Slow-cooked BBQ beef fillet plated with barbecue sauce and herbs

Tender & Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Beef Fillet

Name: Tender & Juicy Slow-Cooked BBQ Beef Fillet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American BBQ
Ingredients: 1 kg Beef fillet; 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin); 4 pieces Garlic cloves (finely minced); 1 tbsp Smoked paprika; 1 tsp Ground black pepper (freshly cracked); 1.5 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Onion powder; 1 tsp Dried thyme or rosemary; 120 ml BBQ sauce (your favorite); 250 ml Beef broth or water

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medium

4 hour

Nutritional value per serving

Calories420kcal

Carbs3gram

Fat25gram

Protein42gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Beef fillet1 kg
Olive oil (extra virgin)2 tbsp
Garlic cloves (finely minced)4 pieces
Smoked paprika1 tbsp
Ground black pepper (freshly cracked)1 tsp
Salt1.5 tsp
Onion powder1 tsp
Dried thyme or rosemary1 tsp
BBQ sauce (your favorite)120 ml
Beef broth or water250 ml

Enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth BBQ beef fillet slow-cooked to tender perfection. This recipe uses simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions perfect for anyone. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $18 USD, €16 EUR, £14 GBP, and ₹1500 INR. The entire dish contains approximately 420 kcal per serving. Suitable for a high-protein diet and great as a main entrée. Complexity is medium, and total cooking time is 4 hours and 30 minutes, mostly unattended slow cooking.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the beef fillet

1Trim any excess fat from the beef fillet. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear later.

Mix the dry rub

2In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried herbs. Mix thoroughly.

Apply the seasoning

3Rub the olive oil and minced garlic all over the beef fillet. Then, rub the dry seasoning mix evenly on all sides of the fillet.

Sear the beef fillet

4Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the beef fillet in the olive oil for about 2-3 minutes per side until it forms a brown crust. This locks in the juices and adds flavor.

Set up the slow cooker

5Place the seared beef fillet in the slow cooker. Add the BBQ sauce and beef broth around the meat (not pouring directly on top) to keep it moist.

Slow cook the beef

6Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. The slow cooking at low heat breaks down connective tissue making the meat tender. Optionally, cook on high for 2.5 hours if pressed for time.

Check internal temperature

7Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef fillet. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). For medium, 145°F (63°C). The US Department of Agriculture recommends a minimum of 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest for safety.

Rest and serve

8Remove the beef fillet and cover loosely with foil. Rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Cooking Tips

-Use a quality meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature of the beef for safe and perfect doneness.

-Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw beef.

-If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the beef fillet in a low oven (around 120°C/250°F) covered, for about 3 to 4 hours.

-Feel free to substitute dried herbs with fresh rosemary or thyme for a more fragrant flavor.

-Leftover beef fillet can be chilled and used for quick stir-fries, sandwiches, or salads the next day.

Equipment

Slow cooker
Frying pan or skillet
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons and cups

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Beef fillet (1 kg) - approximately $15.00. Look for bright red color and firm texture.
[ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - approximately $0.50 for quantity used. Choose cold-pressed oil.
[ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces) - approximately $0.40. Pick firm, smooth cloves.
[ ] Smoked paprika (1 tbsp) - approximately $0.30. Opt for blended, not powdery texture.
[ ] Ground black pepper (1 tsp) - approximately $0.05. Freshly grind for best flavor.
[ ] Salt (1.5 tsp) - negligible cost. Use sea salt or kosher salt.
[ ] Onion powder (1 tsp) - approximately $0.05. Use fresh stock.
[ ] Dried thyme or rosemary (1 tsp) - approximately $0.10. Check aroma before buying.
[ ] BBQ sauce (120 ml) - approximately $1.00. Choose your favorite brand.
[ ] Beef broth or water (250 ml) - approximately $0.20. Use low-sodium broth for better control.

Total approximate cost: $18.00

FAQ

What internal temperature should beef fillet be cooked to be safe?

Beef fillet should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest period according to USDA guidelines for safe consumption.

Can I use a different cut of beef for slow cooking BBQ?

Yes, tougher cuts like brisket or chuck roast are excellent for slow cooking and BBQ as they become very tender, but beef fillet will be more tender and lean.