Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe
Oct 22, 2019, Updated Nov 05, 2025
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Make the best roasted beef tenderloin recipe with a simple garlic and herb crust! This beef tenderloin roast turns out perfectly juicy and tender, it practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays or a special dinner, this easy beef tenderloin will impress every time.
Looking to make a lasting impression at your next fancy dinner gathering? Beef tenderloin is the timeless choice for a special centerpiece dish. With this easy and flawless recipe, you’ll have everything you need for the Holiday season or any other special occasion. My tried-and-true method guarantees a gorgeously caramelized exterior and a tender, succulent center. The blend of rosemary and garlic enhances this beef tenderloin, creating a phenomenal main dish that will be the star of all your dinner parties!
What is Beef Tenderloin
Beef Tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef. It’s cut from the loin of a cow, and when cut into steaks, it is what we know as “filet mignon”. There is not a lot of fat in the tenderloin, making it a lean meat cut. When cooked properly, tenderloin will literally melt in your mouth!
Why You Need To Make My Beef Tenderloin Roast
- It’s the ultimate special-occasion dinner. If you’ve ever searched for the perfect filet mignon roast recipe or prime rib roast alternative, this beef tenderloin roast is it. It’s just as impressive, yet easier to prepare and guaranteed to turn out tender and juicy every single time.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. This roast tenderloin recipe only needs a handful of pantry staples, think garlic, herbs, and olive oil, but it tastes like a five-star meal. No complicated steps, just incredible flavor that melts in your mouth.
- It pairs with everything. From classic mashed potatoes to roasted veggies or even a crisp salad, this tenderloin fits right into any dinner spread. It’s a versatile main dish that shines whether it’s a holiday meal or a cozy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4-pound trimmed center-cut beef tenderloin
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
How To Cook A Beef Tenderloin Roast
The total cooking time for beef tenderloin is about 40 minutes. Searing the tenderloin takes about 4 to 5 minutes per side, and roasting the tenderloin takes about 25 minutes. You’ll also let the beef rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
- Heat the oil: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet.
- Sear: Season the tenderloin, then sear it on all sides until browned.
- Roast: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and continue to cook for 25 minutes at 450˚F or until the internal temperature of the roast reaches 125˚F to 130˚F. Do not overcook because that will result in chewy and dry beef. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Allow to rest: Remove from oven, tent a piece of foil over the tenderloin and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting.
Temperature Doneness Guide For Beef Tenderloin
- RARE: 120˚F TO 125˚F
- MEDIUM RARE: 130˚F TO 135˚F
- MEDIUM TO MEDIUM-WELL: 140˚F TO 145˚F
- WELL: 150˚F+
Katerina’s Recipe Tips
- Bring the beef to room temperature: Before roasting, I highly advise taking the tenderloin out of the fridge at least one hour and up to two hours before cooking. Letting the meat come to room temperature will produce juicier and evenly cooked meat.
- Dry and trim: Pat your tenderloin dry with paper towels. Then remove the “silverskin” running down the length of the tenderloin by running a sharp knife under it and gently pulling it off. You can also trim any excess fat from the meat.
- Add flavor: Rub olive oil all over the meat. Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a small bowl, mash together the minced garlic with a couple of tablespoons of freshly chopped rosemary leaves. Rub the tenderloin with the prepared garlic mixture.
- Tie with twine: This is an important step – don’t skip it! Place the tenderloin over pieces of precut kitchen twine spaced one inch apart and tie them closed. You can also ask the butcher to tie it for you (trim it, too!) when buying the tenderloin.
Serving Suggestions
This beef tenderloin roast recipe pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides! For a classic holiday combo, serve it with my freezer mashed potatoes, creamy mashed cauliflower, or crockpot mashed potatoes. If you want something lighter, roasted green beans or easy oven roasted vegetables are always a hit.
And to finish things off, you can’t go wrong with a slice of elegant chocolate mousse cake or a warm peach cobbler.
FAQs
You’ll want to roast your beef tenderloin at 450°F after searing it. The high temperature helps lock in those juices and build a flavorful crust. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, just sear it first on the stovetop, then transfer it to an oven-safe dish to finish cooking.
Plan for about 40 to 45 minutes total. You’ll sear the outside for 12 to 15 minutes (around 3 to 5 minutes per side), then roast it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your tenderloin and desired doneness. Once it’s out, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing so the juices can redistribute and every bite stays perfectly tender.
