Beef Wellington (Individual Portions) – Elegant Mini Wellingtons with Tender Filet, Mushroom Duxelles, and Crispy Puff Pastry 🥩🥐🍷

Introduction

When it comes to sophisticated main courses that truly impress, few dishes rival the iconic Beef Wellington. With its juicy filet mignon, savory mushroom duxelles, and flaky, golden puff pastry, it’s a culinary masterpiece. But instead of making one large Wellington to slice, there’s a more elegant, modern approach—Beef Wellington (Individual Portions).

Serving mini Wellingtons means perfect doneness for each guest, easier plating, and stunning presentation. Ideal for holiday dinners, romantic dates, or upscale gatherings, these individually wrapped filets allow each person to enjoy their own beautifully cooked masterpiece.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the full process—step by step—from choosing the right cut of beef to perfecting your pastry wrap. With helpful tips, prep-ahead instructions, and customizable options, you’ll soon master this impressive dish and make it your go-to for special occasions.

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What is Beef Wellington?

Beef Wellington is a classic English dish that features a seared beef filet, topped with a finely chopped mushroom mixture (duxelles), wrapped in puff pastry, and baked to perfection. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly elegant.

The traditional version is made as one large roll and sliced to serve. Individual beef Wellingtons, however, are miniature versions, giving each guest their own intact piece—no slicing, no soggy bottoms, and more precise cooking control.

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Why You’ll Love Individual Beef Wellingtons

• Elegant Presentation: Each portion looks like a work of art.
• No Overcooking: Everyone gets their beef exactly how they like it.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake right before serving.
• Perfect for Holidays or Dates: A high-impact dish ideal for special moments.
• Freezer-Friendly: Store unbaked Wellingtons for future meals.

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Ingredients

For the Beef

• 4 filet mignon steaks (6–8 oz each), about 1½ inches thick
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

For the Mushroom Duxelles

• 12 oz cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)

For the Wrapping

• 4 slices prosciutto (or very thin beef or turkey bacon)
• 1 sheet puff pastry per filet (or enough for wrapping 4)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• All-purpose flour (for dusting)

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Equipment Needed

• Cast iron skillet or heavy pan
• Pastry brush
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Food processor (optional for duxelles)
• Kitchen twine (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filets

• Season filets generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in a skillet and sear steaks on all sides—about 2 minutes per side.
• Remove from heat and let rest. Brush each steak with Dijon mustard while still warm.

Step 2: Make the Duxelles

• In a food processor, pulse mushrooms until finely chopped.
• Sauté shallots and garlic in butter and oil. Add mushrooms and thyme.
• Cook over medium heat until mixture is dry and dark brown—about 10–15 minutes.
• Season and cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Wrap

• On plastic wrap, lay a slice of prosciutto. Spread a thin layer of duxelles on top.
• Place a filet in the center and fold prosciutto/duxelles around it.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Wrap in Puff Pastry

• Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface.
• Unwrap the steak bundle and place in center of pastry.
• Fold pastry over to seal all sides. Trim excess.
• Place seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Brush with egg wash. Use pastry scraps for decoration if desired.

Step 5: Chill and Bake

• Chill assembled Wellingtons for 15–20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
• Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Mini Wellingtons

• Chill between steps: Keeps layers intact and ensures crispy pastry.
• Dry duxelles thoroughly: Moisture = soggy pastry.
• Use thermometer: Internal doneness matters—aim for 125°F to 135°F.
• Trim pastry well: Avoid thick overlaps that won’t cook through.
• Don’t skip mustard: It adds tangy depth and complements the richness.

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Make-Ahead & Freezing

• Assemble the day before: Store wrapped and unbaked in the fridge.
• Freeze unbaked: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Bake from frozen: Add 5–7 minutes to baking time and lower temp to 375°F.

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Nutrition (Per Individual Wellington)

• Calories: ~650 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 45g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: ~600mg

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Flavor Variations

• Garlic Herb Version: Add roasted garlic and parsley to the duxelles.
• Blue Cheese Twist: Add a teaspoon of blue cheese between steak and duxelles.
• Vegan Wellington: Substitute mushroom caps or beets and use vegan puff pastry.
• Spicy Dijon: Mix Dijon with horseradish or hot mustard for a bold layer.
• Wellington Bites: Make smaller, appetizer-sized versions with thin tenderloin slices.

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Serving Suggestions

• Red Wine Reduction Sauce
• Creamy horseradish sauce
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted root vegetables
• Steamed asparagus or green beans

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FAQs

Q: Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, but filet mignon is best for tenderness. Sirloin or tenderloin tips can work if trimmed and seared.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry and flour alternatives. Watch labels on Dijon and prosciutto.

Q: Can I skip prosciutto?
Yes, though it adds salt and seals in juices. You can use turkey bacon or omit entirely and chill thoroughly to help seal.

Q: My pastry got soggy—why?
Your duxelles may have retained too much moisture, or the beef wasn’t cooled before wrapping. Chill everything thoroughly and cook duxelles until dry.

Q: How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven.

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Conclusion

Beef Wellington (Individual Portions) delivers the richness and elegance of a classic dish in a more manageable, refined format. With tender beef, savory mushrooms, and buttery pastry, each bite feels luxurious—yet making them is surprisingly simple with the right method.

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, a romantic anniversary, or hosting friends for a dinner party, mini beef Wellingtons offer maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Prep ahead, bake to perfection, and watch your guests’ eyes light up when they cut through that golden pastry.

Now’s the time to add this showstopping dish to your dinner repertoire—and make every occasion feel like a special one.

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