Tired of complicated dinners that take hours to prepare? Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for slow cooker filet mignon is the perfect solution for a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated weekend meal. Forget the fussy techniques – this recipe unlocks the juicy tenderness of filet mignon with minimal effort, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 (1-1.5 lb) filet mignon, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Filet Mignon
Pat the filet mignon dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve a nice sear and prevents steaming during cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Searing (Optional but Recommended)
For an extra layer of flavor, sear the filet mignon in a hot pan with olive oil for about 1-2 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This isn't strictly necessary for the slow cooker method, but it adds a wonderful crust.
Step 3: Slow Cooking Magic
Place the seared (or unseared) filet mignon in your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, beef broth, red wine (if using), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cooking Time
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare. Remember, the meat will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the slow cooker.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the filet mignon from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve immediately. The leftover cooking liquid can be strained and used as a delicious pan sauce.
Tips for Filet Mignon Perfection:
- Don't overcook! Filet mignon is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Trim excess fat: While a little fat adds flavor, excessive fat can lead to excessive greasiness.
- Room temperature: Allowing the filet mignon to come to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
- Sear for flavor: Even if you skip the sear, a little browning adds texture and flavour.
Variations:
- Garlic Herb Butter: Add a pat of garlic herb butter to the top of the filet mignon during the last hour of cooking.
- Mushroom Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Peppercorn Crust: Coat the filet mignon in cracked black peppercorns before searing or slow cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the filet mignon and other ingredients used. However, a general estimate for a 4-serving recipe is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-450
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
This easy slow cooker filet mignon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal – a true testament to the power of homemade cooking! It's one of those easy recipes that always impress, regardless of your cooking skill level. From quick dinner ideas to delicious dishes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.