Name: Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 filet mignons, 8 ounces each, 1½-2-inches thick.; 2 slices bacon; 1½ teaspoon coarse salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2-3 tablespoons peanut oil, or another high smoke point oil; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 teaspoons minced chives; 2 teaspoons minced parsley; 2 garlic cloves, pressed through garlic press, or finely minced; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; ¾ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon with Cowboy Butter is a real treat; the savory crispiness of the bacon envelops a tender, juicy filet mignon, creating a mouthwatering flavor combination that’s hard to resist. Imagine cutting through the luscious bacon layer to reach the perfectly cooked beef inside—it’s a match made in culinary heaven! This dish not only looks impressive on a plate, making it perfect for special occasions or date nights, but it also brings an amazing flavor profile that will leave your guests raving.

Pin this for later!

You’ll find that this recipe is surprisingly simple to make, even for novice cooks. The combination of quality ingredients and straightforward steps delivers a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. No need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find items. Just gather your ingredients, and you’re on your way to savoring one of the most delectable meals you’ll ever have. I can’t wait for you to experience the scrumptiousness of Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon, topped with the irresistible cowboy butter!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes just 15 minutes of prep and about 85 minutes to finish, making it a fantastic option for any evening.
Irresistible Flavor: Savory bacon and rich butter elevate the filet mignon to incredible heights.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A beautiful dish that impresses guests yet is easy to prepare.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or even as an indulgent weeknight treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and can be adjusted for dairy-free diets with using plant-based butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 filet mignons, 8 ounces each, 1½-2 inches thick: The star ingredient; look for high-quality beef for the best flavor and tenderness.
2 slices bacon: Adds flavor and a delightful crunch. You can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
1½ teaspoons coarse salt: Enhances the flavor of the steaks. Feel free to experiment with flavored salts for added depth.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a bit of heat. Freshly ground black pepper lends the best flavor.
2-3 tablespoons peanut oil (or another high smoke point oil): Perfect for searing; it won’t burn at high temperatures. Can substitute with canola or grapeseed oil.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: The base for the cowboy butter; unsalted ensures you can control the saltiness.
2 teaspoons minced chives: Adds a mild onion flavor—green onions are a suitable alternative.
2 teaspoons minced parsley: Freshness to the cowboy butter; you can also use cilantro for a different flavor.
2 garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced: Brings in a layer of savory aroma; use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
1 teaspoon dijon mustard: For a tangy kick that complements the meat wonderfully.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brightens the flavors; lemon juice can also work if zest isn’t available.
¾ teaspoon paprika: Adds a lovely color and smokiness; smoked paprika intensifies the flavor.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: To ensure the cowboy butter is well-seasoned.
½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme: Its earthy notes enhance the overall profile; dried thyme is acceptable in a pinch.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Balances seasoning in the cowboy butter.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat; leave it out if you prefer a milder taste.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

Prepare the Filets: Begin by placing the filet mignons on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Generously salt all sides with 1½ teaspoons of coarse salt and let the steaks sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours. This helps enhance flavor and tenderness.

Make the Cowboy Butter: Whisk together the softened unsalted butter, minced chives, parsley, garlic, dijon mustard, lemon zest, paprika, kosher salt, thyme, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined, then cover and pop it into the refrigerator. The cowboy butter can be made up to 3 days in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Wrap the Bacon: Take the bacon slices and carefully wrap them around each filet, overlapping slightly. Secure the ends with toothpicks to keep everything in place. Season the wrapped filets on all sides with freshly cracked black pepper for that extra flavor burst.

Sear in a Hot Skillet: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of peanut oil and allow it to heat for about 1 minute until shimmering. Place the bacon-wrapped filets in the hot skillet, searing them without moving for 2-3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Turn the filets to sear the other side for another 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning the bacon, then sear each side for about 1 minute, ensuring the bacon gets crispy.

Baste for Flavor: Add 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared cowboy butter to the skillet. Use a spoon to baste the filets regularly with the melted butter. Continue cooking and basting for 2-3 additional minutes per side, aiming for a temperature of around 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part ensures perfect doneness.

Rest the Filets: Once cooked to your liking, remove the filet mignons from the skillet. Top each one with an additional tablespoon of cowboy butter, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 10-15 minutes so the juices redistribute, making for a juicier steak.

Serve and Enjoy: After resting, remove the toothpicks from each filet. Serve alongside any remaining cowboy butter, softened or melted, as a dipping sauce for added richness.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the bacon-wrapped filets to cool before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply place them in an oven set to 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, though keep in mind that the texture might not be as optimal as when freshly cooked.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the filet mignon; using a meat thermometer is your best friend for perfect doneness.
Let the steaks sit uncovered at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking, which helps achieve a more even cook.
If your bacon isn’t pre-cooked, you might consider partially cooking it first to render some fat and achieve perfect crispiness.
Stir the cowboy butter occasionally while resting the filets to ensure it remains a consistent texture for dipping.
If you have extra cowboy butter, it’s delicious melted over vegetables, potatoes, or even seafood!

Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon with Cowboy Butter not only satisfies your cravings for a decadent meal but also allows for some thoughtful gourmet touches right at home. With its blend of savory, buttery goodness and the tender texture of the filet, this dish invites experimentation and creativity. Enjoy crafting this delightful meal that’s sure to impress!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different meats instead of filet mignon?

Absolutely! You can substitute filet mignon with sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut’s thickness to ensure tenderness.

How do I prevent the bacon from becoming soggy?

To avoid soggy bacon, ensure the filets are well-seasoned and let them rest uncovered before cooking. Using high enough heat during searing also helps to render the fat and crisps the bacon.

Can I make the cowboy butter in advance?

Yes! The cowboy butter can be made 2-3 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit out for a bit to soften before serving.

What’s the best way to check the doneness of the steak?

Using an instant-read digital meat thermometer is the easiest way to check. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F, and for medium, aim for 140°F. This way, you can ensure perfect doneness every time.

More Dinner Recipes

👉 If you make my Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.

Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon