Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Beef Tenderloin is one of the best cuts of meat, so it deserves to be cooked right. This tenderloin roast is perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Learn how to cook the perfect tenderloin for an amazing main course dish to serve on the holidays or special occasions. This is the best tenderloin recipe, just wait and see!

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Table of Contents

What’s in this Beef Tenderloin Recipe?

This roast is just so good. This dish comes out so moist and flavorful, it’s absolutely to die for! The best main course for a big feast.It takes time to prepare, but it’s well worth it. Make sure you get it in the refrigerator a day or so ahead of time to get the process started.

  • Beef Tenderloin: You’ll want to get a center-cut tenderloin (also known as chateaubriand).
  • Kosher Salt: Helps to dry the outer surface, leading to more browning.
  • Black Peppercorns: Add a bit of spice.
  • Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter adds nuttiness and richness.
  • Fresh Thyme: Adds a rich herbal flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor and a pungent aroma.
  • Shallot: Adds a touch of sweetness.
  • Sauce: Brandy Peppercorn Sauceor Mustard Cream Sauce are perfect pairings for this tenderloin.

Pro Tip: Prep early! The beef needs to be seasoned and refrigerated for at least 8 hours, but I recommend going up to 24-48 hours.

Variations on a Beef Tenderloin Roast

You can change up the spices and sauces for this tenderloin to give it a different flavor. Rosemary, sage, parsley, cilantro, or chives are all great choices. A balsamic glaze, apple cider sauce, aji verde, or chimichurri sauce would also change up the flavor.

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Is beef tenderloin the same as filet mignon?

Yes and no. Filet mignon is part of the tenderloin, so all filet mignon is tenderloin, but not all tenderloin is filet mignon.

How many people does a 3-pound beef tenderloin feed?

No matter the size of your roast, you should plan on about ½-pound of beef per person. So, a 3-pound tenderloin will feed 6 people.

What seasoning do you put on beef tenderloin?

Before cooking, rub the tenderloin with salt and pepper, then refrigerate. This is just the initial seasoning, but most of the flavor is added during the basting and broiling phase. We’re using a seasoned butter marinade (with shallots, garlic, and thyme), and it adds so much flavor!

How should tenderloin be cooked?

There are so many different ways to cook beef tenderloin. This method opts for reverse searing it in the oven, which I think is arguably the best method!

What temperature do you cook beef tenderloin?

This tenderloin is cooked low and slow at 225°F, then broiled to develop a rich, dark crust.

Why is my beef tenderloin tough?

If your tenderloin is tough, it’s likely that you overcooked it. Tenderloin is best served rare or medium-rare, so I don’t recommend cooking it beyond an internal temperature of 140°F or you’ll risk it turning out tough and dry!

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover roast tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I recommend wrapping the individual slices in aluminum foil and baking in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze tenderloin slices tightly wrapped in 2 layers of aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This tenderloin roast is a really great option for Christmas, Thanksgiving dinner, or Easter dinner. Serve it with plenty of veggies and side dishes to complete the meal. I think it goes great with Honey Glazed Carrots, Roasted Melting Potatoes, Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin, and Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

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Recipe

Best Beef Tenderloin Recipe

4.63 from 79 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 30 minutes minutes

Cook: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total: 10 hours hours

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Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beef tenderloin center-cut (also called chateaubriand)
  • Kosher salt
  • ¼ cup black peppercorns crushed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled and chopped
  • 1 shallot roughly chopped

For Serving (Optional)

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

*READ THROUGH ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES BEFORE STARTING*

    One to Two Days Ahead…

    • Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack inside or over the baking sheet.

    • 3 pounds beef tenderloin

    • Generously season all sides with salt and peppercorns (or pepper).

      Kosher salt, ¼ cup black peppercorns

    • Set the beef on the wire rack and transfer to the refrigerator (uncovered) to chill for at least 8 hours and up to 48 hours.

    When Ready to Cook…

    • Set the oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 225°F.

    • Place the beef with the rack and baking sheet onto the kitchen counter 30 minutes before cooking.

