Cooking for two? Whether it’s date night, an anniversary dinner, or simply a way to show someone you love them, crafting a perfectly golden, flaky, and indulgent Beef Wellington is a great way to impress. While its reputation might make it sound intimidating,—it’s entirely doable, even for home cooks. Plus, scaling it down for two makes it the perfect intimate dinner without unnecessary leftovers.

How to Make Beef Wellington for Two ?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to create an easy flawless Beef Wellington for two. By the end, you’ll confidently slice into a show-stopping dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

First things first, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your Wellington to life:

For the Beef Wellington:

• 1 Beef Tenderloin (6-8 oz per person), trimmed

• Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to season

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil, for searing

• 4 oz Mushrooms (Cremini or button mushrooms work well), finely chopped

• 1 Shallot, finely diced

• 1 tsp Garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter

• 4 slices of Prosciutto

• 1 sheet Puff Pastry

• 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard, to coat the beef

• Flour, for dusting your work surface

Optional (But Totally Worth It) Sides:

• A crisp arugula salad with a light vinaigrette

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Roasted asparagus

Now, let’s get onto the fun part—bringing this culinary masterpiece together!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef Wellington (With Pro Tips)

Step 1: Prepare Your Beef

Start by seasoning your beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, and sear the beef until it has a beautiful crust on all sides (this takes about 1-2 minutes per side). Once seared, set the beef aside to cool.

Pro Tip: Searing locks in the juices, so don’t skip this step. You’re looking for a deep brown exterior without cooking it through.

Once cooled, brush the beef with Dijon mustard for a subtle, tangy kick. Set it aside in the fridge to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Mushroom Duxelles

Next up is the duxelles—basically, a fancy mushroom paste that adds incredible flavor.

• Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic, and cook until the mixture becomes dry and paste-like. This should take around 10-12 minutes.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside to cool.

Pro Tip: The key is to cook out the moisture from the mushrooms; no one wants a soggy Wellington!

Step 3: Layer the Prosciutto and Duxelles

Lay out plastic wrap on your work surface and arrange the slices of prosciutto slightly overlapping, forming a rectangle. Spread the mushroom duxelles evenly over the prosciutto.

Step 4: Wrap the Beef in Prosciutto and Mushrooms

Place your cooled beef on one edge of the prosciutto-duxelles layer. Using the plastic wrap, roll the prosciutto tightly around the beef, forming a neat cylinder. Twist the plastic wrap ends to seal it completely and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. This helps it hold its shape.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip chilling—it makes wrapping with puff pastry much easier!

Step 5: Enrobe in Puff Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Unwrap the beef and place it in the center of the pastry. Fold the pastry around the beef like a gift, ensuring no gaps or holes. Trim off excess pastry and seal the edges with a little beaten egg. Brush the entire pastry with the egg wash for that gorgeous golden shine.

Pro Tip: Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra flair, or score the top lightly with a knife for a decorative pattern.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the wrapped Wellington on a lined baking sheet, seam-side down. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the internal temperature of the beef reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.

Pro Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking—you can always put it back in the oven for a couple more minutes if needed!

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the Wellington from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This ensures a juicy, tender slice every time. Slice through the pastry with a sharp knife, revealing that gorgeous cross-section!

Additional Information and Tips

• Make Ahead: If you’re cooking for a special evening, you can prep the Wellington up to Step 4 and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply wrap it in puff pastry just before baking.

• Cheese Lovers Unite: Add a thin layer of blue cheese or Boursin before rolling it in prosciutto for an extra burst of flavor.

• Puff Pastry Shortcuts: If you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry works wonders. No judgment here!

Looking to impress with a show-stopping dish? Chef Gordon Ramsay has reimagined the classic beef Wellington, putting a modern twist on this timeless recipe. Instead of the traditional pâté de foie gras, Gordon uses Parma ham to wrap around the tenderloin, adding an extra layer of flavor and elegance. Check out Chef Ramsay’s detailed video tutorial and bring a touch of Michelin-star magic to your kitchen!

Why Beef Wellington is Perfect for Two

There’s something undeniably romantic about Beef Wellington. It’s indulgent, intimate, and shows that you’ve put thought and effort into creating a meal for someone special. Whether you love cooking together as a couple or surprising someone with a plated masterpiece, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Time to Wow Your Partner

Now that you’ve got the knowledge (and the confidence), it’s time to give this recipe a go! Pour some love into your kitchen, follow the steps, and transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish for two. Trust us, nothing says “I care” quite like homemade Beef Wellington.

Happy cooking !