Beef Provencale
Beef Provencale features tender beef cooked with savory herbs, layered with seasoned potatoes and topped with a flavorful parsley butter, perfect for hearty family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim excess fat and remove tendon from beef tenderloin.
- In a skillet, heat butter until lightly browned.
- Add beef and brown well on all sides. Sprinkle with half the salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, turning once. Remove beef and keep warm, covering with foil.
- Add water to the skillet, heat, scrape up brownings, and strain juices.
- Peel potatoes and slice thinly.
- Layer potatoes in a lightly greased ovenproof dish, sprinkling remaining salt between layers.
- Pour pan juices over the potatoes.
- Bake at 425°F for about 30 minutes.
- Cut beef into 8 even slices.
- Place slices on top of the baked potatoes.
- Mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley.
- Spread parsley butter over the beef slices.
- Bake at 425°F for about 8 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef tenderloin in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a lighter alternative, you can use olive oil instead of butter. For the potatoes, Yukon gold or red potatoes work well, but feel free to substitute with sweet potatoes for a unique twist. Ensure to keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Provencale pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and a glass of robust red wine. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a light ratatouille for a more traditional French experience. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef and potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but be cautious to avoid drying out the beef.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Provencale contains roughly 535 calories, with 11g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1230mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while beef tenderloin is ideal for tenderness, you can substitute with sirloin or ribeye. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as different cuts may require longer or shorter cooking periods to achieve the desired doneness.
What can I do if I don't have fresh parsley?
If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute, but use it sparingly since the flavor is more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh herbs like thyme or basil can add a different but delightful flavor profile to the dish.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare Beef Provencale ahead of time, cook the beef and potatoes as directed but stop before the final baking step. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake right before serving for optimal freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).