Oven-baked beef

Oven Beef Tenderloin: A Culinary Delight

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 75 minutes
Total Time: 105 minutes
Servings: 4

Oven beef tenderloin is a savory dish, perfect for a special dinner or an extraordinary occasion. This simple yet impressive recipe combines the delicate flavors of beef with the smoky notes of bacon and the freshness of herbs, resulting in a dish that will delight any gourmet. Here’s how to prepare this delight step by step, with useful tips for a perfect result.

Necessary Ingredients:
- 800 g beef tenderloin
- 200 g bacon
- 50 g butter
- 100 g cheese (preferably a white one, like mozzarella or provolone)
- 1 bunch of fresh basil
- 1 bunch of fresh sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for greasing

Step 1: Marinating the Beef Tenderloin
To achieve tender and flavorful meat, it is essential to marinate the beef tenderloin. Cut the tenderloin into thin slices, as for schnitzels. These will be lightly beaten with a meat hammer to even them out. Sprinkle salt and pepper on each slice, then place them in a container and add white wine. Ideally, let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours, but for an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the tenderloin for 48 hours.

Step 2: Preparing the Rolls
After marinating, take the beef tenderloin out of the refrigerator. Brush each slice with a little olive oil, then sprinkle the chopped basil and sage. Place a very thin slice of bacon on each piece of meat, roll them carefully, and secure the rolls with toothpicks. This step will not only retain the meat's moisture but also add an unmistakable flavor from the bacon.

Step 3: Baking in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place these rolls in a baking tray, add a drizzle of olive oil on top, and put a cube of butter on each piece. Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow the meat to cook evenly. Bake at medium heat for about 75 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing the Dish
After the baking time has expired, check if the meat is well-cooked and tender. Remove the aluminum foil and let the rolls brown for a few minutes in the oven. In the last minute, add a slice of cheese on each piece of meat and sprinkle a little fresh basil for a touch of freshness.

Step 5: Serving
Serve the beef tenderloin warm, alongside creamy mashed potatoes and pickles, for a contrast of textures and flavors. You can also add a green salad for an extra freshness. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests, but also for treating yourself after a long day.

Variation Suggestion: If you want to add extra flavor, you can try filling the beef tenderloin with sautéed mushroom slices or an olive paste. These variations will bring a new dimension to this already delicious dish.

Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by the refined flavors of oven beef tenderloin!