Ah, New Year’s Eve! It’s that magical time when we gather with friends and family, reflecting on the past year while welcoming the new one with open hearts and delicious food. For me, nothing sets the tone for celebration quite like a beautifully roasted beef tenderloin. It’s rich, tender, and just bursting with flavor! This festive dinner not only impresses but also brings everyone together around the table. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your home as it cooks is simply irresistible. This recipe is all about creating memorable moments, so let’s dive into making your New Year’s Eve dinner unforgettable!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this stunning New Year’s Eve dinner! Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin: A beautifully trimmed cut, perfect for roasting.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped: Fresh rosemary brings a lovely herbal note.
- 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped: Another herb to elevate the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef and adding richness.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning the meat.
- Pepper, to taste: Freshly cracked for a bit of heat.
- 1 cup red wine: Choose a good quality wine for the sauce.
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed: Fresh asparagus makes a great side dish.
- 1 lb mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect roast!
- Next, take your beautiful beef tenderloin and season it generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! Then sprinkle on the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme, rubbing them into the meat to infuse all that flavor.
- Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully sear the beef on all sides until it’s browned and gorgeous—about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared beef to a roasting pan and pop it into the oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes for that perfect medium-rare. You’ll want it to reach an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
- While that’s roasting, let’s make the sauce! In the same skillet, pour in the red wine and let it simmer, reducing it by half. This will concentrate the flavors beautifully.
- For the asparagus, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the trimmed asparagus for 3-4 minutes until vibrant and tender-crisp.
- Once the beef is done, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender.
- Serve the sliced beef alongside creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus, drizzled with that delicious wine reduction. Enjoy every moment of your New Year’s Eve dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appeal: This beef tenderloin is the star of your New Year’s Eve dinner, bringing a touch of elegance to your celebration.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll find it’s easy to whip up an impressive main dish without the fuss.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs, garlic, and a red wine reduction creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will rave about.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Designed to serve six, it’s great for sharing with family and friends, making your celebration even more special.
- Versatile Sides: Pair it with mashed potatoes and asparagus, or mix and match your favorite sides for a truly customized meal.
Tips for Success
To ensure your New Year’s Eve dinner is a hit, here are some handy tips! First, don’t skimp on seasoning—generously season the beef with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors. If you prefer your beef cooked differently, adjust the roasting time: aim for about 20 minutes for rare and closer to 35 for medium-well. When it comes to serving, let the beef rest after roasting; this is key for juicy slices. And for a special touch, consider pairing your meal with a nice bottle of red wine that complements the dish. Cheers to a fabulous celebration!
Nutritional Information
As you prepare to indulge in this delightful New Year’s Eve dinner, it’s always good to be mindful of the nutritional aspects! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQs
Got questions about your New Year’s Eve dinner? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef tenderloin is a classic choice, you can substitute it with ribeye or sirloin for a more budget-friendly option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
If you want to go vegetarian, consider using a hearty portobello mushroom or a vegetable wellington as the centerpiece!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can sear the beef and make the wine reduction ahead of time. Just reheat before serving. As for the asparagus and mashed potatoes, I recommend cooking them fresh for the best flavor.
What wine pairs well with this dinner?
A nice red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the beef beautifully and makes for a splendid toast at midnight!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your New Year’s Eve dinner experience, consider serving a bright, fresh salad as a starter. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a lovely contrast to the rich beef. For drinks, a sparkling red wine or a festive champagne cocktail will perfectly complement the meal and keep the celebration bubbly!
Don’t forget about dessert! A light, creamy cheesecake or a decadent chocolate fondue will round out the evening beautifully. You can also set up a cheese board with assorted cheeses, nuts, and fruits for guests to nibble on as you ring in the new year. Cheers to a delicious celebration!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious New Year’s Eve dinner leftovers is easy! Just wrap any leftover beef tenderloin tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the mashed potatoes and asparagus, store them separately to maintain their textures.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, gently reheat the beef in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. The mashed potatoes can be warmed in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive their creaminess. Enjoy every flavorful bite again!
Print
New Year’s Eve Dinner: 7 Steps to a Memorable Feast
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A festive dinner to celebrate New Year’s Eve with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1 lb mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the beef tenderloin with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Transfer the beef to the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes for medium-rare.
- In the same skillet, add red wine and reduce by half.
- Cook the asparagus in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve the beef with mashed potatoes and asparagus, drizzled with wine reduction.
Notes
- Let the beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Adjust cooking time for desired doneness.
- Pair with your favorite wine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: new year’s eve dinner, festive dinner, beef tenderloin
