Quick & Tasty Barefoot Contessa Slow-roasted Filet Of Beef Recipe

Barefoot Contessa slow-roasted filet of beef captures the essence of elegant dining with its mouthwatering simplicity.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Generous cuts of premium meat promise rich, deep flavors that melt effortlessly on your palate.

Carefully selected ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

The slow-roasting method guarantees a perfectly cooked centerpiece that will impress even discerning guests.

Gentle heat allows natural juices to permeate the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and robust flavor.

Why to Love Barefoot Contessa Slow-roasted Filet Of Beef

• Slow-Roast Magic: Unlock melt-in-your-mouth beef perfection with this foolproof low-temperature cooking method that transforms an ordinary cut into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Flavor Explosion: Elevate your taste buds with the zesty basil Parmesan mayonnaise that brings a creamy, herbaceous punch to the tender, perfectly seasoned beef.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, using basic techniques that make you look like a culinary expert without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Essential Components for a Gourmet Beef Masterpiece

• Beef Filet: Tender and lean cut perfect for roasting, best when selecting a high-quality, center-cut piece with minimal fat marbling.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing beef's natural flavor and creating a delicious crust.
• Tarragon: Aromatic herb that adds subtle anise-like flavor and complements the beef's richness.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and promotes even browning of the meat's exterior.

• Egg Yolks: Provides creamy base and emulsifying properties for the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the rich mayonnaise.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, savory depth to the mayonnaise.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes tangy flavor and helps stabilize the emulsion.
• Fresh Basil: Brings fresh, herbal notes to the mayonnaise.
• Garlic: Offers pungent, aromatic undertone to the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil: Creates smooth, creamy texture for the mayonnaise.

Step-by-Step for Beef Filet with Basil Parmesan Mayo

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Environment

Set up your oven space by placing the rack in the center and preheating to 275°F (135°C). Grab an oven thermometer to ensure precise temperature.

Step 2: Ready the Beef

• Pat the beef fillet completely dry using clean paper towels
• Place the meat on a clean baking tray

Step 3: Season the Beef Beautifully

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 4: Add Aromatic Herbs

Carefully arrange fresh tarragon sprigs around the beef, securing with kitchen string in 4-5 spots. Gently brush the herbs with remaining olive oil.

Step 5: Slow Roast to Perfection

• 125°F for rare
• 135°F for medium-rare

Step 6: Allow Beef to Rest

Remove from oven and loosely cover with foil. Let the meat rest for 20 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute.

Step 7: Craft Creamy Basil Parmesan Sauce

• Egg yolks
• Fresh lemon juice
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh basil leaves
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend for 20 seconds until smooth.

Step 8: Create Silky Mayonnaise

• Vegetable oil
• Olive oil

Continue blending until sauce becomes thick and creamy.

Step 9: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Refrigerate until serving.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice beef into thick, generous portions. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside the vibrant basil Parmesan sauce.

Pro Tips for Beef Filet with Basil Parmesan Mayo

• Optimize Meat Tenderness: Select a high-quality center-cut beef fillet with minimal fat marbling to ensure a smooth, buttery texture when slow-roasted.
• Master Even Seasoning: Generously pat the entire surface of the beef with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to create a delicious flavor crust during roasting.
• Control Moisture Retention: Bring the beef to room temperature for about 1 hour before cooking, which helps it cook more evenly and prevents moisture loss.
• Slice Like a Pro: Use a sharp, long serrated knife to cut the filet into thin, elegant slices against the grain for maximum tenderness and presentation.
• Elevate Sauce Freshness: Chop fresh basil leaves just before mixing into the mayonnaise to preserve their vibrant green color and intense herbal aroma.

