How to Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon to Perfection

Bacon wrapped filet mignon is a steakhouse classic for a reason – the combination of tender filet mignon and smoky, salty bacon is simply sublime. While fresh filet is ideal, cooking frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon is easy with the right techniques

Follow this guide to learn how to cook frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon steaks so they turn out perfectly juicy and flavorful every time.

Ingredients

  • 4 frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil for brushing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Allow Steak to Thaw Slightly

  • Place the frozen steaks on a plate and allow to sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes.
  • This quick thaw firms them up slightly so the bacon stays wrapped.

Thawing just until the steaks can be handled prevents over-thawing and potential bacterial growth.

Cook Over Medium High Heat

  • Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Cast iron works great.
  • Brush both sides of steaks lightly with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Place steaks in the hot skillet bacon-side down. Cook 4 minutes without moving.
  • Flip steaks and cook 4 minutes more for medium rare doneness.
  • Remove steaks to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking over slightly higher heat ensures the bacon browns while the center of the steak stays pink

Cook Covered If Preferring Well Done

For well done steaks:

  • Follow steps above but after flipping, place a lid on the skillet.
  • Continue cooking covered for 6-8 minutes until an instant read thermometer shows 135°F for well done.

The lid traps heat to thoroughly cook through without over-browning the exterior

Bake in the Oven

Baking in the oven also works well:

  • Place steaks on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes for medium rare, 20 minutes for well done.
  • Broil 2-3 minutes at the end to crisp bacon if needed.

The rack allows air flow and prevents steaming for better browning.

Finish on the Grill

Get smoky flavor by finishing on the grill:

  • Partially thaw steaks as directed.
  • Sear steaks in a hot skillet just 1 minute per side.
  • Finish on medium-high grill, 4 minutes per side for medium rare.

The quick sear prevents sticking before the short time on the grill.

Microwave to Partially Thaw

If short on time, use the microwave:

  • Arrange steaks in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Microwave at 50% power for 2-3 minutes until just pliable enough to cook.
  • Transfer immediately to the hot skillet or grill and cook as directed.

Microwaving briefly thaws just enough for cooking without fully thawing.

Key Tips for Cooking Frozen Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

Follow these tips for the best results:

  • Partially thaw just until steak is pliable, about 10-20 minutes.
  • Pat steaks dry before seasoning to help browning.
  • Use a digital thermometer to test doneness, not time.
  • Allow steaks to rest before serving for juicier meat.
  • Cook over slightly higher heat to compensate for frozen temps.
  • Reduce time by 2-3 minutes compared to fresh steak.
  • Avoid constant flipping which can unravel the bacon.

With a few simple tricks, frozen bacon wrapped filet cooks up tender and delicious. Enjoy this steakhouse special at home for a fraction of the cost!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Frozen Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

Get answers to common questions about cooking frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon steaks:

Should I thaw the steaks first?

It’s best to thaw just until the surface is slightly pliable, about 10-20 minutes. This firms them up enough to handle without fully thawing. Fully thawing increases risk of bacteria.

Does the bacon need to be thawed too?

No, the bacon can stay frozen. It will thaw and cook through during the cooking process.

What if the bacon unwraps while cooking?

If the bacon starts to unwrap, use tongs to re-wrap it around the steak. Cooking with the seam side down first helps prevent this.

How long does it take to cook frozen vs. fresh?

Cook frozen bacon wrapped filets 2-3 minutes less per side than fresh due to carryover cooking during resting.

Can I use the oven or grill instead?

Yes, searing in a hot skillet then finishing in a 400°F oven or on a medium-hot grill works well too.

Is it safe to eat frozen steak cooked rare?

Cooking from frozen to rare is generally not recommended. Cook to at least medium or use a fully thawed steak for rare.

How can I tell when it’s done without cutting into it?

Use an instant read digital thermometer. 125°F is medium rare, 135°F is medium, and 145°F is well done.

With these simple tips, you can enjoy restaurant-quality bacon wrapped filet mignon from frozen right at home.

