Roasted Beef Tenderloin is a showstopper! This tried and true method is easy (no marinating required), and produces melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavorful beef. Pair it with creamy horseradish sauce for an unforgettable dinner.

Roasted Beef Tenderloin Sliced into medallions on a cutting board

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This is a special occasion recipe, perfect for a date night in or Valentines Day. It is on the same level as our popular Filet Mignon in Cream Sauce, succulent Broiled Lobster Tails or the ever impressive Prime Rib.

Roasted Beef Tenderloin Video

Classic Beef Tenderloin Recipe

A filet of beef is a pricey, but don’t let that intimidate you. We’re sharing everything from how to trim, tie and how to cook beef tenderloin. Watch the video and you will realize how easy it is to achieve restaurant quality results.

Up close slices of roasted beef tenderloin

Ingredients for Roasted Beef Tenderloin

This beef tenderloin is fork tender and every bite has fantastic flavor from the garlic herb crust.

  • Beef Tenderloin – we used a 2 lb beef tenderloin. You can use a larger one but definitely trim and tie the thin end as described below for even roasting and use an oven-safe thermometer to acheive a perfect doneness.
  • Prepared Horseradish – Adding horseradish to the rub adds another subtle layer of memorable flavor (don’t skip it!). It’s the same ingredient for making our famous Horseradish Sauce.
  • Garlic – use fresh cloves for the best flavor
  • Herbs – we used fresh herbs, but you can substitute dried herbs if needed. As a rule of thumb, use 1 part dried herbs for every 3 parts fresh.
  • Butter – adds flavor and acts as a base to spread on the garlic and herbs.
  • Salt & Pepper – simple seasonings are all you need.
Ingredients for beef tenderloin recipe with filet of beef, garlic, butter, horseradish sauce, thyme and rosemary

How to Trim Beef Tenderloin Roast

If you see shiny “silver skin” on your beef tenderloin, you will want to trim that away as it is fibrous and chewy connective tissue that won’t allow flavor to penetrate your tenderloin.

  • Slide tip of knife just under connective tissue
  • Keep knife tip close to surface of the meat to minimize meat loss
  • Use your other hand to pull connective tissue tight against the blade
  • Slide the knife angled away from the meat until it exits

*Also trim away excess fat from tenderloin – unlike most steaks, fat is unnecessary on beef tenderloin.

Step by step tutorial for how to trim beef tenderloin with a knife

How to Tie a Beef Tenderloin

Tying a tenderloin is important for even cooking. It makes the thickness more uniform and if you have a thin end on one side, you can tuck it under the tenderloin and tie to secure it in place, otherwise one end will be raw and the other over-cooked. A butcher can do this for you. Watch the video recipe for a full demonstration.

  • Use a kitchen string to loop around one of the tenderloin and tie a snug knot
  • Loop the string around your left hand and pull that loop over your tenderloin
  • Repeat the loops, spacing 1-inch apart and tightening each one snugly
  • Tie off the end with a knot after 5-6 loops
How to tie beef tenderloin with kitchen string tutorial

When is my Beef Tenderloin Done?

Since the roast will continue to rise in temperature as it rests, Remove the roast from the oven 5 to 10 degrees before it reaches its final doneness temperature. For example, I remove it from the oven at 130˚F for medium doneness and it reaches a final doneness temperature of 138-140˚F.

See the temperature doneness chart in the recipe card notes below to determine the perfect temperature to remove your roast.

Serve Beef Tenderloin With

Roasted beef tenderloin is such a versatile roast – you can pair it with just about any side dish.

How to serve roasted beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce

Make this and you will be known for your beef tenderloin!

Beef tenderloin sliced from a whole filet of beef on cutting board

Depending on the size of your roast, you can serve this for a crowd, or it’s also perfect for a date-night-in (Think Valentine’s Day!). Enjoy this my friends. I hope it becomes your go-to method for making a perfect Roasted Beef Tenderloin.

Roasted Beef Tenderloin

4.98 from 112 votes
Author: Natasha of Natashaskitchen.com
A garlic and herb crusted beef tenderloin with an easy, tried and true roasting method. No marinating required and for melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavorful beef. 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people
  • 2 lb beef tenderloin , trimmed and tied
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 Tbsp prepared Horseradish, strained
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Remove tenderloin from refrigerator 1 hour before roasting. Trim and tie beef tenderloin. Preheat Oven to 500˚F with a rack in center.
  • Coarsely chop 2 garlic cloves then strip 1/2 Tbsp of fresh thyme leaves and 1 Tbsp of fresh rosemary. Finely mince together the garlic and herbs. Transfer them to a small mixing bowl. Add 2 Tbsp butter, 1 Tbsp horseradish, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Use a fork and mash to combine.
  • Pat tenderloin dry with paper towel and spread the garlic herb rub evenly all over the tenderloin and transfer to a roasting pan or oven safe skillet. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest portion of your tenderloin and roast in a preheated oven at 500˚F for 28-30 min for medium doneness (*Remove it at 130-135˚F for a final resting temperature of 138-140˚F). 
  • Remove from oven and transfer to cutting board, tent loosely with foil and rest 10 minutes. Slice into 1/2” thick slices, and serve right away.

Notes

Beef Tenderloin Temperature Chart:

*The chart below has final resting temperature ranges. It’s important to note that the temperature of the roast will continue to rise 5-10 degrees as it rests so remove it from the oven a little before it reaches its final resting temperature. 
  • 22-23 min for rare (120-125˚F),
  • 24-26 min medium-rare (130-135˚F)
  • 28-30 min for medium doneness (138-140˚F) – what we aim for.
  • 30-32 min for medium-well doneness (140-145˚F) – USDA recommends 145˚F.
  • 33-35 min for well done (150˚F) – don’t do this to your meat
*Timings can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your tenderloin, so always check for desired doneness using an oven-safe meat thermometer.

Nutrition Per Serving

452kcal Calories1g Carbs27g Protein36g Fat15g Saturated Fat116mg Cholesterol666mg Sodium465mg Potassium145IU Vitamin A1.9mg Vitamin C15mg Calcium3.7mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Amount per Serving
Calories
452
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
36
g
55
%
Saturated Fat
 
15
g
94
%
Cholesterol
 
116
mg
39
%
Sodium
 
666
mg
29
%
Potassium
 
465
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Protein
 
27
g
54
%
Vitamin A
 
145
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
1.9
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
15
mg
2
%
Iron
 
3.7
mg
21
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef tenderloin, filet of beef
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$$$
Calories: 452
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.98 from 112 votes (64 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Sarah Cooper
    December 11, 2019

    I am cooking the beef tenderloin Friday for 8 friends. I bought a 6 lb tenderloin and am planning in using your recipe adjusting for size. I am a little concerned about roasting time although I’m thinking if my meat thermometer is in the thickest place , it will take longer but is done at 140-145 degrees. Hints?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 11, 2019

      Hi Sarah, I would definitely recommend tieing and overlapping the thin end on itself for a more even roasting. I think you’re on the right track with having the meat thermometer. That is going to be your best gage for doneness if using a larger tenderloin.

      Reply

  • Danielle
    December 10, 2019

    For the rub that goes on the tenderloin before cooking, is it 1 tablespoon of the horseradish sauce that you linked the recipe to or just regular prepared horseradish? Thanks in advance 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 10, 2019

      Hi Danielle, for the rub, it is prepared horseradish. The linked Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe is to serve with the finished tenderloin.

      Reply

  • Janet
    December 9, 2019

    I’m surprised this is not seared first. Would you recommend that as an option if you like meat a little charred on the outside?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 9, 2019

      Hi Janet, with the rub, it doesn’t work well to sear but I have tried that method as well. This roasted method is also easier and skips the searing step which is fine by me. I hope you give it a try!

      Reply

  • Lauren Jones
    December 4, 2019

    I am serving 12 people. What would your size reccomendation be on the tenderloin and how long to bake for med rare? Last year I overcooked it. I mean not burnt but I have some that prefer med rare and some med well. Thanks for your help

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 5, 2019

      Hi Lauren, we have the recipe slider allowing you to choose the number of servings on the printable portion of the post. Simply click “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the blog post. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Rhonda
    December 2, 2019

    How do you make beef tacos

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 2, 2019

      Hi Rhonda, we have one of our favorite Beef Taco Recipes here. I hope you give it a try soon!

      Reply

  • Kathy
    December 2, 2019

    I was thinking of using an eye round roast instead of tenderloin especially for the first time since tenderloin is so expensive it isn’t even carried in our regular grocery stores. Don’t you think it would work with your method. I like mine rare so I would follow that timing using the thermometer of course.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 2, 2019

      Hi Kathy, I honestly haven’t tried that with this method so you will have to experiment and let me know how you enjoyed it. It seems that it would work fine and I’m glad you have a thermometer to double-check for doneness.

      Reply

  • Sally Neuman
    November 29, 2019

    I am having 20 for Christmas. How many pounds would I need?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 29, 2019

      Hi Sally, it depends how many meats are on your menu. We have the serving size in the recipe card and if you click on the serving size you can scale it up or down which might help with planning.

      Reply

  • Bill Williams
    November 29, 2019

    This Thanksgiving was my first time making a tenderloin.15 family members all used to phenomenal dishes so the pressure was on. Natasha’s recipe was easy to follow and the result was delicious. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 29, 2019

      You’re welcome, Bill! Thank you for that great feedback!

      Reply

  • Kirk Anderson
    November 27, 2019

    I’m curious if anyone has tried a quick sear (in a good skillet or on a grill), and then cooking longer over indirect heat? I suspect that method may not work with this particular rub. ALso, since I often have people who vary in how they like their meat cook, I personally do not see a need to always get totally even done-ness– it can be useful to have smaller pieces that are more done than the inner pieces. It depends on your guests!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 27, 2019

      Hi Kirk, with the rub, it doesn’t work well to sear but I have tried that method as well. This roasted method is also easier and skips the searing step which is fine by me. I hope you give it a try!

      Reply

  • noufal bava
    November 25, 2019

    very nice

    Reply

  • Cindy
    November 14, 2019

    This was the easiest dinner to make. The tenderloin was awesome! I need more, a lot more, practice on how to tie the beef!

    This will be my main course for Thanksgiving!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 15, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Karen Crawford
    October 23, 2019

    Planning to make this tonight. But please explain the purpose of tying the roast if you aren’t folding the narrow end under to keep it even.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      October 24, 2019

      Hi Karen, The chefs in the class I took on preparing a tenderloin tied even small portions that didn’t have the narrow tail end. It keeps the roast in a round shape rather than oval as it naturally lies and it roasts more evenly.

      Reply

  • Ellen
    September 28, 2019

    Can you make the rub ahead of time like a marinade day before?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 28, 2019

      HI Ellen, it isn’t necessary but you could rub this the day before.

      Reply

  • Joanne
    September 16, 2019

    I am having 12 for dinner and would love to serve as this.
    Advice Please

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 16, 2019

      Hi Joanne, I would suggest doubling the recipe and setting it into a large enough roasting pan that the tenderloins are not touching. The bake time should be pretty close to the same but double-check the temperature of the meat with a thermometer to assure you reached the desired temperature.

      Reply

  • Jere Owens
    September 16, 2019

    I made this Beef Tenderloin last night for dinner. It was fabulous! Love this recipe and definitely will make again…

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 16, 2019

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

    • Kristi
      December 1, 2019

      Cooked A 6.5 lb tenderloin for Thanksgiving for family of 15. The problem was I tripled the recipe and the butter from the rub caused a tremendous amount of smoke. I had to open all the doors and windows in the house. Butters smoke point is 350 so I’m not sure how that was suppose to work when cooking temp is 500? I couldn’t even see the tenderloin due to all the smoke building up inside the oven. I ended up turning the oven completely off, oven door shut, and just let it sit till appropriate temp. Any comments on what went wrong are welcomed.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        December 2, 2019

        Hi Kristi, The higher heat could be causing the smoking. I do get a little bit of smoke, so I turn on my fan above the range before I pull it from the oven. It may help to reduce the heat to 450˚F and bake slightly longer (testing with a thermometer to ensure doneness).

        Reply

  • Jodi
    September 14, 2019

    I have a 3.5 lb tenderloin. Any advice on adjusting cook time / temp?

    Reply

    • Jodi
      September 14, 2019

      Disregard! I noticed my question has been asked and answered before!

      Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 14, 2019

      I’m glad you found your answer, Jodi!

      Reply

  • deb c
    August 31, 2019

    My tiny store didn’t have the horseradish so I had to buy the prepared horseradish sauce. I put a little extra in to try to make up for it not being “pure”. Oh my, the final taste was amazing! The horsey sauce gave the crust a new flavor…just a hint of something different, something tasty….we loved it! Thanks for sharing your recipe!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 2, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Deb!

      Reply

  • CB
    August 27, 2019

    My son is allergic to dairy (among other of the top 8).

    Can I sub olive oil for butter in the rub? It’s not always easy to find a safe butter or margarine that avoids all his allergens.

    Reply

  • Toby
    August 24, 2019

    Would it be possible to make the run with olive oil instead of butter????

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 24, 2019

      Hi Toby, I haven’t tested that since the butter stays in place while the oil may run off with the rub, but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

  • Ana
    August 21, 2019

    Does it have to be tenderloin cut?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 21, 2019

      Hi Ana, for this particular recipe, yes. Most any other cut would require modifications in the cooking method/time.

      Reply

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