Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce is a holiday-worthy and impressive main course. Learn how to prep, tie, and cook a beef tenderloin roast in the oven. Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is.

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We love to serve roasts for Christmas and special occasions from Prime Rib to Baked Ham and of course Roast Turkey. If you are looking for a new favorite, this Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms is a must-try!
Beef Tenderloin and Mushrooms Video Tutorial:
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What You will Need for Beef Tenderloin Roast:
We like the Costco beef tenderloin for the price and quality. They sell both a choice and prime tenderloin. We go with the more expensive prime for holidays and special occasions, but either will work. Get the best you can afford.
- 2 to 2 1/2 lb beef tenderloin roast (get the even center-cut if possible)
- Roasting Pan – use any oven-safe skillet or roasting pan. We used a cast iron pan.
- Kitchen String – to tie your roast into a cylinder for even cooking.
- Thermometer – an oven-safe thermometer will ensure a perfectly cooked roast. This is one of the best investments you’ll make for all your future roasts.
- Here is the Carving Set we use and love.

Cost Saving Tip: An un-trimmed tenderloin can be significantly less expensive. If your tenderloin is not already trimmed, use a thin knife to cut away and remove the excess fat, connective tissue, and silver skin. Here is a great tutorial on how to trim beef tenderloin.
How to Tie Beef Tenderloin (2 ways)
Tying a tenderloin is important for even cooking. Do not skip this step. It helps to get an even-thickness roast, but if you have a thin flap on one end, tuck it under the roast and tie it with kitchen string to create an even shape.
- Tie Individual Strings: Lay out about 6 individual strings 1-inch apart. Place the roast over your strings and tie each string tightly around the roast.
- The Loop Method: Tie a string securely over one end and secure tightly with a knot. Loop the string around your left hand then transfer that loop over the roast. Continue looping every inch of the roast and keep the string tight as you go. Secure the end with a knot and cut off excess string.

What can I substitute for kitchen string? Kitchen twine is made from natural fibers so it won’t melt or catch fire at high temperatures. If you don’t have kitchen string, you can use unwaxed, unflavored dental floss.
Our #1 Tip to Cooking Beef Tenderloin:
For even cooking, we highly recommend bringing the tenderloin to room temperature before roasting. We like to take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.

Common Questions:
Filet mignon is sliced from the center of the whole beef tenderloin. It is the most tender portion of the tenderloin which is why it is more expensive per pound.
The beef tenderloin, also known as “filet of beef” is considered to be the most tender cut of beef.
As a general rule of thumb, expect to serve about 5-6 oz (raw weight) per person. Keep in mind beef will shrink 25% during cooking. A 2 lb roast will feed 6 people. A 4-pound roast will feed 12 people.
The middle section of a whole tenderloin is known as the chateaubriand or center-cut tenderloin. Since it is an even cylinder shape, it cooks more evenly.
When cooking at 500˚F, make sure your oven is very clean. Also make sure meat is at room temperature, use a heavy-bottomed oven-safe pan, and a high-heat cooking oil (we use extra light olive oil). Also, keep the roast in the center of the oven and not too close to the heating element. When roasting on high heat, there will be some smoke but these tips will keep it to a minimum so you don’t set off your smoke detector.

How Long to Cook Beef Tenderloin?
Roast your tenderloin to your desired doneness. The most important tool for getting the timing right is an oven-safe thermometer. Here are the final doneness temperatures.
Remove the roast from the oven 5 to 10 degrees before it reaches its final temperature since the temperature will continue to rise as it rests. For example, we take it out at 130˚F for medium doneness and it reaches a final doneness temperature of 135-140˚F.
- 22-23 minutes for rare (120-125˚F) – red, shiny center
- 24-26 min medium-rare (130-135˚F) – red to deep pink center
- 28-30 min for medium doneness (135-140˚F) – light pink center
- 30-32 min for medium-well (140-145˚F) – little pink (USDA recommends 145˚F)
- 33-35 min for well done (150˚F) – no pink (don’t do this to your meat)

I hope this beef tenderloin roast with creamy mushroom sauce becomes a new favorite for you. Wishing you and your loved ones a delicious and beautiful holiday season.
What to Serve with Beef Tenderloin:
- Mashed Potatoes – you can’t go wrong serving beef and that mushroom sauce with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Carrots or Brussels Sprouts – simple and elegant sides
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Bacon – a family favorite
- Horseradish Sauce – this is perfect with beef tenderloin or beef in general. We love it with Prime Rib.
- Dinner Rolls – super-soft rolls complete the meal
Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce (VIDEO)

