Beef Wellington is a classic dish that consists of a tender filet mignon wrapped in puff pastry. It’s delicious when freshly made, but leftovers can dry out when reheated. Follow these simple steps to revive day-old Beef Wellington so it tastes almost as good as new.
Should You Refrigerate Leftover Beef Wellington?
Yes, you should refrigerate leftover Beef Wellington within 2 hours of cooking. The USDA recommends refrigerating cooked meat within this timeframe to prevent bacteria growth. Place cooled Beef Wellington in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. Properly stored, Beef Wellington will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Leftover Beef Wellington?
Freezing is a great way to preserve Beef Wellington for longer storage. Allow the Beef Wellington to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Reheating Refrigerated Beef Wellington
Here are some tips for reheating refrigerated Beef Wellington:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place Beef Wellington on a baking sheet and bake until heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the center reaches 165°F.
- Cover with foil to prevent over-browning if needed.
- For a crisper pastry, uncover and broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
Tips for Reheating Frozen Beef Wellington
To reheat Beef Wellington from frozen:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake still wrapped for 45 minutes.
- Unwrap and bake until heated through, about 15 more minutes.
- Broil 1 to 2 minutes to recrisp the pastry.
Can You Microwave Leftover Beef Wellington?
It’s not recommended to microwave Beef Wellington. The puff pastry will become soggy and rubbery in the microwave. Oven heating is best to maintain the crispy texture of the pastry.
How to Keep the Pastry Crispy
The puff pastry wrapping is part of what makes Beef Wellington so delicious. Follow these tips for keeping it crispy when reheating:
- Use oven heating, not the microwave.
- Cover with foil if pastry browns too quickly, then uncover for the last 1-2 minutes under the broiler.
- Brush with egg wash before reheating for an extra glossy sheen.
- Place on a baking sheet or pizza stone for crisper bottom crust.
- Don’t overbake or the pastry may dry out. Reheat just until hot.
How to Prevent the Filling from Drying Out
The filet mignon inside can dry out when reheating Beef Wellington. Here are some solutions:
- Slice and serve any leftovers within 3 to 4 days while the filling is still moist.
- Cover with foil while reheating to keep steam in.
- Brush with beef or chicken stock to add moisture.
- Top with sauce, such as mushroom or red wine sauce.
- Stir in pan juices collected when initially baked.
Serving Suggestions
Transform leftover Beef Wellington into a whole new dish. Consider these serving suggestions:
- Beef Wellington Benedict: Slice Beef Wellington and serve on a toasted English muffin with poached egg and hollandaise sauce.
- Beef Wellington Salad: Dice Beef Wellington and serve over mixed greens with blue cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Beef Wellington Sliders: Slice Beef Wellington, place on mini buns, and top with desired condiments like onion jam or garlic aioli.
Storage Times for Leftover Beef Wellington
Here is a quick reference for how long Beef Wellington will last refrigerated or frozen:
| Storage Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3 to 4 days |
| Freezer | 2 to 3 months |
Conclusion
With proper storage and reheating, Beef Wellington leftovers can taste nearly as amazing as the freshly baked dish. Allow to cool before refrigerating or freezing, then reheat thoroughly in the oven. Use foil to prevent drying, uncover at the end for crispy pastry, and add sauce or pan juices if needed. Leftover Beef Wellington also shines in creative recipes like Benedict, salads, or sliders. Follow these tips for enjoying Beef Wellington again and again.
