating a canvas for your meaty treasure. Carefully spoon filling along center, then lovingly encase the mixture by folding dough edges, sealing precious contents within a golden cocoon.

• Bake To Perfection

Brush pastry with silky egg wash, creating a glossy sheen. Slice delicate vents to allow steam escape. Slide into preheated oven, transforming raw ingredients into a bubbling, golden masterpiece that fills kitchen with tantalizing fragrance.

• Serve And Savor

Rescue golden parcel from oven, allowing brief resting moment. Slice diagonally to reveal steaming, succulent interior. Serve immediately while pastry remains crisp and filling piping hot.

Tips for Tender Meat and Flaky Crust

Experiment with different ground meats like turkey, lamb, or pork to create unique flavor profiles. Each protein brings its own distinctive taste and texture to the dish.

Kick the seasoning up a notch by adding red pepper flakes, paprika, or a dash of cayenne for those who love extra heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the meat’s flavor dramatically.

Prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This trick saves time and allows flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a more intense taste experience.

Replace ground beef with finely chopped portobello mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version. Add extra cheese or cream cheese to maintain the rich, creamy texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Serving Up Wellington in Slices

• Serve Alongside Fresh Companions: Pair this hearty Beef Wellington with crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the rich, meaty flavors.
• Create Elegant Plate Presentation: Slice diagonally into thick portions, arranging on a white plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality visual appeal.
• Complement with Tangy Sauces: Drizzle with horseradish cream or mustard sauce to enhance the beef's savory profile and add an extra layer of delicious complexity.
• Wine Pairing Adventure: Select a bold red wine like cabernet sauvignon or merlot to harmonize with the robust beef and buttery pastry, elevating the entire dining experience.

Storing and Reheating This Showstopper

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover Wellington to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness.
• Refrigeration Timeframe: Enjoy stored beef Wellington within 3-4 days for best taste and texture, keeping it sealed in the refrigerator.
• Reheating Technique: Warm individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy pastry and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing Option: Wrap Wellington tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, where it can safely stay for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Elegant Beef Wellington Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic beef wellington showcases British culinary elegance with tender beef wrapped in golden pastry. Delicate layers of prosciutto, mushroom duxelles, and buttery puff pastry create an elegant centerpiece you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
• 2 cans reduced-fat crescent roll dough
• ¾ bag (1 cup) Italian blend cheese (½ mozzarella and ½ parmesan)
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ bag frozen seasoning blend
• 1 can sliced mushrooms
• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
• salt
• pepper
• Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Sauté Mixture: In a skillet, cook mushrooms, seasoning blend, and onions until softened and translucent.
3. Brown Protein: Add ground beef and minced garlic, cooking until meat is completely browned with no pink remaining.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Creamy Filling: Remove from heat and fold in sour cream and shredded cheese, creating a luxurious beef mixture.
6. Dough Assembly: Spread crescent roll dough on prepared baking sheet, ensuring light flouring to prevent sticking.
7. Filling and Sealing: Center beef mixture along dough, carefully folding edges to enclose filling completely, pinching seams to create a tight seal.
8. Finishing Touch: Whisk egg and generously brush across dough surface to achieve a glossy, golden exterior.
9. Baking: Slide into preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until dough turns a rich, appetizing golden brown.
10. Serving: Rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve piping hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Brown the ground beef completely to eliminate any pink areas, ensuring food safety and enhancing overall flavor depth.
• Moisture Control: Pat the beef mixture dry before stuffing to prevent soggy crescent dough and maintain a crisp, flaky texture.
• Sealing Technique: Press dough edges firmly and create tight folds to prevent filling from leaking during baking, which maintains structural integrity.
• Golden Crust Secret: Apply egg wash evenly across the entire surface for a professional-looking, shiny, and appetizing golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing, Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg