Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Mustard Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef medallions pan-seared to perfection and served with a smooth mustard cream sauce with regional flair. This french-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 French cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 beef tenderloin medallions and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a deep brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Remove medallions to a warm plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp finely chopped shallots to the skillet. Sauté shallots for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup beef broth, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and spoon the mustard cream sauce over the beef medallions before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Mustard Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Mustard Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Mustard Cream Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Mustard Cream Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Mustard Cream Sauce?

French beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.