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

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Patricia Carrico
    February 10, 2020

    I know oven said to 500 but I got a lot of smoke from bottom of pan. Turned to 450 and added water to bottom of pan. Waiting to try it

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 10, 2020

      Hi Patricia. 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

  • Linda Beckelman
    February 7, 2020

    I need to serve 12 people. Could I cook two tenderloins 21/2-3 lbs each following your recipe and temperatures at the same time?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 7, 2020

      Hi Linda, I bet that would work. I do have the recipe serving size slider option available on the printable version of this recipe. You can increase it to however many you would like to serve and the ingredients list will update. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Linda
    February 4, 2020

    Costco has lovely Beef Tenderloins. Also great for slicing up for steaks.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 4, 2020

      Thanks for sharing that awesome tip with us!

      Reply

  • Eileen
    February 4, 2020

    Any tips for making this a day ahead and slice on the thin side to place on crostini for a heavy appetizer

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 4, 2020

      Hi Eileen, I love that idea! If you are planning on serving it warm I would encourage you to not overheat or overcook it to avoid dried-out meat.

      Reply

      • Eileen
        February 4, 2020

        Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I plan to serve the meat at room temperature along with the horseradish sauce – giving guests the opportunity to put a dab of sauce on the crostini and then top it with a slice of the beef.

        Reply

  • Rose
    January 24, 2020

    Not a fan of rosemary. What can I use in its place? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 24, 2020

      Hi Rose, we love it with rosemary but you are welcome to omit or substitute that. Thyme, tarragon, and savory are workable alternatives.

      Reply

  • Angie
    January 19, 2020

    Made this last night and it was perfect. Tender and mouthwatering. Will definitely use this recipe again. And so easy.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 20, 2020

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Angie!

      Reply

  • Dee Chambers
    January 15, 2020

    Hello, I’ve never seen beef tenderloin for sale in the stores and I’ve looked for it for quite a while. We don’t have any butcher shops around any idea on how to find it or is it listed under a different name?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 15, 2020

      Hi Dee, it’s also known as filet steak, filet of tenderloin, or filet mignon.

      Reply

      • Dee Chambers
        January 15, 2020

        Thank you!! So anxious to try this! I have only seen Filet Mignon already sliced for steaks. Maybe I will ask next time I’m there if it’s available in a roast form.

        Happy Holidays!

        Reply

  • Des
    January 14, 2020

    I’m making this tenderloin for my wife tonight,I can’t wait,thankyou for all your videos,you make cooking so much fun,and easy,,,,yea,wish me luck

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 14, 2020

      That’s so awesome! I hope she loves this recipe!

      Reply

      • Darlene Grainger
        December 11, 2021

        Hey Natasha, I am not knowledgeable enough about cuts of beef. Is it possible to use eye of round roast with this recipe? I have a 7lb roast and don’t know what to do with it. Thanks so much! Darlene

        Reply

        • Natasha
          December 13, 2021

          Hi Darlene, this recipe would need to be modified significantly, otherwise, you’ll end up with a pretty tough piece of meat. Eye of round roast is bet slowly roasted. There are some recipes that start on high heat and then just leave the roast in the oven for 2-3 hours with the oven off, but the center is being slow-cooked to perfection while a beef tenderloin just roasts on high heat pretty quickly and stays super tender.

          Reply

  • Rose McCann
    January 13, 2020

    I made this last night, my tying wasn’t as good as yours but followed your recipe exactly and it turned out perfect, so tender and flavourful, will certainly be making again and will add the horseradish sauce.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 13, 2020

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Nieves
    January 2, 2020

    Made your tenderloin, lobster tails and asparagus for Christmas Eve, they were perfect and delicious, thank you! Keep those great recipes coming

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 2, 2020

      That sounds like the perfect way to start the new year! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • KB
    January 2, 2020

    Natasha,
    Would you salt/pepper this before adding the butter/horseradish mixture? other recipes I’ve read say its important to salt this cut of meat.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 3, 2020

      Hi KB, step two includes salt and pepper in the rub.