Serving Suggestions for Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

Bacon wrapped filet mignon is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take the meal to the next level. Here are serving suggestions:

  • Baked potatoes – Loaded baked potatoes are a steakhouse classic pairing. Top with sour cream, chives, cheese and bacon.

  • Sauteed mushrooms – Meaty mushrooms like cremini or portobello sautéed in garlic and thyme.

  • Roasted asparagus – Fresh asparagus tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper then roasted.

  • Creamed spinach – Creamy spinach with garlic, onion and grated nutmeg.

  • Scalloped potatoes – Thinly sliced potatoes baked with cream and cheese.

  • Brussels sprouts – Halved Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil, garlic and bacon bits.

  • Steakhouse salad – Wedge salad or caesar salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and creamy dressing.

  • Onion rings – Crispy battered onion rings fried up golden and served with ketchup or ranch.

Pair your bacon wrapped filet with one or more rich, indulgent sides for a steakhouse meal at home.

Making a Red Wine Reduction Sauce

Take your bacon wrapped filet to the next level with a rich red wine reduction sauce:

Ingredients:

  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 1⁄2 cup red wine
  • 1⁄2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Cook shallot in a skillet until translucent, 2-3 minutes.
  2. Deglaze pan with red wine, stirring to scrape up browned bits.
  3. Let wine simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add broth and thyme, simmer 10 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove from heat, swirl in butter and season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle this luxurious sauce over your cooked bacon wrapped filet mignon for added flavor and juiciness in every bite.

Getting the Most Out of Leftover Bacon Wrapped Filet

Like any good steak, bacon wrapped filets make fabulous leftovers. Here are tips for repurposing them into tasty new dishes:

  • Dice and add to pasta in a creamy parmesan sauce or tomato sauce.

  • Slice thin and pile on sandwiches with caramelized onions and blue cheese.

  • Dice and combine with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.

  • Slice and toss with salad greens, tomatoes, crumbled bacon and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

  • Chop and fold into risotto or creamy polenta along with sautéed mushrooms.

  • Shred and combine with BBQ sauce, sautéed onions and cheddar cheese for tasty BBQ nachos.

With a little creativity, leftover bacon wrapped filet mignon steaks can be reinvented into all sorts of mouthwatering new dishes.

Cooking frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon has never been easier. Follow these simple tips for tender, juicy steaks encased in crispy bacon perfection. Surround with indulgent sides and sauce for a restaurant-worthy meal you can enjoy at home.

Pan-seared Bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon – Bruce Holley

FAQ

Can filet mignon be cooked from frozen?

It may sound counterintuitive, but cooking steaks straight from the freezer may actually be the ideal way to prepare a delicious steak dinner. This is because a frozen steak is more difficult to overcook. This is especially true for thick-cut steaks, which can be more forgiving during cook time.

How do you cook a filet mignon wrapped in bacon?

To cook a filet mignon wrapped in bacon, season the filet with black pepper before wrapping it in a slice of bacon and use a toothpick to secure the bacon ends to the filet. Remove the filet from the refrigerator, salt it on all sides, and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat a skillet to medium high heat for pan-searing to ensure crispy bacon all around.

How do you cook a filet mignon in the oven?

Let filet mignon sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Sear the filet on each side for 1-2 minutes on the stovetop. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Wrap the bacon around the sides of the filet, using a toothpick to secure the two ends of bacon. Sprinkle the filet with pepper. Transfer the skillet with the seared filet to the oven’s middle rack.

How do you prepare filet mignon for air frying?

To prepare filet mignon for air frying, season all sides and edges of the steaks with salt or dry rub seasoning. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Preheat the air fryer to 400° F for 5 minutes. If you’re going to wrap the filets in bacon, add it at this time. (Passage continues with instructions for wrapping in bacon and cooking the filets in the air fryer.)

Why is bacon used when wrapping a filet mignon?

Wrapping a filet mignon in bacon infuses it with tons of bacon flavor during cooking. The fat from the bacon also helps give the meat a perfectly seared appearance. This not only makes the filet look appealing but also enhances its taste.

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