Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin is a stunning main dish that elevates any table. The tenderloins are seared to perfection, topped with herbed garlic butter, and finished in the oven for the most incredible buttery texture. Simple, elegant, and delicious.
I like to let the beef tenderloin shine, so I serve it with simple side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli and parmesan green beans. No matter what you pair this dish with, it’s going to be a gorgeous spread that your guests will absolutely love for Christmas dinner or any special occasion.
I like to let the beef tenderloin stand out. I serve it with simple sides. These sides include mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and parmesan green beans.
No matter what you serve with this dish, it will look beautiful. Your guests will love it for Christmas dinner or any special occasion.
Tell Me About Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin
Amazing Texture: Beef tenderloin is the most tender cut of meat you can get. It’s the same cut as fillet mignon and has the best succulent texture.
Simple Ingredients: The homemade garlic butter sauce requires just four ingredients and infuses every bite of the beef tenderloin with flavor.
Versatile Recipe: You don’t have to save this recipe just for the holidays. Beef tenderloin is my go-to main dish when we want a nice dinner at home, too.
Key Ingredients
Since this is a special dish, I like to use my best ingredients. The garlic butter infuses right into the beef tenderloins, so high-quality butter and fresh aromatics will pack the most flavor.
How Do I Prep Beef Tenderloin?
The tenderloin is a long muscle cut from the middle back of the loin. It tapers at the end. People often confuse it with filet mignon. This makes sense because filet mignon comes from the tip of the beef tenderloin.
To prepare the tenderloin, you’ll need to trim any excess fat or connective tissue. Then, cut it into two equal roasts, tying the tapered ends in, if needed.
You can also have your butcher trim the tenderloins so they’re even in size and ready to cook when you get home. Once prepped, let the tenderloins come to room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
First: Combine the softened unsalted butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme (or your favorite fresh herbs) in a small bowl and set it aside.
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Second: Pat the tenderloin filets dry with a paper towel and season them evenly with kosher salt and pepper.
Third: In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Then, sear all sides of the tenderloins until they’re nice and brown.
Four: Spread the garlic butter on the tenderloins before putting them in a 425°F oven. If you’re using a probe thermometer, insert it now.
Then: Roast the beef in the oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on how done you like it.
Finally: Remove the tenderloins and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing them into 1-inch coins. Enjoy your melt in your mouth beef tenderloin.
What Temperature Do I Cook Beef Tenderloin To?
You can choose how well done you want your beef tenderloins. The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Just keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise about 5 degrees as it rests.
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 135-140°F
- Medium-Well: 140-145°F
Sauce to Pair With Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin
If you like spice, whip up a zesty horseradish sauce. The fresh kick really complements the buttery tenderloin.
Or, you can deglaze the pan with red wine or beef broth and let it reduce. This makes a simple, but super-rich sauce.
I also love to serve sautéed garlic butter mushrooms and onions as a healthy, veggie-packed topping.
How To Store Leftover Beef Tenderloin
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or, you can freeze it for up to 6 months if you need longer storage.
To keep the buttery texture, reheat the tenderloin low and slow in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Beef tenderloin is also just as delicious cold. This means it’s perfect for meal prep and winter salads.
More Garlic Butter Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and comment below! And if you wanna taste more, check out the full collection of delicious dinner recipes here at Primavera Kitchen.
Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin
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Ingredients
- 1 beef tenderloin roast 4 to 4 ½ pounds
- 6 tablespoons softened butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Equipment
- 1 Cast iron skillet
Instructions
- Take the beef tenderloin out of the fridge and let it sit for 1 to 2 hours until it reaches room temperature.
- In a small bowl, mix butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and set aside.
- Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the beef tenderloin in half, trim it, and tie it if needed.
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides for about 10 minutes.
- Spread the herb butter mixture on top of the beef, then place the pan in the oven. If using a probe thermometer, insert it before roasting. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
- Remove the beef from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, remove the twine and slice into 1-inch pieces.
Tips
- Beef tenderloin is best served as soon as it’s finished resting.
- For the best cut, use a sharp knife and take your time.
- Season the beef up to 24 hours ahead of time for even more flavor.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
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