Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then look no further! This recipe for Filet Mignon with Bacon is the perfect solution. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers an unforgettable flavor experience. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious and satisfying dish—a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) filet mignon steaks, about 1-inch thick
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions:
Preparing the Filet Mignon:
- Pat the filet mignon steaks dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve a beautiful sear.
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
Cooking the Bacon and Steaks:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the filet mignon steaks in the pan.
- Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.
- Once seared, remove the steaks from the pan and set aside to rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Making the Pan Sauce:
- Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- (Optional) Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced.
- Stir in the chopped rosemary.
- Return the rested steaks to the skillet to coat them in the flavorful pan sauce.
Serving:
Slice the filet mignon steaks against the grain and serve immediately, topped with the crispy bacon and drizzled with the pan sauce. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, for a complete and delicious meal.
Tips for the Best Filet Mignon:
- Room Temperature: Let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there's enough space in the skillet for the steaks to sear properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your steaks are cooked to your preferred doneness.
Variations:
- Mushroom Filet Mignon: Add sliced mushrooms to the pan with the garlic during the sauce-making process.
- Peppercorn Filet Mignon: Season the steaks with coarsely cracked black peppercorns in addition to the other seasonings.
- Creamy Pan Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the pan sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 40-45g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
This easy recipe for Filet Mignon with Bacon is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. The combination of tender filet mignon, crispy bacon, and a rich pan sauce is sure to become a new favorite in your homemade cooking repertoire. Enjoy!