Roast Beef Tenderloin is the centerpiece of many festive tables during the holiday season, but it will elevate any occasion at any time of the year. Whether it’s a Christmas dinner, a cozy family celebration, or an elegant dinner party, this easy recipe delivers a juicy and tender mouthwatering experience. It’s easy to prepare but promises a luxurious texture and flavor, making it a great recipe choice for those seeking to impress guests with minimal effort. When cooked to perfection, its medium-rare temperature and juicy interior, encased in a golden-brown crust, are a true testament to the art of cooking. Even if it’s your first time, you’ll find that this roast beef tenderloin recipe guides you through each step with ease, ensuring that your dish turns out as delicious as it is visually appealing. This dish is perfect for Christmas Day, a New Year’s dinner party, and so many other special occasions; it’s sure to impress your guests! For more delicious center-piece-worthy dishes, try my Garlic & Herb Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb, Roast Turkey with Butter Herb Rub, Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey, Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, and my Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb!
Why We Love This Recipe
Easily customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices! This recipe makes an impressive centerpiece for any special occasion, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal too. Ready in less than an hour, it’s the perfect recipe to make a delicious meal while allowing you more time for other dishes and your guests!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Beef Tenderloin
Beef Tenderloin – The most tender cut of beef with a lean profile. Choose a whole tenderloin for a show-stopping presentation. Salt & Pepper – Use coarse kosher salt to enhance the natural flavor of the beef and freshly ground black pepper to add a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the meat. Butter – Salted butter is best for rubbing on the tenderloin, as it adds richness and helps form a delicious crust. Dijon Mustard – Provides a tangy contrast to the meat’s richness and helps the herbs stick to the tenderloin. Thyme – Use dried thyme for a flavorful pairing with the beef. Olive Oil – I’ve used extra virgin olive oil for searing the meat as it has a higher smoke point and adds a subtle flavor. Mushrooms – Brown mushrooms are ideal to add a savory, earthy element when cooked alongside the beef.
Cream Sauce
Butter – Salted butter will be the base of the sauce, adding richness and a great buttery flavor. Onion Powder & Garlic Powder – These seasonings offer depth and warmth to the sauce. Thyme – Use dried thyme to flavor the sauce, and complement the beef. Whole Milk – Creates the creamy, luscious texture of the sauce. Beef Broth – Adds depth of flavor and substance to the sauce. Parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan is best here if you have it, to add a nutty, salty dimension to the sauce. Salt & Pepper – Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to adjust the seasoning when the sauce is ready.
Equipment
You’ll want to use a reliable digital instant-read thermometer (affiliate link) to accurately read the internal temperature so you can gauge the degree of doneness. While a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure accurate doneness, you can also use the finger test in a pinch. Press the meat with your finger; if it feels very firm with little give, it’s closer to well-done.
How to Make Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Beef Tenderloin
Cream Sauce
Tips for Success
I plan on 4-6 ounces of beef tenderloin per person when figuring out how many people I will be able to serve from one beef tenderloin. Obviously, this depends on your family’s appetites, but for us, a 2-3-pound beef tenderloin roast will easily feed 6–8 guests. Searing the beef before roasting it will help seal in the juices, giving the beef extra flavor. Beef tenderloin needs to rest for 10–15 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute. Do not skip this step.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use milk with a low-fat content, but this may alter the texture and flavor of the sauce. Try adding some sliced carrots, slices of pear, chunky onions, or zucchini to the roast to add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish. Get creative and use your favorite herbs and spices to change or add flavor to the roast. Use a creamy horseradish sauce or a red wine sauce instead of the mushroom sauce for a different flavor.
More Company Dinner Recipes
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Mom’s Chicken Cordon Bleu Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa Garlic & Herb Roast Boneless Leg of Lamb
I always try to include some kind of potato (great for soaking up the gravy!) colorful vegetables, and bread on the side with beef tenderloin roast. Here are some of my favorites:
Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes Duchess Potatoes Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Bacon Wrapped Asparagus French Green Beans with Dijon Vinaigrette Cornbread Dressing Winter Pear, Pomegranate & Swiss Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Challah Bread Soft & Fluffy Lion House Rolls
Beef Wellington Recipe
Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb Recipe
Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
