Ina Garten revealed the holiday dinner she turns to every year—and it's simpler than you might think.
If there’s one thing Ina Garten has taught us over the years, it’s that elegance doesn’t have to be exhausting. Her holiday tables always glow with candlelight and confidence—never chaos. And while many of us default to turkey when December rolls around, Ina reminds us that there are other ways to anchor a festive meal without committing to hours of brining, basting, carving and strategic oven timing.
And in true Barefoot Contessa fashion, her holiday main isn’t about fuss or flash. It’s about choosing one beautiful thing, cooking it well and letting everything else fall into place. When Ina shared what she actually serves for the holidays, her answer felt less like a reveal and more like a quiet masterclass in effortless entertaining.
What is Ina Garten’s favorite holiday meal?
When Ina joined the Allrecipes Homemade podcast for an interview, she said that the holiday meal she leans on when she wants something special without the stress is a simple roasted fillet of beef. This cut is easy to carve, customizable, and as celebratory as a turkey.
The fillet of beef (also commonly known as beef tenderloin) is beloved for its mild flavor, exceptional tenderness and even cooking from end to end. It’s also where filet mignon—the smaller center cut prized for its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture—comes from.
Ina has called beef tenderloin the “easiest meal in the world to make,” while still noting that it feels luxurious—a rare combination that makes it perfectly suited to holiday entertaining. When slow-roasted, the fillet cooks evenly from edge to center, eliminating the guesswork and potentially overcooked parts that can come with larger cuts of meat (or a whole turkey). As Ina puts it, all you have to do is slice it, and you’re met with perfectly rare, rosy beef all the way through. And perhaps best of all, there’s no wrestling with carving forks, wings or wishbones at the table.
But the genius of Ina’s holiday fillet isn’t just in the cut itself—it’s in its versatility, and how you can make it feel new every time you serve it.
What are some ways to dress up a fillet of beef?
One of Ina’s favorite things about the fillet of beef is how naturally it welcomes sauces. You can serve it with cold horseradish sauce, a warm Gorgonzola sauce or even just mustard, and you’ll still end up with a dinner that feels truly special. That flexibility is what makes it such a smart holiday centerpiece—one cut of beef, endless flavor directions.
Taste of Home has plenty of recipes that follow this same “simple yet spectacular” philosophy. Here are a few standout ways to dress up a beef tenderloin for your own holiday table:
- Beef tenderloin and mushroom sauce: Pan-seared tenderloin steaks are finished with a buttery mushroom pan sauce. It’s a beautifully simple dish that still feels worthy of a holiday table.
- Marinated beef tenderloin: This tenderloin rests overnight in a savory soy-based marinade with garlic, herbs and a splash of vinegar. This gives the roast deep, well-seasoned flavor throughout.
- Garlic herbed beef tenderloin: A simple rub of garlic, rosemary and basil perfumes the whole tenderloin as it roasts, creating a seasoned crust and sealing the juices inside. It’s an easy, classic preparation that lets the quality of the beef shine.
- Cranberry-stuffed beef tenderloin: Tart cranberries and shallots are rolled into the center of this elegant tenderloin, adding a bright, festive contrast to the rich beef. It’s served with a silky cranberry-wine sauce that makes each slice feel especially holiday-worthy.
- Crockpot beef tenderloin: This tenderloin simmers low and slow in a richly seasoned tomato-wine sauce until it’s fork-tender. It’s a hands-off option for feeding a crowd, with the slow cooker doing all the work for you.
- Beef tenderloin lollipops: Bite-sized cubes of tenderloin are topped with sweet caramelized onions and tangy blue cheese, then are baked until they’re just cooked through. Skewered for easy serving, these lollipops feel playful and upscale at the same time, making them a fun appetizer for a holiday crowd.
- Horseradish-encrusted beef tenderloin: Roasted garlic and prepared horseradish are mixed into a savory crust that bakes right onto the tenderloin, giving it bold flavor with just the right amount of heat. It’s a striking centerpiece roast that delivers big without the complicated prep.
- Beef tenderloin with pomegranate chutney: Herb-crusted tenderloin is paired with a bright, jewel-toned pomegranate chutney made with apples, shallots and a splash of brandy. The sweet-tart sauce cuts through the richness of the beef, making this one feel especially festive and dinner party–ready.
- Dijon beef tenderloin: Pan-seared tenderloin steaks are served with a buttery Dijon sauce that’s savory and wonderfully tangy. It’s a quick, classic preparation that’s perfect for company or a casual night in.
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