Pan-Seared Texas Regional Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle Sauce
Tender beef medallions seared to perfection and topped with a smoky chipotle sauce inspired by Texas regional flavors, served with roasted vegetables. This american-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes blends 6 oz each beef tenderloin medallions, olive oil, salt 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 450 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each beef tenderloin medallions
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 peppers, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup, sliced roasted carrots
- 1 cup, halved roasted baby potatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 beef tenderloin medallions (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the beef medallions to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Remove medallions and tent with foil.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil along with 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the beef medallions to the skillet and spoon the smoky chipotle sauce over them. Heat through for 1 minute.
- Step 6: Serve the beef medallions with 1 cup roasted carrots and 1 cup roasted baby potatoes seasoned with salt and pepper, completing a hearty Texas regional-inspired plate.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Texas Regional Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Texas Regional Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle 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 Texas Regional Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle 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 Texas Regional Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle 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 Texas Regional Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle Sauce?
American 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.