When the holiday rush hits (and let’s be honest, it always hits), having a reliable and downright impressive recipe in your back pocket feels like a Christmas miracle. That’s where Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin swoops in like Santa with a flavor-packed sleigh. This dish is elegant, comforting, and surprisingly doable for even the busiest home cooks—yes, even if you’re juggling work, kids, gift wrapping, and the emotional labor of remembering everyone’s favorite cookie.
As someone who lives for magical meals , this is the showpiece recipe I turn to when I want to spoil the people I love. Juicy beef tenderloin, buttery garlicky stuffing, and Christmas-level savoriness? It’s the kind of dinner that gets quiet at the table—but in a good way.
So, let’s get cooking, friend. I can already smell the holiday magic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
- It steals the spotlight at your holiday table the moment it arrives, turning even a simple dinner into a festive celebration.
- Every slice looks gourmet, thanks to the beautiful pinwheel swirl of buttery stuffing wrapped inside tender, juicy beef.
- Surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re juggling holiday chaos, school concerts, office parties, and last-minute gift shopping.
- Packed with rich, comforting flavors that feel like a warm holiday hug but still sophisticated enough to impress the toughest critics.
- Perfect for busy cooks, offering that hard-to-find blend of elegance, simplicity, and reliable results every single time.
- A true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to earn the kind of quiet, satisfied dinner-table moment every cook dreams of.
If you’re aiming to serve the Best Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin your family has ever tasted, this recipe is your new holiday hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stuffing
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko works best for a lighter texture)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Beef Tenderloin
- 1 beef tenderloin roast (4–6 lb, center cut preferred)
- 2 tsp salt (Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt recommended)
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
How to Make the Best Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Mix the Stuffing
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
While it warms up, grab a large bowl and combine the panko breadcrumbs, butter, onion, garlic, and parsley. Mix until everything looks evenly coated and delightfully green. This stuffing is what gives your roast that “wow, what IS this?” aroma that makes guests hover near the kitchen.
Step 2: Prepare the Roast for Stuffing
Take a deep breath—this part feels fancy, but you’ve got it.
You’re going to butterfly the tenderloin into a long, flat sheet. Start at the top of the roast, blade angled slightly downward, and work slowly. Slice about an inch deep and gently unroll the meat as you cut. Aim for 1–2 inch layers as you continue slicing and rolling.
Think of it like opening up a big holiday scroll of deliciousness.
Step 3: Stuff and Roll
Lay your newly flattened beef on the counter and sprinkle the stuffing evenly over the surface.
Now roll it back up like a cozy Christmas blanket. Secure the roast with butcher’s twine—don’t skip this part or your stuffing may try to escape in the oven.
Season the outside generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Time to Roast
Place your rolled tenderloin in a roasting pan fitted with a wire rack. This helps the heat circulate so the beef cooks evenly (no one wants a sad, overdone bottom edge).
Roast for 50–70 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness:
- 145°F for medium-rare
- 160°F for medium
Remove the roast from the oven about 10 degrees early—it will keep cooking as it rests. Trust the process. This is the part where the magic happens.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the roast sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This step is like giving the meat a moment to collect itself before its big debut.
Slice into thick, beautiful rounds and serve immediately. Expect applause.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
- If the stuffing looks a bit rustic? Don’t panic. The panko crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Use fresh parsley. It gives a bright color that looks gorgeous against the beef.
- Don’t overcook it. Tenderloin is naturally lean; keeping it medium-rare helps it stay tender.
- Tie it firmly. Twine is the unsung hero of this recipe—use it well.
This dish became one of my holiday staples after my kids kept sneaking “sample slices” off the cutting board one Christmas. If that’s not a rave review, I don’t know what is.

FAQs About Making the Best Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff and roll the tenderloin the night before. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm slices in a covered dish at 250°F for about 15 minutes. This helps keep the meat tender.
Can I swap panko for regular breadcrumbs?
You can, but panko gives a lighter, slightly crispier texture that works beautifully in this recipe.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
For this recipe, fresh is best. It brightens both flavor and presentation.
Ready to Make Your Christmas Magical?
This Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin brings warmth, elegance, and that “I can’t believe you made this” moment to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or a cozy dinner for two, this hearty centerpiece will make your table feel extra special.
Here’s to good food, full hearts, and magical moments this Christmas. Happy cooking!
More Festive Recipes to Complete Your Holiday Table
If you’re excited to build an unforgettable Christmas menu around your Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin, here are a few delicious ideas your guests will absolutely love. Each one adds its own magic to the table and helps you create a cozy, well-rounded holiday feast.
- Start the celebration with a warm, savory bite like these Christmas Sausage Rolls—perfect for keeping everyone happy while the main course finishes in the oven.
- Add a hearty seasonal side with Maple Butternut Brussels Bacon, bringing sweet, smoky flavors that pair beautifully with tender beef.
- For a rich and elegant accompaniment, try Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms—a flavorful bite your guests will keep reaching for.
- And don’t forget a festive sweet treat to close the night on a high note: Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, soft, rich, and absolutely irresistible.
Mix and match these dishes to create a holiday menu that feels warm, welcoming, and wonderfully memorable for everyone gathered around your table.
Print
Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin is a stunning holiday centerpiece filled with buttery herb stuffing, rolled into a beautiful pinwheel, and roasted to tender perfection. A festive, flavorful showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress every guest at your holiday table.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing
-
2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
-
1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
-
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
-
2 tbsp freshly minced garlic
-
1 1/2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Beef Tenderloin
-
1 beef tenderloin roast (4–6 lb, center cut preferred)
-
2 tsp salt
-
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F. -
Make the Stuffing:
Combine the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, melted butter, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix well to create a flavorful stuffing. -
Prepare the Tenderloin:
Slice the beef tenderloin lengthwise into a pinwheel shape. Work slowly, cutting about an inch deep while gently unrolling the meat as you go until it lies flat. -
Stuff and Roll:
Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the flattened tenderloin. Roll the meat back up tightly and secure with butcher’s twine. Season the outside with salt and pepper. -
Roast:
Place the stuffed tenderloin on a wire rack inside a roasting pan. Roast for 50–70 minutes, depending on doneness:-
145°F for medium-rare
-
160°F for medium
Remove the tenderloin when it’s about 10 degrees below your target; it will continue cooking as it rests.
-
-
Rest and Serve:
Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thick, beautiful pinwheels. Serve warm.
Notes
-
Letting the roast rest is essential for juicy, evenly cooked slices.
-
Panko gives the stuffing a lighter, crispier texture.
-
Use butcher’s twine to keep the roll tight and the stuffing in place during roasting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Holiday Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg