Beef tenderloin recipe

Name: Beef tenderloin recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) beef tenderloin; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme; 2 tbsp butter

Beef tenderloin recipes offer a tender, juicy, and flavorful cut that’s perfect for special meals or cozy family dinners. This versatile recipe works for busy evenings or more relaxed weekend cooking. I often start by seasoning the beef simply, letting it rest while I prepare sides. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it a comforting and satisfying option that doesn’t require complicated techniques. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for two, beef tenderloin provides a rich, flavorful centerpiece that pairs beautifully with simple vegetables or a light sauce, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable for home cooking.

a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin steak medium rare 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These beef tenderloin recipes are flavorful, simple, and flexible. The tender cut cooks quickly and evenly, so it’s forgiving for beginners yet impressive for guests. It works well for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or small gatherings, and leftovers reheat beautifully without losing texture. Ingredients are straightforward and budget-friendly when planned carefully. You can season simply or experiment with herbs, spices, or sauces to match your taste. The versatility and rich flavor make beef tenderloin recipes cozy, satisfying, and practical, giving you a recipe you’ll return to again and again for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin steak medium rare

Ingredients

Tip: Choose a center-cut beef tenderloin for the most even cooking and tenderness.

1 (2–3 lb) beef tenderloin, trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tbsp butter
½ cup beef broth or red wine (optional for sauce)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)

all ingredients for a beef tenderloin recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Trim excess fat and silver skin from the beef. Pat it dry, season all sides with salt, pepper, and herbs. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side, locking in flavor and juices.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add butter and garlic to the pan. Spoon melted butter and garlic over the beef. If desired, pour in beef broth or wine to create a base for a simple pan sauce.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 15–25 minutes, depending on size and desired doneness. Let beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan sauce if using.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Beef tenderloin cooks quickly and can be prepped in advance by trimming and seasoning. Pan-searing then oven-roasting simplifies the process, and leftovers reheat nicely without drying out. It’s practical, impressive, and provides a rich, satisfying meal even when time is limited.

Tips & Tricks

Let beef rest before slicing. Resting redistributes juices and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Don’t skip searing. A golden crust locks in flavor and gives a visually appealing finish.
Use a meat thermometer. Check for 130°F for medium-rare, preventing overcooking.
Customize seasoning. Simple salt, pepper, and herbs work well; add garlic or mustard for extra flavor without overwhelming the meat.

Variations

Meaty Version
Top with a simple pan sauce made from seared drippings, beef broth, and a touch of wine. Adds richness without altering cooking time.

Vegetarian Option
Serve roasted vegetables or mushrooms as the main dish with similar seasonings, offering a hearty and flavorful alternative.

Ingredient Swap
Swap fresh herbs for dried or add smoked paprika for subtle warmth and depth in the flavor profile.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Brush with garlic butter or a mustard-herb glaze before roasting. This adds aroma, color, and extra depth to the tender beef.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Plate
Slice and serve with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables for a simple, cozy dinner.
With Sauce
Drizzle pan sauce or mushroom gravy over slices for added flavor and moisture.
Family Meal
Serve alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad to create a balanced, comforting meal.
Special Occasion
Plate with roasted root vegetables and a light wine reduction for a more elegant, festive presentation.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Store cooled, sliced beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep pan sauce separately if used.
Reheating
Warm gently in the oven or skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying.
Freezing
Freeze cooked beef in slices with airtight wrapping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips
Trim, season, and rest beef ahead of time. Sear and roast when ready to serve, reducing active cooking time.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains 350–450 calories. Protein ranges from 30–40 grams per serving. Key nutrients include iron and vitamin B12. Values are estimates and vary based on portion size and specific ingredients.

FAQs

Yes, trim and season in advance; roast when ready to serve.

Overcooking, which dries out the tenderloin; use a thermometer to ensure desired doneness.

Yes, rosemary, thyme, or parsley all work well.

Searing too long at high heat or skipping resting can result in a firmer texture.

Up to 3 days in the fridge; slices freeze for 1–2 months.

Conclusion

These beef tenderloin recipes are approachable, tender, and flavorful, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You can customize herbs, sauces, or seasoning to your liking, and leftovers reheat well for practical meal prep. With simple steps and rich flavor, each meal is comforting and satisfying, making beef tenderloin a versatile centerpiece to enjoy again and again.