Pumpkin pie, figgy pudding, corn for popping, marshmallows toasting, and chestnuts roasting are just a few of the treats we sing about during the holidays. Then there are the classic seasonal favorites: Christmas fudge, peppermint bark, creamy casseroles, and of course, turkey and mashed potatoes. When it comes to this time of year, there is no question that rich, heavy meals and treats are spilling out of our kitchens.
These dishes and desserts are part of our festive celebrations, and for many of us, they stir up the most cozy, nostalgic, feelings while also becoming a part of new holiday memories with our families. Rolls and gravy aside, sometimes it’s nice to change things up while still making the meal special. This lean, Herbed Beef Tenderloin with Holiday Rice is absolutely packed with flavor, full of nutrients, and everything you’re looking for in a Christmas dinner.
This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.
Some holiday beef recipes can be a little bit complicated and overwhelming to manage, especially if you’re expecting company and have children running around or clinging to your leg. That will not be an issue with this savory combo! The bell pepper and green beans mixed in with the rice make this side dish festive and colorful while the toasted almonds add a nice crunch. No heavy cream, pounds of butter, or artificial flavors. As for the tenderloin, it is a lean, easy to carve cut of meat and it’s being paired with the herbs and olive oil which make for a lighter, yet very tasty alternative to a butter or wine sauce. An added bonus is that beef provides a ton of protein along with other essential nutrients that can help support strong, lean bodies and provide the energy you and your growing kids need to keep up with all the fun and excitement this season. I hope you can try out this delicious recipe in the coming months and that it helps to make your holidays very merry and bright!
INGREDIENTS:
1 beef Tenderloin Roast Center-Cut (2 to 3 pounds)
Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Holiday Rice:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup each chopped onion and chopped red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 package (9 ounces) frozen French-style green beans, defrosted
- 3 cups hot cooked rice
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
COOKING:
Heat oven to 425°F. Combine seasoning ingredients; press onto beef Tenderloin Roast. Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat. Do not add water or cover. Roast in 425°F oven 35 to 45 minutes for medium rare; 45 to 50 minutes for medium doneness.
Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 145°F for medium. Tent with foil. Let stand 15 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10° to 15°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)
Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Add beans; cook and stir 2 minutes. Stir in rice and almonds; heat through.
Carve roast; season with salt. Serve with rice.
Moms have so much going on during this busy holiday season. Whether your kids are little or grown, we just want everyone to have a wonderful time without driving ourselves crazy or forgetting about what really matters. I hope you will find a few quiet moments to yourself in the midst of all the holiday responsibilities and that this recipe can check one more thing off of your to-do list!
Wishing you many blessings this season and lots of sweet memories around the table.
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Read more of Maria’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
