Crispy golden pastry. Juicy, perfectly cooked beef. A rich, earthy mushroom filling that melts in your mouth. Beef Wellington is the ultimate special-occasion dish, combining elegance with bold flavors.

At its core, this dish is about balance—the flaky puff pastry encases tender beef tenderloin, while a savory mushroom duxelles adds moisture and depth. Every bite delivers a contrast of textures, from the crisp outer layer to the succulent beef inside.

While it may seem intimidating, making Beef Wellington at home is easier than you think. With a little patience and the right technique, you can achieve that picture-perfect slice with minimal stress.

Table of contents

Essential Ingredients for a Classic Beef Wellington

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role. Choosing high-quality ingredients will make all the difference.

Beef Tenderloin – The star of the show. This cut is tender, lean, and ideal for wrapping in pastry. Sear it first to lock in the juices.
Mushroom Duxelles – A finely chopped mix of mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and herbs, cooked down to remove moisture. This creates a flavorful layer that keeps the beef moist.
Puff Pastry – The buttery, flaky crust that holds everything together. Use high-quality store-bought pastry or make your own for an extra touch.
Prosciutto or Parma Ham – Wraps around the beef and duxelles, sealing in moisture and adding a subtle saltiness.
Egg Wash – Brushed onto the pastry to give it that signature golden-brown shine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Beef Wellington

Patience and precision will ensure success. Follow these steps for a flawless result.

Prepare the Beef – Season the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper. Sear all sides in a hot pan until golden brown. Let it rest.
Make the Mushroom Duxelles – Finely chop mushrooms, shallots, and garlic. Sauté in butter until all moisture evaporates. Add fresh thyme and let cool.
Wrap with Prosciutto – Lay out prosciutto slices on plastic wrap, spread the mushroom duxelles over them, and place the seared beef in the center. Roll it tightly and chill for 15 minutes.
Wrap in Puff Pastry – Roll out the puff pastry and place the wrapped beef on top. Encase the beef completely, sealing the edges. Brush with egg wash to ensure a beautiful golden finish.
Bake to Perfection – Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until the pastry is golden and crisp. Use a thermometer to ensure the beef reaches your desired doneness.
Let It Rest & Slice – Allow the Wellington to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, ensuring tender meat in every bite.

Easy Variations to Try

Want to put your own spin on Beef Wellington? Here are a few creative tweaks:

Swap the Mushrooms – Try using a mix of wild mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor.
Dijon Mustard Layer – Brushing Dijon over the beef before adding the duxelles adds a tangy contrast.
Make Mini Wellingtons – Instead of one large piece, wrap individual portions for easier serving.
Add a Truffle Touch – A drizzle of truffle oil in the mushroom duxelles takes the dish to another level.

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Why This Recipe Delivers Every Time

Achieving the perfect Beef Wellington comes down to technique. Here’s why this version works so well:

Crispy, Flaky Pastry – Chilling the wrapped beef before baking ensures the puff pastry stays crisp.
Juicy, Flavorful Beef – Searing the tenderloin first locks in moisture while adding a rich, caramelized crust.
A Well-Balanced Bite – Every layer—beef, mushrooms, prosciutto, and pastry—contributes to a harmonious, satisfying dish.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Wellington

Pairing Beef Wellington with the right sides makes the meal even more impressive. Here are some excellent choices:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery potatoes complement the flaky crust and juicy beef.
Roasted Asparagus – A simple, fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
Red Wine Reduction – A drizzle of red wine sauce enhances the deep, savory flavors.
Honey-Glazed Carrots – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the dish.

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Beef Wellington with Mushrooms

Beef Wellington is a showstopping dish that features tender beef tenderloin wrapped in mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and flaky puff pastry. Perfect for special occasions, this dish delivers incredible flavor and an elegant presentation.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine British

Servings serving

Equipment

Skillet For searing the beef
Rolling Pin For flattening the puff pastry
Baking Sheet For baking the Wellington

Ingredients

1.5 pounds beef tenderloin center-cut
2 cups mushrooms finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter for sautéing
4 slices prosciutto
1 sheet puff pastry thawed
1 large egg for egg wash

Instructions

Sear the beef in a hot skillet until golden brown on all sides. Let cool.
Sauté mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in butter until dry and fragrant.
Lay out prosciutto slices, spread mushroom mixture on top, and place beef in the center. Roll tightly in plastic wrap and chill.
Wrap the beef in puff pastry, sealing the edges. Brush with egg wash.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crispy. Let rest before slicing.

Notes

For extra flavor, brush the beef with Dijon mustard before wrapping.
Let the Wellington rest before slicing to keep the juices inside.

Keyword beef wellington, puff pastry beef, special occasion meal

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Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!