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Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pound trimmed center-cut beef tenderloin
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- kitchen twine
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Bring the meat to room temperature. Let the tenderloin sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cooking. When ready, set the oven to preheat to 450˚F.
- Prep. When ready, set the oven to preheat to 450˚F. Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels.
- Season it. Rub the beef tenderloin with olive oil, then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine the garlic and herb. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic and chopped rosemary, then rub this mixture all around the tenderloin.
- Tie it with twine. Place the tenderloin over precut pieces of kitchen twine spaced 1 inch apart, and tie them closed. You can also ask the butcher to tie the tenderloin for you.
- Sear the beef tenderloin. Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef tenderloin and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until browned all around.
- Roast. Transfer the skillet to the oven and continue cooking for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the roast reaches an internal temperature of 130˚F. Cooking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your tenderloin; always check for desired doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Let it rest. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the roast to a cutting board. Tent a piece of foil over the tenderloin and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting.
- Serve. Cut the beef tenderloin into ½-inch slices and serve.
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Beef: Choose a high-quality beef tenderloin for the best results. Look for well-marbled meat and ensure it is trimmed properly for even cooking.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Allow the beef tenderloin to come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures more even cooking throughout the meat.
- Seasoning: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, or use your preferred seasoning blend. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to the desired temperature before putting the beef in. This ensures a consistent cooking environment.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to accurately gauge the internal temperature of the beef. This helps you achieve the desired level of doneness (e.g., rare, medium-rare, medium).
- Resting Time: Allow the roast beef tenderloin to rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender final product.
- Slicing: When ready to serve, slice the roast beef against the grain into thin, even slices. This ensures maximum tenderness.
- Customizing: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors and ingredients. You can add a crust, such as a herb or a breadcrumb crust, or baste the beef with a flavorful sauce during cooking.
- Store beef tenderloin in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Storing Leftovers
- To store, allow the roast beef tenderloin to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. Place the beef in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 300˚F. Wrap the beef tenderloin portions in foil to keep them moist. Place in the oven and heat it for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
I didn’t notice in the comments but to acquire medium rare consistency for two 3 1/2 pound tenderloins is the oven time still 25-30 minutes total? Appreciate your reply ☺️
When I’m getting this ready to tie should I cut off the narrow end or fold it up to make it thicker?
If there’s a narrow end, tuck it under and try to secure it with the twine.
Too hot. Even after resting for a full hour, it took a long time to reach the right temp and by then the outside was almost burnt, and that was with a 2.5 lb roast. I prefer another recipe where cook the tenderloin low and slow. The spice rub is great though!
I’m very sorry this recipe didn’t work out for you. If you could please just clarify for me so that I can help troubleshoot because, this is a recipe I have cooked over and over again many, many times, and have never had this issue. Are you saying that a 2.5 pound roast cooked for an hour at 450˚F? And, it wasn’t cooked through?
Smells great while cooking
I didn’t have kitchen twine and all I could dig up was common thread
Hope it works.Next time I won’t be so spontaneous
Sounds great! Trying this today. Can you use dried Rosemary?
Hi!
Yes, you can use about 1 teaspoon dried rosemary for every 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary.
Is there another spice that would be good instead of rosemary? How many does a 4 lb serve? What size would I need for 7? If I want med rare do I take it out before 130 since it will still cook? One more, will the 12 inch skillet hold a larger piece of meat, bigger than 4 lbs? Thank you! I definitely want to try this one.
All those questions are answered in the post above.
A serving size of cooked beef is 3 to 4 ounces. 4 pounds can serve 10, and up to 16.
For medium-rare, take it out at between 130˚F to 135˚F.
Go with a 14-inch skillet if you are going to use more than 4-pounds.
Do you use an au jous to dip into?
Hi!
You absolutely can. I have a recipe for au jus prepared with the drippings of the meat. This is a recipe for prime rib, but the au jus recipe is also there: https://diethood.com/prime-rib-recipe/
how long would you cook a 6 lb tenderloin?
I have a 5.5 pound tenderloin can it be cut in half so it will fit in my skillet?
Yes, that should work. 🙂
what is the purpose of tying it if it isn’t filleted open?
Meat will expand while cooking and tying it up keeps it from spreading out. This will result in even cooking because most roasts are thick in the middle and thinner at the ends.
i don’t have a cast iron skillet or dutch oven. can this be browned on a regular pan and then transferred to a roasting pan? will it still have the same flavor and cook time?
Hi!
Yes, that will totally work. 🙂