Print

Valentine’s Filet Mignon Dinner for Two

Valentine’s Filet Mignon Dinner for Two - featured image

A romantic, restaurant-worthy filet mignon dinner for two featuring perfectly seared steaks, creamy mashed potatoes, and garlicky green beans. This easy skillet-to-oven method ensures a juicy, tender steak with minimal stress—perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 filet mignon steaks (68 oz each, about 1.5 inches thick; USDA Choice or Prime recommended)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other high smoke point oil)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced (or roasted garlic)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (or half-and-half; non-dairy milk if needed)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Lemon zest, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring the steaks to room temperature by removing them from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, mash together 3 tablespoons softened butter, 1 minced garlic clove, parsley, and (optional) thyme. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Place potato chunks in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain well.
  4. Return potatoes to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup milk. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.
  5. Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch green beans for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place rack in the middle position.
  7. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add steaks. Sear without moving for 2-3 minutes per side, until a deep brown crust forms.
  8. Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Cook 4-7 minutes more, depending on thickness and preferred doneness (Rare: 120°F, Medium-rare: 130°F, Medium: 140°F, Medium-well: 150°F).
  9. Transfer steaks to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 5-10 minutes.
  10. In the same skillet (wipe out any burnt bits if necessary), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, then toss in blanched green beans. Sauté 2-3 minutes until heated through and lightly golden. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if desired.
  11. Spoon mashed potatoes onto warm plates. Top with filet mignon and a generous dollop of garlic herb butter. Arrange green beans alongside. Pour a little pan juice over everything if desired.

Notes

Let steaks rest before and after cooking for juiciness. Pat steaks dry for best sear. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Herb butter can be made ahead. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and non-dairy milk. Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash for low-carb. Tent cooked steaks with foil to keep warm while finishing sides.

Nutrition

Keywords: Valentine's Day, filet mignon, romantic dinner, steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, date night, easy, skillet, oven, special occasion