How to Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon to Perfection

Bacon wrapped filet mignon is a classic steakhouse combo that’s hard to resist. The tender, buttery filet mignon gets wrapped in salty, smoky bacon for an explosion of flavor in every bite. While fresh filet is ideal, cooking frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon is easy with the right techniques.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my tips for cooking frozen bacon wrapped filets perfectly every time. Whether pan searing, baking or grilling, these simple tricks will help you achieve tender, juicy steak encased in crispy bacon perfection. Let’s get cooking!

Thawing Frozen Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

The first step is thawing the frozen steaks just enough so they can be handled for cooking, Here are a few quick thaw options

• Sit at Room Temperature Place the frozen steaks on a plate and let sit for 10-20 minutes This partially thaws the surface so the bacon stays wrapped

• Microwave: Microwave at 50% power for 2-3 minutes until just pliable enough to cook. Transfer immediately to the hot pan or grill.

• Cold Water Bath: Submerge steaks in cold water for 20-30 minutes, changing the water every 10 minutes.

You only want to thaw the steaks until the surface is softened, not completely thawed. This helps avoid over-thawing and potential bacterial growth.

Cooking Methods for Frozen Bacon Wrapped Filet

Once thawed just enough to handle, it’s time to cook the frozen bacon wrapped filets. Here are the best methods:

Pan Sear

Pan searing is my favorite way to cook frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon. Follow these steps:

• Pat steaks dry and season with salt and pepper.

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cast iron or stainless steel work great.

• Add a drizzle of oil to the hot pan.

• Place steaks in the pan bacon-side down. Cook 4 minutes without moving.

• Flip steaks and cook 3-4 minutes more for medium rare.

• Remove steaks to a plate to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Searing over slightly higher heat ensures the bacon browns while the center stays pink. Reduce time by 2-3 minutes compared to fresh steak to account for carryover cooking.

Bake in the Oven

Baking frozen bacon wrapped filets in the oven also works wonderfully:

• Place steaks on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet.

• Bake at 400°F for 13-15 minutes for medium rare doneness.

• For the last 2-3 minutes under the broiler to crisp the bacon.

The rack allows air flow for better browning. Bake for 2-3 minutes less than fresh steak.

Grill

Get smoky flavor by finishing the steaks on the grill:

• Partially thaw steaks as directed.

• Sear steaks in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side.

• Finish on a medium-high grill, cooking 3-4 minutes per side.

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

Air Fry

Air frying makes frozen bacon wrapped filets extra convenient:

• Partially thaw steaks as directed.

• Season steaks generously with salt, pepper or dry rub.

• Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Check internal temp with a meat thermometer for doneness.

The hot circulating air crisps up the bacon wonderfully.

Slow Cooker

For the easiest preparation, use a slow cooker:

• Add frozen steaks to the slow cooker and cover with broth, wine or sauce.

• Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2-3 hours.

• The low gentle heat perfectly tenderizes the meat.

• Finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp bacon if needed.

Set it and forget it!

Cooking Tips for Frozen Bacon Wrapped Filet

Follow these tips for the best results when cooking frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon:

• Partially thaw just until steak is pliable, about 10-20 minutes.

• Pat steaks very dry before seasoning to help with browning.

• Brush steaks with oil or beef tallow to promote browning.

• Use tongs to re-wrap any bacon that starts to unwrap while cooking.

• Cook over slightly higher heat than fresh to compensate for the frozen temperature.

• Reduce cook time by 2-3 minutes compared to fresh steaks.

• Avoid constant flipping which can make the bacon unravel.

• Let steaks rest at least 5 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

Checking Doneness of Frozen Bacon Wrapped Filet

With frozen steaks, using a digital meat thermometer is the most reliable way to test doneness. Here are the ideal internal temperatures:

• Rare: 125°F

• Medium Rare: 130-135°F

• Medium: 135-140°F

• Medium Well: 140-145°F

• Well Done: Above 145°F

If you don’t have a thermometer, check for visual cues:

• Rare: Deep red center

• Medium Rare: Warm red center

• Medium: Pink with touch of red

• Medium Well: Light pink center

• Well Done: No pink

Let the steaks rest at least 5 minutes before slicing into them to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some indulgent sides that pair wonderfully with bacon wrapped filet mignon:

• Loaded baked potatoes
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Roasted asparagus
• Creamed spinach
• Scalloped potatoes
• Brussels sprouts
• Steakhouse salad
• Onion rings

Serve your bacon wrapped filets with one or more rich, flavorful sides for a special restaurant-quality meal at home.

Make a Red Wine Reduction

Take your bacon wrapped filets over the top with a red wine reduction sauce:

• Cook shallots and garlic in butter until softened.

• Deglaze with red wine and reduce by half.

• Add beef broth and thyme. Simmer until thickened.

• Swirl in cold butter just before serving.

This luxurious sauce adds even more flavor to every succulent bite of your bacon wrapped filet mignon.

Freezing Leftovers

Like any good steak, leftover bacon wrapped filets freeze wonderfully. To freeze:

• Let steaks cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

• Place in freezer bags or airtight containers.

• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.

• Label with contents and freeze up to 3 months.

Thaw steaks overnight in the fridge before reheating to serve again.

Buying Frozen Bacon Wrapped Filet

Many stores sell frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon steaks for an easy shortcut. Here are some top brands to look for:

• Omaha Steaks
• Allen Brothers
• Rastelli’s
• Double R Ranch
• Kansas City Steaks Co.
• Holy Grail Steak Co.

Check your local grocery freezer section or order online for convenient fully cooked options.

Freezing Your Own Bacon Wrapped Filets

You can also save time by freezing your own homemade bacon wrapped filet mignon steaks:

• Wrap tenderloin steaks with bacon and secure with toothpicks.

• Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Freeze for 2-3 hours until firm.

• Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers.

• Remove as much air as possible and seal.

• Label with contents and freeze up to 3 months.

Now you’ve got restaurant-quality steaks ready anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon?

Cook frozen bacon wrapped filets for 2-3 minutes less per side than fresh to account for carryover cooking. For a 1-inch steak, pan sear 4 minutes per side for rare, 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Oven bake or grill for a similar time.

Can you cook frozen steak on the grill?

Yes, grilling frozen steak works well, especially for thicker cuts like filet mignon. Partially thaw just until surface is softened. Sear briefly on both sides on the hot grill before moving to indirect heat to finish cooking.

Is it safe to eat frozen steak cooked rare?

Cooking frozen steak rare is not recommended from a food safety standpoint. It’s best to cook frozen beef to at least medium doneness (135°F internal temp) to ensure any bacteria is killed off. For rare steak, start with fully thawed meat.

How do you crisp up the bacon when cooking frozen bacon wrapped filet mignon?

Sear the bacon first in a hot pan until crispy before cooking the steaks.