Beef Tenderloin Roast | Simple & Delicious Holiday Feast

There’s something magical about Christmas dinner when the aroma of a beef tenderloin roast fills the kitchen. The scent of sizzling garlic butter, the crackle of a hot skillet, and the cozy hum of family nearby make it feel like time slows down. Every slice, pink and tender, feels like a small celebration on your plate.

Why This Beef Tenderloin Roast Is Special

This beef tenderloin roast melts in your mouth with buttery tenderness. The garlic herb butter forms a golden crust, and the creamy horseradish sauce adds a perfect, tangy finish.

It’s elegant yet simple enough to prepare in your own kitchen. With minimal prep, you’ll serve a meal that feels straight out of a steakhouse—perfect for Christmas dinner or any special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roast

• 4 to 4½-pound center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied (or two 2-pound chateaubriand cuts)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil substitute)

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp finely chopped rosemary leaves
• 1 tsp finely chopped thyme leaves

Optional Horseradish Sauce

• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Use fresh herbs and real butter for a richer flavor. Ask your butcher to trim and tie the roast—it makes cooking easier and more even.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best)
• Kitchen twine
• Meat thermometer (instant-read or probe)

Tip: Ask your butcher to tie the roast for you so it cooks evenly from end to end.

How To Cook Beef Tenderloin Roast

Step 1 – Bring to Room Temperature

Set the beef tenderloin on the counter for about 1–2 hours before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.

Step 2 – Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Stir until smooth and aromatic. Set aside while you prep the meat.

Step 3 – Sear the Tenderloin

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat beef dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
Heat avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side for about 10 minutes total, turning to brown all sides.

Step 4 – Roast to Perfection

Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the seared beef. Insert a meat thermometer, then transfer the skillet to the oven.
Roast for 15–20 minutes or until it reaches your preferred doneness (see below).

Step 5 – Rest, Slice & Serve

Remove the roast from the oven and rest it for 10–15 minutes. This keeps it juicy.
Cut away the twine, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and serve warm with horseradish sauce.

Ideal Doneness & Internal Temperatures

For the perfect beef tenderloin roast, monitor the temperature carefully.

• Rare: Remove at 110°F, rests to 115–118°F
• Medium Rare: Remove at 120°F, rests to 125–128°F
• Medium: Remove at 130°F, rests to 135–138°F

As the roast rests, it continues to cook slightly. Resting helps the juices settle, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your roast with a generous spoon of creamy horseradish sauce. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or roasted zucchini and squash as a flavorful side dish.

For a full holiday spread, add classic southern potato salad to complement roast beef.
A glass of red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, ties the whole meal together beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store sliced beef in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze slices in airtight bags up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Roast

• Always let the meat rest before slicing.
• Use a thermometer instead of guessing.
• Choose fresh herbs and garlic for a bright, aromatic crust.
• Don’t skip tying—the tenderloin’s shape can cause uneven cooking.
• Remember, the roast keeps cooking as it rests, so pull it out early.

Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe Card

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More Such Recipes

Try creamy tomato beef orzo for a cozy dinner next time.
Or make crockpot steak bites for an easy weeknight meal for something simpler.
If you’re craving comfort, try slow cooker Irish beef stew for a comforting classic.
And for something lighter, go for cheesy honey mustard chicken for a savory twist.

FAQ About Beef Tenderloin Roast

Final Thoughts

This beef tenderloin roast is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Simple, tender, and full of garlic-herb goodness—it’s a memory waiting to happen.

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