A Perfect Dinner: Roasted Filet Mignon, Cherry Wine Sauce, and Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Hi there! If you’re looking to make a dinner that feels fancy yet is surprisingly simple to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. A juicy filet mignon, paired with a rich cherry wine sauce and served alongside creamy, buttery garlic mashed potatoes – it’s a dish that looks and tastes like something you’d order at a top-tier restaurant. But don’t worry, with a few easy steps, you can bring this delightful meal to your own dining table. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Filet mignon is often seen as the star of any special occasion. It’s tender, flavorful, and so versatile! What makes this recipe extra special is the cherry wine sauce. The sweet and tangy cherries combined with the depth of red wine create a sauce that’s a perfect complement to the richness of the beef. And of course, no steak dinner is complete without some creamy mashed potatoes, right? The garlic flavor in the potatoes really ties everything together.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this meal is guaranteed to impress. Plus, the combination of flavors in the sauce makes this one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again!
How to Make This Meal Healthier (without sacrificing flavor)
If you’re aiming for a healthier twist on this dish without losing the delicious flavors, here are some tips:
- Opt for leaner cuts: While filet mignon is one of the leaner beef cuts, you can choose to trim off any visible fat for an even lighter option.
- Swap butter for olive oil: When making the mashed potatoes, try substituting butter for a drizzle of olive oil to make them just as creamy while cutting down on saturated fat.
- Go lighter on the wine: If you’re watching your calories, use a lower-calorie wine (like a dry red) and balance the sweetness with fresh cherries rather than sugar.
Roasted Filet Mignon with Cherry Wine Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 cup red wine (your favorite dry red wine works best)
- 1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, depending on the sweetness of your cherries)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the steaks: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season both sides of your filet mignon steaks generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the steaks: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until a nice crust forms.
- Roast the steaks: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 5-7 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a different doneness. (For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F / 54-57°C). Once done, remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Make the cherry wine sauce: While the steaks are roasting, use the same skillet to make the sauce. Add the red wine to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the steak. Let the wine simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the cherries and vinegar: Stir in the fresh cherries and balsamic vinegar. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and add honey if you want extra sweetness.
- Finish the sauce: Once the sauce has reduced and the cherries are tender, whisk in the butter to make the sauce silky smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the cherry wine sauce over the steaks and serve immediately.
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
- 1/4 cup milk (or use cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Sauté the garlic: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the butter (or olive oil) in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
- Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash them until smooth.
- Add the garlic butter: Pour the garlic butter mixture into the mashed potatoes, along with the milk. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, you can add a bit more milk or butter.
- Serve: Spoon the garlic mashed potatoes onto your plate, ready to pair with the steak and cherry wine sauce.
Tips for Perfect Filet Mignon and Mashed Potatoes
- Resting the steak: After roasting, it’s important to let the filet mignon rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the steak, making it even more tender and flavorful.
- Use a thermometer: If you’re unsure about the steak’s doneness, a meat thermometer is your best friend. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C), for medium 140-145°F (60-63°C).
- For extra creamy mashed potatoes: If you like super smooth potatoes, feel free to use a hand mixer or potato ricer instead of a masher. It makes them extra fluffy!
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to add a splash of milk and reheat gently to keep them creamy.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—your ultimate dinner of roasted filet mignon with cherry wine sauce and easy garlic mashed potatoes. It’s a meal that’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special. Whether you’re cooking for a celebration or just because you deserve it, this recipe hits all the right notes.
I’d love to hear how your dinner turns out! Feel free to follow me on Pinterest for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes like this one. Enjoy!