Clever Storage for Beef Filet with Basil Parmesan Mayo

• Vacuum Sealing: Protect the delicate filet by vacuum sealing individual portions in airtight bags. This method locks in moisture, prevents freezer burn, and extends storage life up to 3 months while maintaining the beef's original tenderness and flavor.
• Freezing: Slice the beef thinly before freezing to create convenient meal prep options. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for easy future use.
• Chilling: Wrap the leftover filet in butcher paper or wax paper before storing in an airtight container. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring the meat stays moist and retains its rich, slow-roasted quality.

Creative Variations for Beef Filet with Basil Parmesan Mayo

• Herb-Crusted Elegance: Replace tarragon with a mix of rosemary, thyme, and sage for a robust herbal coating that infuses deep, woodland flavors into the tender beef.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap olive oil with garlic-infused oil and add dried oregano and sun-dried tomato pieces to the mayonnaise for a Mediterranean-inspired profile that brings bright, tangy notes.
• Smoky Spice Transformation: Introduce smoked paprika and chipotle powder during seasoning, then blend roasted red peppers into the mayonnaise for a smoky, slightly spicy version that elevates the beef's richness.
• Asian-Inspired Reinvention: Use sesame oil for brushing, incorporate ginger and green onions in the seasoning, and create a wasabi-soy mayonnaise as a zesty, umami-packed accompaniment that adds complex Asian-inspired flavors.

Final Thoughts on Beef Filet with Basil Parmesan Mayo

Culinary magic sparkles through Barefoot Contessa’s slow-roasted filet, promising an extraordinary dining experience.

Precision transforms simple ingredients into gourmet masterpieces with minimal effort.

Succulent beef meets zesty basil Parmesan mayonnaise, creating flavor symphonies that dance across palates.

Home kitchens can effortlessly channel restaurant-quality elegance with this foolproof recipe.

Passionate cooks will discover sophistication nestled within straightforward techniques.

Gastronomic adventurers: dive deep, savor each exquisite bite, share this recipe’s delectable secrets, spread culinary joy, and let deliciousness reign supreme.

Barefoot Contessa Slow-roasted Filet Of Beef With Basil Parmesan Mayonnaise Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s slow-roasted filet of beef delivers mouthwatering elegance with minimal effort. Herb-infused parmesan mayonnaise creates a luxurious companion for this perfectly tender beef centerpiece that will delight dinner guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 whole fillet of beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied (2 kg / 4½ lbs)
• 50g (½ cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 10 to 15 sprigs fresh tarragon
• 15g (½ cup) chopped fresh basil, lightly packed
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic

Oils and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 240 milliliters (1 cup) vegetable oil, at room temperature
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) olive oil, at room temperature

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 135°C (275°F), verifying temperature with an oven thermometer for precise cooking.
2. Place the beef fillet on a clean baking tray, thoroughly patting the surface dry using fresh paper towels.
3. Generously coat the entire fillet with 2½ tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Sprinkle the meat evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a uniform seasoning layer.
5. Delicately arrange fresh tarragon sprigs around the beef, securing them at 4 to 5 points using kitchen twine.
6. Lightly brush the tarragon with remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil to enhance herb moisture and flavor.
7. Carefully insert a meat thermometer horizontally through the end of the fillet for accurate temperature monitoring.
8. Roast the beef for 1¼ to 1½ hours, targeting an internal temperature of 52°C (125°F) for rare or 57°C (135°F) for medium-rare.
9. After removing from oven, immediately tent the meat with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 20 minutes, enabling juice redistribution.
10. Combine egg yolks, fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
11. Blend ingredients for approximately 20 seconds until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
12. Gradually stream vegetable and olive oils into the processor while continuously blending to create a thick, creamy mayonnaise.
13. Taste the mayonnaise and adjust seasoning as needed, then refrigerate until serving.
14. Slice the beef into thick, generous portions and serve warm or at room temperature alongside the basil Parmesan mayonnaise.

Notes

• Let the filet sit at room temp before roasting for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• The basil Parmesan mayo can be made ahead.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 1099 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 2000 mg
• Fat: 96 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 55 g
• Cholesterol: 330 mg