Picture this: tender filet mignon tips gently sautéed in a savory mushroom merlot sauce, all resting atop a pillow of creamy mashed potatoes and topped with golden fried onion crisps. This dish is all about luxurious flavors made simple. With a few essential techniques, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in no time. The secret is in the merlot—it brings out the richness of the meat and mushrooms, tying everything together. Trust us; this is the dinner you didn’t know you were missing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the filet tips with Merlot sauce:
- 1 pound filet mignon tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of merlot
- 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the mashed potatoes:
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
For the crispy onions:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Mashed Potatoes: Start by boiling the diced potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and return to the pot. Add warm milk, butter, and salt. Mash until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.
- Fried Onion Crisps: While the potatoes are boiling, heat the vegetable oil in a skillet. Dredge the onion rings in flour, shaking off the excess, and fry in batches until golden brown. Remove and set on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt.
- Filet Mignon & Mushroom Merlot Sauce: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the filet mignon tips and sauté until browned. Remove the meat and set aside. In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking until the mushrooms release their juices. Pour in the merlot and let it simmer until reduced by half. Return the filet mignon tips to the pan and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Plate & Serve: Spoon a generous amount of mashed potatoes onto a plate, top with filet mignon and mushroom merlot sauce, and finally crown with a handful of fried onion crisps.
Notes
The magic of this dish lies in its balance—every bite has a bit of earthy, savory, creamy, and crispy. If you’re looking to give this dish an extra touch, consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary to your mushroom merlot sauce. Remember, a good quality merlot does wonders; it doesn’t have to be the priciest bottle, but aim for something you’d happily drink. Pair this meal with the same merlot or a robust cabernet to accentuate the flavors. And if you’re in a celebratory mood, why not start with a simple green salad topped with goat cheese and candied pecans?
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
