Spinach-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin

Spinach-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
by: Taste of Home

yields 12 servings

Ingredients
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
4 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced, divided
2 packages (10 ounces each) fresh spinach leaves
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 whole beef tenderloin (about 3-1/2 pounds), trimmed
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Directions
In a large nonstick skillet, saute mushrooms and onions in 1 tablespoon oil for 2 minutes. Add half of the garlic; cook until mushrooms are tender. Add spinach, 1/2 teaspoon salt and cayenne. Cook until the spinach is wilted. Remove from the heat; set aside.

Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of tenderloin to within 3/4 in. of bottom. Open so meat lies flat. Spread with spinach stuffing. Fold one side of meat over stuffing; tie several times with kitchen string. Rub remaining oil over beef. Combine the onion powder, pepper and remaining garlic and salt; rub over beef. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.

Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 40-55 minutes or until a meat thermometer reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, meat thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°). Let stand for 10 minutes. Remove string before slicing.

Nutrition Facts: One serving (4 ounces stuffed beef) equals 242 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 82 mg cholesterol, 293 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 29 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.