      Reply

  • Lori
    December 31, 2019

    This was an absolutely fantastic meal!! The beef was so tender and tasty. I will definately be making this again!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 31, 2019

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

      Reply

  • Betty
    December 24, 2019

    Hi Natashia,

    Why unsalted butter??

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 24, 2019

      Hi Betty, we always use unsalted butter so we can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Salted butter will work fine here.

      Reply

  • Marilou
    December 23, 2019

    Hi. I couldn’t find Prepared Horseradish, the store only has creamy horseradish. Can I use this instead?
    Thanks!
    Marilou

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 24, 2019

      Hi Marilou, the store-bought creamy horseradish is an already made horseradish sauce. I’m not sure how it would taste adding the rest of the ingredients and it probably varies by brand also. If you experiment with it following this recipe, please let me know. You might need more of it to get that horseradish bite or it may be bland since it isn’t as concentrated as prepared horseradish.

      Reply

  • Diane
    December 23, 2019

    What do you mean by “strained horseradish”?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 23, 2019

      Hi Diane, I mean if there is extra liquid in your prepared horseradish to strain it so you aren’t adding extra water to the mixture. Sometimes water will pool at the top of the jar of horseradish (like with sour cream) and you want to avoid that extra liquid in the recipe.

      Reply

      • Diane
        December 24, 2019

        Thanks, love your recipes!

        Reply

  • Elinor Vavoules
    December 22, 2019

    Hi. We’re planning on making this with a 8 1/2 lb (before trimming fat) beef tenderloin, With the horseradish sauce on the side. We also wanted to use your mushroom wine sauce on the side. My questions are do I really triple the salt or will it be too salty and is it ok to make the garlic wine sauce on side without sautéing the meat in the pan first (maybe changing the flavor). We made the filet mignon in mushroom wine sauce last week as a trial run and it was delicious but it would be hard to do with a houseful of people (over 30). Thanks for any advice you can give. Happy Holidays!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 23, 2019

      Hi Elinor, it may be too much salt. I would probably go with doubling the seasoning (max 2.5 times the recipe) or it may be too salty. Is your roasting pan safe to put on the stovetop afterward to deglaze? If so, you can remove the roast from the pan and deglaze the drippings on the stove to make a gravy out of them. Or you can pour in just enough boiling hot water to loosen the bits up from the bottom and use them like a beef broth in a gravy.

      Reply

  • Marilyn
    December 19, 2019

    Is there any difference in the recipe when using an electric oven vs. gas? Such as the placement of the meat in the oven or the temperature? Please advise. Thank you and happy holidays!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 21, 2019

      Hi Marilyn, I would still follow the same instructions for a gas oven as a conventional electric oven (ours is electric). Since not all ovens are created equal, I would definitely use an oven-safe meat thermometer to double-check the meat for doneness.

      Reply

      • Marilyn
        December 25, 2019

        I’ve made beef tenderloin in the past and it was always dried out. This is an awesome recipe! Everyone raved. Thanks so much!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 26, 2019

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

          Reply

  • Sheri
    December 18, 2019

    What type of pan do you bake the beef tenderloin in? Would it be ok to use a cast iron pan or does it need to have a rack? Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 18, 2019

      Hi Sheri, I recommend watching the video to this recipe. We used a roasting pan or you can use an oven safe skillet, it worked great without a rack.

      Reply

  • Theresa
    December 17, 2019

    What poundage should I use for 6 adults?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 17, 2019

      Hi Theresa, I have that info in the recipe card at the bottom of the recipe post. This recipe serves 6. It can also depend on how many meats you are serving.

      Reply

  • Kate
    December 13, 2019

    I made this for dinner last night. My husband is not really a beef fan, so finding a great recipe has been a quest of mine for 15 years now! I am happy to say that he loved this one — I’m talking “went back for seconds” loved! This is the first of Natasha’s recipes that I have tried, but it won’t be the last. This recipe was easy, easy, easy and the results were amazing! Flavorful and perfectly cooked. Cooking it on broil gave the tenderloin a nice outer sear that crusted the herbs beautifully while keeping all of the tenderness and flavor in. Thank you for sharing this great recipe! It will be treasured for years to come!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 13, 2019

      Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Kate. It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.