    • After 30 minutes, transfer the tenderloin/rack/baking sheet to the oven and cook 2-3 hours, or until a meat thermometer, placed in the center of the tenderloin, registers 120°-125°. Remove the beef from the oven for 10 minutes and cut off the twine.

    To Finish Under the Broiler…

    • Place the oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element and set the oven to broil.

    • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Melt the butter, while gently swirling the pan, until foaming subsides and butter turns a light brown and has a nutty fragrance (be careful not to burn the butter).

      ½ cup unsalted butter

    • Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the thyme, garlic and shallots. Cook 30-60 seconds after the crackling stops. Pour the seasoned butter through a mesh strainer over a medium bowl.

      4 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 cloves garlic, 1 shallot

    • Pour the butter mixture evenly over the tenderloin and brush with a silicone brush or baste with a spoon until all surfaces are coated.

    • Place the pan with the tenderloin under the broiler and broil, turning every 30 seconds, until meat is browned on all sides, baste each time the meat is turned.

    • Transfer the tenderloin to a cutting board. Let is rest 5-10 minutes and slice into ½–inch slices.

    • To serve, sprinkle with coarse sea salt and chives (if desired) and serve with Brandy Peppercorn Sauce, our personal favorite (see recipe) or Horseradish Sauce (see recipe).

      Coarse sea salt, Brandy Peppercorn Sauce, Mustard Cream Sauce, Chopped fresh chives

    Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

    Becky’s tips

    Recipe adapted from: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Serious Eats

    • This Beef Tenderloin is roasted at a low temperature and, using the reverse-sear technique, then finished under the broiler. Slow cooking the beef first allows for even cooking from the edge to center of the beef. Broiling and basting the tenderloin, at the end of cooking, will add color and flavor.
    • I do not recommend cooking beef tenderloin beyond 140°F, as it can turn dry and tough.
    • Temperature Guide
      • For rare tenderloin: 125-130°F
      • For medium-rare tenderloin: 130-140°F
      • For medium tenderloin: 140-150°F
      • For medium-well tenderloin: 150-160°F
    • Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.

    Storage:Store beef tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition Information

    Serving: 0.5lb Calories: 787kcal (39%) Carbohydrates: 8g (3%) Protein: 43g (86%) Fat: 65g (100%) Saturated Fat: 30g (188%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 25g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 199mg (66%) Sodium: 503mg (22%) Potassium: 847mg (24%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 0.4g Vitamin A: 559IU (11%) Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) Calcium: 70mg (7%) Iron: 6mg (33%)

    Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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    FAQs

    Should beef tenderloin be cooked fast or slow? ›

    The meat will be almost perfectly cooked from edge to edge. Low-and-slow cooking also gives you a larger window of time between that point at which the meat is perfectly cooked and the point when it's overcooked. Once the meat is done, all you've got to do is put a sear on it.

    What is the best temperature to cook a beef tenderloin? ›

    For roasts that are 2 to 3 pounds, roast at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 45 to 50 minutes for medium (150°F) doneness. For roasts weighing 4 to 5 pounds, roast at 425°F for 50 to 60 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 60 to 70 minutes for medium (150°F).

    What does baking soda do to a beef tenderloin? ›

    How to Tenderize Steaks and Chickens with Baking Soda. Baking soda acts as a meat tenderizer by changing the physical composition of meat fibers. It raises the pH levels on the surface and makes it tougher (pun intended) for the proteins in the meat to bond.

    How many does a 5 pound beef tenderloin serve? ›

    The tenderloin itself, once trimmed and cooked, serves about 2-3 people per pound as part of a larger meal, so often anywhere from 12-16 people for a whole one.

    Should you cover beef tenderloin in oven? ›

    Bake uncovered 40 to 50 minutes or until thermometer reads at least 140°F. Cover beef with tent of aluminum foil and let stand about 15 minutes or until thermometer reads 145°F. (Temperature will continue to rise about 5°, and beef will be easier to carve.)

