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Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth dinner idea, look no further! This Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe is a showstopper that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Succulent, tender, and bursting with aromatic herbs and garlic, it’s the kind of dish that turns any meal into a memorable occasion.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Unforgettable Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible crust that elevates the natural richness of the beef.
Perfectly Tender Every Time: The beef tenderloin roast is a lean, premium cut, and this recipe ensures it stays juicy and tender from start to finish.
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Results: You don’t need a cabinet full of spices—just a few fresh, quality ingredients to create a luxurious meal.
Effortless Elegance: Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend celebration, this recipe dazzles without eating up your entire day.

The image shows several thick slices of medium-rare steak arranged in a curved line on a white plate. Each slice has a dark brown, seared outside layer and a bright pink center, showing a juicy texture. The steaks are topped with a coarse sauce made of minced garlic and green herbs, with some melted butter visible on top. To the right of the plate are a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a beige cloth napkin folded nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin, Beef Tenderloin Recipe, Easy Beef Tenderloin, Juicy Beef Roast, Elegant Dinner Ideas

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe plays a crucial role, from the tender meat to the fragrant herbs and creamy butter. Together, they bring out the intense, savory layers that make this dish unforgettable, while keeping the process wonderfully straightforward.

Flat lay of a whole raw beef tenderloin roast, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme leaves scattered delicately, six cloves of garlic peeled and minced, soft golden butter scooped into a small heap, and a small pool of rich olive oil, all beautifully arranged with a sprinkle of coarse black pepper on the side, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin, Beef Tenderloin Recipe, Easy Beef Tenderloin, Juicy Beef Roast, Elegant Dinner Ideas
  • Beef Tenderloin Roast: This lean cut is prized for its tenderness and mild flavor, making it the perfect canvas for garlic butter and herbs.
  • Softened Butter: Butter adds rich creaminess that helps lock in moisture and creates that luscious crust during roasting.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings a punch of savory aroma and flavor that infuses every bite.
  • Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs add fragrant, earthy notes that complement the beef perfectly; dried herbs can substitute if fresh aren’t available.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the beef and balance the richness.
  • Olive Oil: Used to sear the tenderloin, sealing in its juices with a nice golden crust.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Step 1: Bring the Beef to Room Temperature

Patience pays off here! Take your beef tenderloin out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. This step ensures the meat cooks evenly and helps achieve that perfect tender texture we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, and thyme. This luscious butter blend will melt over the beef as it roasts, infusing each slice with irresistible flavor and a beautifully glossy finish.

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prep Beef

Heat your oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). Slice the beef tenderloin in half if needed, trim any excess fat, and tie it with butcher’s twine to keep its shape. Pat the surface dry and season liberally with salt and pepper—seasoning is key for flavor and a lovely crust.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

In a large cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear it on all sides until browned—this usually takes about 10 minutes and locks in all those precious juices, forming a flavorful crust that makes every bite heavenly.

Step 5: Bake with Garlic Herb Butter

Spread the garlic herb butter generously over the seared beef, then transfer the pan to your preheated oven. If you have a probe thermometer, now’s the time to insert it so you can monitor doneness. Roast for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how you prefer your beef cooked—from medium-rare to medium well.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Once out of the oven, let the beef rest on a cutting board for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the roast, ensuring every slice bursts with juiciness. Then, carefully remove the twine and slice into 1-inch thick pieces for serving.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

The image shows a white round plate with a cooked steak sliced into eight thick pieces. The steak’s outside is brown and slightly charred, while the inside is pink and juicy. On top of the steak, there is melted garlic and herb butter with small green herb bits. Around the steak, fresh green rosemary sprigs are placed for decoration. The plate is on a white marbled surface with light brown cloth on the right side and a small white bowl filled with white sauce and chopped chives on the top left corner. Some scattered herbs and salt grains are visible on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin, Beef Tenderloin Recipe, Easy Beef Tenderloin, Juicy Beef Roast, Elegant Dinner Ideas

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra rosemary leaves over the sliced beef for a pop of color and brightness. A light squeeze of lemon juice can also add a refreshing zing that balances the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh spinach salad. The simplicity of these sides lets the beef take center stage while adding complementary textures and flavors to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices fanned out on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of horseradish sauce and mustard for a stylish, interactive meal. Another idea is to create individual mini beef tenderloin sliders on soft brioche buns for a fun party twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic butter beef tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) until warmed through to keep the tender texture intact. Alternatively, thinly slice and warm in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe?

    Absolutely! If fresh rosemary and thyme aren’t available, dried herbs work well. Use about one-third of the quantity called for with fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just keep in mind that fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

  2. How do I know when the beef tenderloin is done?

    Using a probe thermometer is the easiest way. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F (54-57°C). Remove it from the oven a few degrees before your target because it will continue to cook while resting.

  3. Can I prepare the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

    Yes! The garlic herb butter can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Bringing it to room temperature before spreading helps it apply smoothly over the beef.

  4. Is beef tenderloin the same as filet mignon?

    Beef tenderloin is the whole muscle that runs along the spine, while filet mignon refers to individual steaks cut from the smaller end of the tenderloin. This recipe uses a whole tenderloin roast, which is larger and perfect for sharing.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked slice of beef, kissed with garlic butter and herbs. This Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe delivers on that dreamy texture and bold flavors every time. So don’t be shy—give it a try and watch how it instantly becomes a new family favorite you’ll reach for again and again.

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Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 117 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin recipe features a tender and flavorful beef roast infused with aromatic garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme, then seared to perfection before finishing in the oven. The herb butter adds a rich, savory glaze, making it an ideal dish for special occasions or impressive dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef Tenderloin

  • 1 beef tenderloin roast (4 to 4 ½ pounds)

Herb Butter

  • 6 tablespoons softened butter
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

Seasoning & Cooking

  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring to Room Temperature: Take the beef tenderloin out of the fridge and let it sit for 1 to 2 hours until it reaches room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout.
  2. Make Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Set this flavorful butter mixture aside to be used later.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Beef: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the beef tenderloin in half lengthwise, trim excess fat or silver skin, and tie it with butcher’s twine if necessary to maintain shape during cooking.
  4. Season the Beef: Pat the beef dry thoroughly with paper towels to encourage browning. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it evenly on all sides, which should take about 10 minutes. This step locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.
  6. Add Herb Butter and Roast: Spread the garlic herb butter mixture on top of the seared beef. Place the cast-iron pan directly into the preheated oven. If you have a probe thermometer, insert it now to monitor the internal temperature. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes depending on your desired level of doneness (15 minutes for medium rare).
  7. Rest and Slice: Remove the beef from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Remove the butcher’s twine and slice the tenderloin into 1-inch thick pieces for serving.

Notes

  • Beef tenderloin is best served as soon as it’s finished resting to enjoy its juiciness and tenderness.
  • Use a sharp knife and take your time when slicing to maintain clean cuts and prevent shredding.
  • For deeper flavor, season the beef up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep it refrigerated before bringing it to room temperature for cooking.

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