Here’s a full recipe for Brown Sugar Glazed Beef Tenderloin with Cinnamon Apples—perfect for an elegant dinner or special occasion:
Brown Sugar Glazed Beef Tenderloin with Cinnamon Apples
Ingredients
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Cinnamon Apples:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Tenderloin:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the beef tenderloin dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika to make the glaze.
- Brush the glaze generously over the tenderloin.
2. Sear the Beef:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the tenderloin on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side) until browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15–20 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp ~130°F / 54°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Apples:
- While the beef rests, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
4. Serve:
- Slice the beef tenderloin into medallions.
- Arrange the cinnamon apples on the side or spoon them over the beef.
- Drizzle any leftover pan juices over the meat for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Choose a tenderloin of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Letting the beef rest after roasting ensures juicy, tender slices.
- For extra flair, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the finished dish.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad.
If you like, I can also make a plating suggestion with a visual layout showing how to serve the beef and cinnamon apples elegantly—restaurant-style presentation.
Do you want me to do that?