    What is the best cooking method for tenderloin? ›

    The food web and a great many cookbooks (very many of them highly reputable) recommend blasting a tenderloin in a hot oven, 450–500°F (232–260°C), for a relatively short time to cook it, followed by a counter rest.

    Do I need to sear beef tenderloin before cooking? ›

    (Tip: You don't need to sear beef tenderloin before roasting.) Insert an oven-going meat thermometer in the thickest part of the roast. (If you don't have an oven-going meat thermometer, you can check the doneness with an instant-read thermometer near the end of cooking time.)

    How long to cook a tenderloin at 350? ›

    How long to cook pork tenderloin in oven at 350°F: Placed in a baking dish and cooked uncovered, a pork tenderloin will take around 20-27 minutes at 350°F.

    Should you sear beef tenderloin before roasting? ›

    Should you sear beef tenderloin before cooking it? If roasting a tenderloin in the oven, you'll definitely want to sear it to get a golden brown crust. It doesn't take very long, and is so worth the effort.

    What is the secret ingredient to tenderize meat? ›

    Less than a teaspoon of baking soda ensures that your steak remains juicy and tender—even after a speedy marinade. While other recipes demand hours of marinating, this baking soda hack makes a flank steak or any other fibrous cut of beef ready to sear after just an hour.

    How do Chinese make their meat so tender? ›

    While there are several ways to velvet, a pound of meat needs about two teaspoons of cornstarch and two teaspoons of oil, says Leung. You may also include two to three tablespoons of water. For beef, add a 1/4-teaspoon of baking soda for tenderizing. Additional seasonings are optional and vary from recipe to recipe.

    Do you rinse baking soda off meat before cooking? ›

    From there, leave it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. Then take the meat out of the container and rinse it ensuring that all—or most—of the baking soda is off the steak. Then grill the steak and see if you notice the difference!

    What is the difference between filet mignon and tenderloin? ›

    To sum up: Filet mignon is part of a beef tenderloin, but a beef tenderloin is not a filet mignon. Instead, it houses the filet mignon, which comes from the end portion of the tenderloin. The rest of the tenderloin can create other steak cuts or a delicious tenderloin roast to feed the family.

    What goes good with beef tenderloin? ›

    5 Mouth-Watering Sides to Serve with Beef Tenderloin
    • Broccoli Gratin. ...
    • Green Bean and Mushroom Casserole. ...
    • Roasted Butternut Squash with Herb Oil and Goat's Cheese. ...
    • Roasted Capsicum and Cherry Tomatoes with Ricotta. ...
    • Slow-Cooked Garlic Greens.
    Jul 6, 2021

    Which is better prime rib or beef tenderloin? ›

    While both cuts are high in protein, their fat content differs significantly. Beef tenderloin is leaner, making it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake. Prime rib, with its higher fat content, offers a richer taste and more calorie-dense profile.

    How long should beef tenderloin be cooked? ›

    Do not add water or cover the roast and cook to desired doneness, according to the Measuring Doneness and Cooking Times Chart listed below. Roast until a meat thermometer registers 130°F (about 25–30 minutes) for medium-rare doneness or 140°F for medium doneness (about 30–35 minutes).

    How long does it take to cook beef tenderloin at 225 degrees? ›

    Preheat the oven to 225 degrees. Sear the tenderloin in a large skillet using the searing steps above. Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet and move it into the middle of the oven, cooking for 2-4 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 125 degrees.

    Does meat get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›

    Aside from being juicier, slow-cooking makes meat a lot more tender and flavorful. The extra juices help to accomplish this but it's mainly the long-cooking time that brings out the richness of the meat. You're giving the meat a chance to mature in a sense bringing all the flavors to life.

    How do you not overcook beef tenderloin? ›

    Place it in the oven until the temperature reaches just under 140°F, 15 to 20 minutes. Stay near the oven and keep checking the meat thermometer to make sure it doesn't overcook. 7Let the meat stand 10 minutes or so before slicing, so it will have a chance to relax a bit.

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