Ingredients
Ingredients for Beef Tenderloin Roast:
- 2 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied (at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, (we use fine sea salt)
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, minced
- 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil
Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp extra light olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 16 oz baby Bella mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, minced (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 cup dry red wine, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
How to Roast Filet of Beef:
- Preheat oven to 500˚F with rack in the center of the oven. Pat dry your room temperature tenderloin with paper towels. Tie tenderloin with kitchen string.
- Combine 2 minced garlic coves, 1/2 Tbsp thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper and rub all over roast. Drizzle generously and rub all over with 2 Tbsp olive oil.
- Place into an oven-safe roasting pan or skillet. Insert oven-safe thermometer into the deepest portion of the roast and bake in a preheated oven at 500˚F for 28-30 in for medium doneness (135˚F to 140˚F) or to desired doneness (see roasting chart).
- Remove from the oven 5-10 degrees before the roast reaches your desired temperature (the temperature will continue to rise as it rests). Transfer roast to a cutting board, loosely tent with foil and rest for 15-20 minutes then slice. Meanwhile make the mushroom sauce.
To Make the Mushroom Sauce:
- Place a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp oil then add sliced mushrooms and onion and sauté together, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes or until onions are soft and mushrooms are lightly browned.
- Add minced garlic, thyme, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir together for 1 minute until fragrant then transfer mushrooms to a separate bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup wine and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Continue cooking until most of the wine has evaporated (2 minutes).
- Add 1 cup beef broth and boil until reduced by half (5-7 min).
- Stir in heavy cream and mushrooms, bring back to a boil then reduce heat and simmer another 2-3 minutes or until sauce reaches desired thickness. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Hi Natasha,
How long would you cook a 7.5 lb tenderloin? I can not wait to make this recipe!!
Hi Kathy, that is a really big tenderloin. I would cut it in half and roast it as 2 pieces. I would definitely recommend using a thermometer to check doneness so it cooks to your desired internal temperature.
Wow. Simply wow. I have never made beef tenderloin before but decided to give it a try. This recipe was very easy to follow and the tenderloin came out absolutely amazing!!!!! I’m switching my holiday menu for next week and adding this recipe. Yummm Yumm yummm!
Yay, I’m so happy that you loved this recipe. Thanks for your great review and feedback, Katya!
I was only able to get the butt cut tenderloin. Will this still work for your recipe? Any adjustments needed? Thank you!
Yes, that would work. While at the recipe please click Jump to recipe, click the number of servings to adjust the ingredients too. I hope that helps.
Thank you so much for all of your recipes! I have made a few of them. What is a good salad to go with this? I already have the heavier mashed potatoes and your cranberry bundt cake. Thank you.
You are so welcome! It depends, we use different salad recipes but here are some Salad Recipes that you can choose from.
I do this w/ venison loin (1#). Add sour cream (1/2c.) @ end, stroganoff I guess, surve over egg nuddles.
Thank you for sharing that with me, Bruce.
Hello Natasha! I wish to try with pork filet instead. Any advice ? Is Thyme still the best herb? About cooking time, what do you suggest. Making this one for 8 people here in the Caribbean for Christmas Eve! Thanks
Hi Caroline, I haven’t tried using pork with this recipe but I have another recipe that might help. You can check out my recipe on Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Sauce.
I’ve made this dish several times, and it became our Christmas tradition – truly one of the best dinners I’ve every had. Unfortunately, I can no longer eat it – but I want to encourage everyone to make it. You will remember it forever.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback and comment, Vincent! Merry Christmas!
This looks so delicious!! I plan on making it for Christmas Eve dinner.
Is there a way to do the mushroom sauce ahead of time???
Hi Mary Beth, that sounds like a great plan. I haven’t tried making the sauce ahead though as I always make it the same day it is served. If you try it, please share how it goes.
Have you ever considered of using as well the metric system for the ingredients? For us, europeans, it is highly confusing the entire cup system, and I know we are a multitude following your recipes.
Hi Mariana, most of our recipes have a metric conversion option on the printable recipe card; scroll down to find it and click “metric.” We are currently working on adding metric measurements to all of our recipes, but it is taking some time to add them one at a time. Thank you so much for being patient!
Thank you so much for your fast response to my request! I found it now, and I must say that it is super helpful! I don not have to focus all through the recipe to calculate measurements. I must say that I just discovered you, but I keep on forwarding your work to my friends too. We are really not the kitchen literate kind, and we need all the help we can get. Much love.
So great to hear that it was useful, Mariana. Thank you so much for recommending us to your friends, we appreciate the support!
Hi Natasha! I am totally hooked on your recipes and wanted to thank you for sharing. I’ve been making this tenderloin with mushrooms recipe for Christmas Eve now for 35 years! My family loves it and so do I! The only difference is, I add bleu cheese to the mushroom sauce. Fantastic!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Donna! Merry Christmas!
I have a question on the pan you are using
Is it the Staubs cast-iron griddle or braiser?
Hi Michele, I used this Staub Cast Iron pan.
Hi,
Whats the non-alcoholic alternative to the wine in the sauce?
Hi Alya, the wine adds so much flavor to the recipe but you can use broth instead if you will make it wine-free
You are a fabulous cook. I enjoy viewing all the marvelous recipes you show.
Thank you for that wonderful compliment! You’re so nice!
Can you dodo french fries please
Hi Malak, we don’t have a tutorial posted for those yet. The closest post would be the potato wedges which can be cut down to fries but they would bake faster as fries.
Hi
Hello Malak!
This is a delicious dish!
My husband co-incidentally came home with this cut of meat and it was perfect timing.
Like all your recipes, I love how you simplified the steps for this and how all your measurements and instructions were right on.
The sauce was a perfect addition adding so much flavour and volume without excessive heaviness.
I recommend your site over and over.
Thank you for the gift of another outstanding recipe!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Lara!
Hi natasha someone requested you in the live chat to do stuffed crust pizza and you said it will be at the new year
Hi Sara, thank you! We have that suggestion on our list. Thank you for sharing.
Mmmmm … I love mushrooms with beef, so this is a win right out of the gate! But, what I really appreciate is all the super-helpful information, like demystifying what all the different related cuts of meat are called, and how to cook it to the perfect doneness temp (we like ours medium-rare). Thank you for this really comprehensive recipe!
I’m so glad that it was helpful! Thank you for sharing that with me, Shelley!
I need this in my belly immediately. Just added all the ingredients to my shopping list so I can make it this week!
I hope you love this recipe, April!
I’m not fond of thyme. Is there another herb that would work in this recipe or would it best best to just leave it out?
Hi Bev, you can leave it out also. We personally prefer it 🙂
Looks so good. I know my family would love this! Can’t wait to try it.
Wondeful! I hope it becomes your new favorite recipe for preparing beef tenderloin.
Wonderful! I hope it becomes your new favorite recipe for preparing beef tenderloin.