If you’ve been hunting for a Christmas recipe that looks impressive without requiring culinary wizardry, let me introduce you to my holiday hero: Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin. This dish brings together the cozy magic of the season with a “wow factor” that makes your guests think you hired a private chef (don’t worry, your secret is safe with me).
As someone who believes that cooking should bring joy—not stress—I love when a recipe checks all the boxes: festive, flavorful, doable on a busy holiday schedule, and full of that homey comfort we all crave this time of year. This Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin delivers all of that in one gorgeous roast.
Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or planning a quiet, elegant meal, this dish practically does the heavy lifting for you. And your house? Oh, it’s about to smell like the culinary version of a Christmas hug.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
Let’s get right to the good stuff—why is this recipe such a lifesaver during the holidays?
Because it’s:
- Elegant but easy. Truly. If you can cut, roll, and tie a shoe, you can make this roast.
- Perfect for busy home cooks. It’s hands-on for a few minutes, then your oven takes over.
- Holiday-ready. Rich, juicy beef wrapped around a buttery, herb-packed stuffing? Santa could not ask for more.
- A guaranteed showstopper. Slice it open at the table and watch everyone lean in.
And if you’re like me—juggling cooking, holiday events, end-of-year chaos, and maybe a few last-minute gift hunts—you’ll appreciate how this recipe gives you something extraordinary with minimal fuss.
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.
Grab a large bowl and combine your panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, onion, garlic, and parsley. When everything is coated and looking fresh and green, take a moment to inhale—it’s the scent of happiness. This filling is the heart of your Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin, and it’s what gives your roast that magical “something smells incredible!” moment that keeps everyone lingering near the kitchen.
Step 2: Prepare the Roast for Stuffing
Here comes the part that feels fancy (but isn’t). You’re going to butterfly the beef tenderloin so it opens into a long, flat sheet.
Start at the top, knife angled slightly downward. Work slowly—this is not a race. Slice about an inch deep, then gently unroll the meat as you cut. Aim for even layers, about 1–2 inches thick, as you “unfurl” your beef like a long, delicious holiday scroll.
And if you’ve never butterflied a roast before, don’t panic. The first time I tried it, I was convinced I had ruined it. Spoiler: I hadn’t. And neither will you.
Step 3: Stuff and Roll
Lay your flattened roast on the counter. Spread the stuffing mixture all over it, from edge to edge.
Now gently roll the beef back up, like you’re tucking it in under a cozy Christmas blanket. Tie it every couple inches with butcher’s twine—think of it as accessorizing your roast so everything stays beautifully in place while it cooks.
Season the outside generously with salt and pepper. Make it snow—you want that seasoning to shine.
Step 4: Time to Roast
Place your rolled roast onto a roasting pan fitted with a wire rack. The rack is important—it keeps the bottom from overcooking while letting hot air circulate all around.
Slide it into the oven and roast for 50–70 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness:
- 145°F for medium-rare
- 160°F for medium
Here’s my favorite tip: remove the beef from the oven when it’s about 10 degrees shy of your ideal temperature. The roast will continue to cook as it rests. Trust the process. This little window of magic is where juicy dreams come true.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let your Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin rest for 10 minutes. This helps all those beautiful juices stay right where you want them—inside the meat.
Slice into thick, gorgeous rounds and serve immediately. If no one applauds, check their pulse.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
- Don’t skip the cooling step on the butter. Hot butter can slightly cook the onions and garlic, changing the texture and flavor.
- If your stuffing looks too dry, add another tablespoon of melted butter. If it looks too wet, sprinkle in a little more panko.
- Use fresh parsley. This roast deserves the bright, clean flavor that dried herbs just can’t deliver.
- Tie the roast snugly. Not tight enough to squeeze, but tight enough to keep the stuffing from trying to make an early exit.
- If the outside browns too quickly, tent it with foil and keep going.
- And if the stuffing falls out a bit while slicing, congratulations—your roast is extra festive.
I still remember the first time I tested this recipe for my blog. It had been one of those weeks—back-to-back commitments, endless emails, and a holiday to-do list that seemed to multiply when I wasn’t looking. This tenderloin was my sanity saver. It looked impressive, tasted even better, and gave me that cozy holiday feeling I desperately needed.

FAQs About Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
Can I prepare this roast ahead of time?
Absolutely. Butterfly, stuff, roll, and tie the roast up to 24 hours ahead, then refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
Can I use different herbs in the stuffing?
Yes! Parsley keeps it fresh and classic, but rosemary or thyme can add a deeper holiday flavor without overpowering the beef.
How do I store leftovers?
Slice the tenderloin and store airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F or enjoy cold in sandwiches (trust me—it’s incredible).
Can I freeze Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin?
You can freeze it after cooking and cooling completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I serve with it?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic green beans, or a crisp holiday salad all pair beautifully.
Bringing It All Together
There’s something truly magical about serving Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin during the holidays. It’s rich and festive, packed with buttery herbs, and surprisingly easy to put together—even when life is at its busiest.
And that’s what I love about recipes like this: they let you enjoy the moment, savor the season, and create memories around the dinner table without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re cooking for two or a house full of hungry family, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of holiday cheer.
So light the candles, turn on your favorite Christmas playlist, and let this tenderloin be the star of your holiday feast. Your kitchen is about to smell like pure joy.
If you’d like help writing more holiday recipes, slow cooker favorites, or air fryer magic, I’m always here to make cooking simpler—and a whole lot more delicious.
Happy cooking, friend.
More Festive Recipes to Enjoy This Holiday Season
If you’re building a full Christmas dinner menu to go with your Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin, here are some delicious holiday favorites your guests will absolutely love. These dishes are cozy, comforting, and perfect for rounding out your Christmas table—whether you need a beautiful starter, a dreamy side, or a sweet treat to end the night.
- Warm everyone up with a bowl of French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup—rich, savory, and perfect before a hearty beef roast.
- For the ultimate comfort-carby side, these Creamy Scalloped Potatoes bring that melt-in-your-mouth, holiday-dinner magic your plate deserves.
- Want a bright and festive dessert? These Cranberry Lemon Bars balance sweet and tart beautifully and make a gorgeous holiday treat.
- And if you’re craving something fun and eye-catching for the table, this cheesy pull-apart Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread will disappear faster than you can say “pass the plate!”

Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin is a stunning holiday centerpiece featuring juicy beef rolled with a buttery herb stuffing. It’s festive, flavorful, and easier than it looks—perfect for Christmas dinner or any special celebration.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing
2 cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
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)
2 tsp salt (Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt recommended)
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, onion, garlic, and parsley. Mix until evenly coated.
Butterfly the beef tenderloin into a long, flat sheet by slicing and unrolling the meat into 1–2 inch-thick layers.
Spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the flattened roast.
Roll the tenderloin tightly and secure with butcher’s twine. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
Place the roast on a wire rack inside a roasting pan.
Roast for 50–70 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness:
– 145°F for medium-rare
– 160°F for mediumRemove from the oven when the internal temperature is about 10 degrees below your target.
Allow the roast to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Slice into thick rounds and serve warm.
Notes
Remove the roast early—carryover cooking will bring it to the perfect temperature.
Tie the roast securely to keep the stuffing in place while roasting.
If the outside browns too quickly, tent with foil.
Leftovers store well for up to 3 days and make amazing sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice/portion
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
