This succulent roast takes a little extra time to prepare, but it’s worth it for holidays and special occasions. It’s one of my top dinner requests.
—TONYA BURKHARD DAVIS, IL
PREP: 15 MIN. • BAKE: 50 MIN. + STANDING • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS (ABOUT 3 1/2 CUPS SAUCE)
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 beef tenderloin roast (5 pounds)
9 bacon strips, finely chopped
3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
4 tablespoons butter, divided
4 medium onions, chopped (about 3 cups)
9 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup tomato paste
6 cups beef stock
2 1/4 cups dry red wine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1. Preheat oven to 425°. Rub thyme and seasoned salt onto all sides of roast. Place tenderloin on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Roast 50-60 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°).
2. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 2 tablespoons in pan. Add mushrooms to drippings; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until tender. Remove from pan.
3. Place 1 tablespoon butter in pan. Add onions; cook and stir over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add tomato paste, stock and wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Bring to a boil; cook 20-25 minutes or until liquid is reduced almost by half.
4. In a microwave, melt remaining butter. Mix flour with butter until smooth; gradually whisk into sauce. Return to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in bacon, mushrooms, salt and pepper; heat through.
5. Remove roast from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with sauce.