The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Aldi’s Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon

If you’re a steak lover, you know that filet mignon is one of the most tender, delicious cuts of beef you can buy. Wrapping it in bacon adds an extra layer of smoky, salty flavor that takes this steak to the next level. Luckily, you can find high-quality bacon-wrapped filets pre-packaged and ready to cook at Aldi for an affordable price.

But how exactly do you cook these bacon-wrapped filets from Aldi to juicy, flavorful perfection? Follow this complete guide to learn tips, tricks and step-by-step instructions for cooking Aldi’s bacon-wrapped filets in the oven, on the stovetop or grill. You’ll have a restaurant-quality steak dinner ready in no time!

Selecting the Best Bacon-Wrapped Filet at Aldi

When choosing bacon-wrapped filets at Aldi you first want to check the packaging date to ensure freshness. Look for vacuum-sealed packages without leaks or tears. The meat should be bright red and well marbled with white fat streaks throughout.

For thicker, more tender steaks, select filets that are at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Thinner cuts can dry out and overcook quickly. You want nice wide filet medallions for the bacon to wrap around.

Always pick filets with flexible, thin bacon wrapping. Thick, rigid bacon won’t wrap as neatly and allows less smoke absorption into the meat. Good bacon coverage is key for flavor.

Preparing Bacon-Wrapped Filets for Cooking

Before cooking your Aldi bacon-wrapped filets, follow these tips:

• Remove the steaks from fridge and allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly later.

• Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can inhibit browning.

• Trim off any uneven or excess bacon. You want an even wrap around the sides.

• Season generously with salt, pepper and garlic powder or herb blend.

• Optional: coat with a thin layer of oil or melted butter to promote more browning.

Now the steaks are ready to be cooked using your method of choice!

How to Cook Bacon-Wrapped Filet in the Oven

Cooking in the oven is a foolproof way to get tender, juicy bacon-wrapped filet easily. Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Place filets on sheet and bake for 15 minutes. This partially cooks the insides.

3. Remove pan, carefully flip steaks, and bake 8 more minutes for medium-rare doneness.

4. Check for doneness by taking internal temp (135°F) or doing the finger test.

5. Once done, remove pan, tent foil over steaks and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

The hot oven air will crisp up and render out the fatty bacon while gently roasting the filet interior to juicy perfection.

Pan-Seared Stovetop Method

For a quick weeknight dinner, you can cook Aldi’s bacon-wrapped filets right on the stovetop with this technique:

1. Heat a cast iron or stainless steel pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add 1 tbsp oil and carefully place steaks in the hot pan. Do not move for 3 minutes to get a good sear.

3. Flip steaks over using tongs and cook another 2-3 minutes, basting with butter.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pan, and cook for 5 more minutes until medium-rare.

5. Remove steaks to a plate and tent with foil to rest before serving.

The initial high heat helps develop a beautiful crust while finishing covered allows the filet to cook gently.

Grilling for Extra Smoky Flavor

The grill adds incredible smoky flavor to the bacon-wrapped filets. Follow these grilling steps:

1. Preheat grill to high heat, 500°F. Oil grates well.

2. Place filets diagonally across grates to get crisscross marks.

3. Grill uncovered for 2 minutes per side to get nice char marks.

4. Move steaks to cooler side of grill, close lid, and cook for 8 more minutes, flipping once halfway through.

5. Check doneness and remove steaks when medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes.

The hot direct grilling followed by gentler indirect cooking gives you the perfect combo of seared crust and tender interior.

Checking for Doneness

No matter which cooking method you use, always check bacon-wrapped filets for doneness using a meat thermometer for best accuracy.

Insert into thickest portion of steak and avoid bones or fat. Medium-rare is 135°F and medium is 145°F. Well-done is 160°F but not recommended for tender filet mignon.

If you don’t have a thermometer, do the finger test by comparing firmness of meat to relaxation of hand muscles. Rare is a loose fist, medium-rare is thumb and index finger, medium is thumb and middle finger.

Let steak rest at least 5 minutes before slicing into it to allow juices to redistribute. Now you’re ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked Aldi bacon-wrapped filet!

Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas

Bacon-wrapped filets deserve some delicious accompaniments! Here are some serving ideas:

• Steakhouse-style – Serve with baked potato, creamed spinach and sautéed mushrooms

• Surf and turf – Pair with grilled shrimp or lobster tails

• Southwest – Top with pico de gallo salsa and queso fresco

• Steak salad – Slice over a bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, avocado

• Sandwich – Slice and place on toasted French bread with caramelized onions

• Breakfast – Top with a fried egg and enjoy with homefries

• Fajitas – Slice and serve in flour tortillas with peppers and onions

However you choose to serve them, Aldi’s bacon-wrapped filets are sure to impress. Now that you’re armed with these foolproof cooking tips, you can enjoy restaurant-quality steakhouse flavor easily at home. Dig in and savor the tender, juicy filet and smoky bacon in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about cooking Aldi’s bacon-wrapped filets? Here are some commonly asked questions:

How long do the bacon-wrapped filets take to cook?

Cooking time can vary based on thickness of steaks and doneness level. For 1-inch thick filets, allow about 15 minutes in the oven, 8-10 minutes pan-searing, or 10 minutes grilling. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

You can prep the raw steaks up to 24 hours in advance by seasoning them and refrigerating tightly wrapped. Do not partially cook them before final cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover bacon-wrapped filet?

Gently reheat leftover filets in a low oven or pan on the stovetop with butter or sauce to keep moist. Do not microwave.

Do I need to let the steaks come to room temp before cooking?

Yes, letting them sit out for 30 minutes leads to more even cooking results. Pat dry before cooking as well.

Should I flip the steaks often while cooking?

No, only flip once halfway through cooking to get an evenly browned crust on both sides. Frequent flipping can lead to uneven doneness.

Cooking Bacon-Wrapped Filet on a Budget

Enjoying restaurant-quality bacon-wrapped filet at home doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips for cooking this steak on a budget:

• Wait for sales and stock up when bacon-wrapped filets are on special at Aldi. They freeze well for later use.

• Substitute standard bacon for the name brand wraps to save significantly.

• Ask the butcher counter to custom wrap filets to your thickness and bacon coverage preferences.

• Opt for choice grade filet rather than prime to trim costs. You’ll still get tender steak.

• Skip sides and fancy add-ons. Focus budget on the steaks as the star of the meal.

• Make use of leftover steaks in other dishes like breakfast, sandwiches, salads, fajitas.

• Cook for two and make it a romantic at-home date night instead of an expensive restaurant meal.

With smart shopping and cooking techniques, you can cook Aldi’s bacon-wrapped filets for a special meal that won’t break the bank. Who needs a steakhouse when you can make restaurant-worthy filet mignon at home?

Troubleshooting Common Bacon-Wrapped Filet Problems

Cooking bacon-wrapped filets seems simple but little mistakes can lead to undesirable results. Follow these tips to troubleshoot common issues:

Bacon isn’t getting crispy – Make sure your cooking temp is hot enough. 400°F+ for oven and medium-high heat on stovetop or grill is ideal. Also check that bacon fully covers steak without gaps.

Filet is overcooked and dry – Don’t cook it too long or use too high heat. Pull it off heat at 135°F for medium-rare. Letting rest before cutting also keeps juices in.

Steak has no crust or sear – Make sure pan, grill or oven is hot before cooking. Don’t overcrowd pan. Flip only once during stovetop cooking for an even sear.

Bacon wrap falls off – Secure bacon thoroughly to steak before cooking with toothpicks if needed. Also avoid moving steaks around too much during cooking.

Inside of steak is raw – Your oven or pan wasn’t hot enough. Make sure to preheat properly before adding steaks. Grill or pan-sear first for a few minutes to build crust before finishing cook.

Flavors are bland – This premium cut needs very little added seasoning but be sure to liberally season the exterior before cooking. Salt, pepper and garlic powder provide lots of flavor.

With these troubleshooting tips in mind, you can easily avoid pitfalls and cook perfect bacon-wrapped filet mignon from Aldi every time!

Conclusion

Thanks for learning all my tips and advice for cooking Aldi’s convenient and affordable bacon-wrapped filets. With the step-by-step instructions, you can achieve tender, juicy and flavorful restaurant-quality steaks easily right at home.

Now it’s time to put your skills to the test. Grab a pack of these premium steaks from your local Aldi, and get ready to wow your family or guests with your very own steakhouse meal. Just don’t forget the indulgent sides and a nice glass of red wine or whiskey to complement these bacon-wrapped beauties. Happy grilling!