15 Beef Tenderloin Recipes to Make When You Want to Treat Yourself
Go ahead, you deserve it!
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Beef tenderloin, which is cut from the loin of beef, is a premium cut of steak that’s prized for being the most tender choice available. The tenderloin is the full muscle that filets are cut from, and since it’s the source of filet mignon, which is on the smaller end of the tenderloin, it’s also an expensive option. Typically what people refer to when they make a roast, this popular cut is long yet narrow, and sits just below the sirloin.
If you’re cooking for a group and don’t mind spending a little extra money, tenderloin is the way to go. It’s juicy, tasty, and can absorb whatever flavors you throw at it, such as an array of aromatic herbs or a punchy horseradish crust. Plus, it can be cooked on the grill, stovetop, or in the oven, meaning it’s versatile and can be prepared by homecooks of all skill levels. So, if you’re planning a meal for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, check out these beef tenderloin recipes to make tonight.
Related: 18 Easy Ground Beef Recipes to Make for Dinner Tonight
Horseradish-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
A horseradish crust is perhaps the best thing to pair with a juicy beef tenderloin. The spiciness of the horseradish compliments the rich meat, and the crust gets just crispy enough to provide a little texture. Serve as a main dish for dinner, and pop any leftovers on a crusty, chewy roll for lunch the following day.
Roasted Petite Filet of Beef
Believe it or not, this roasted filet of beef is ready in under an hour, and if you want to save yourself some time day-of, go ahead and season it ahead of time and place it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Speaking of seasoning, a sprinkling of thyme and a coat of Dijon mustard brings a bold, sharp flavor.
Marinated Beef Tenderloin
This picture-perfect beef tenderloin is marinated in a simple yet flavorful combination of Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinating the meat for two hours allows the flavor to set in and really shine. Once you take the beef out of the oven, be sure to let it rest 45 minutes, or else it will be underdone.
Sous Vide Beef Tenderloin with Port Wine and Garlic
If you’re wary about cooking beef tenderloin, try this fool-proof sous vide recipe. Here, the meat cooks gradually in a water bath, making it virtually impossible for you to overcook it. While this method is a bit time-consuming, it ensures a perfectly cooked piece of steak every time. Even the pickiest of guests will be impressed!
Bacon-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin
Andy Lyons
Wrapping your beef tenderloin in bacon is a great, easy way to infuse it with flavor. This recipe also calls for a brown sugar-based rub, which adds just the right amount of sweetness to the meal. Top the meat with a spoonful of creamy chive sauce and dinner is served!
Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING: CHELSEA ZIMMER; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINE KEELY
Fit for a celebration or holiday feast, this beef tenderloin is seriously impressive. The trick here is a light coating of mustard and mayonnaise, which helps seal in the meat's juices and gives the flavorful breadcrumb and herb crust something to stick to. Speaking of that crust, it includes fresh rosemary and thyme, which bring an earthy brightness, as well as black pepper and garlic powder, which take the flavors to the next level.
Herb and Spice Beef Tenderloin Roast
The Spruce / Nita West
Dried herbs are the name of the game for this recipe, which is ideal for those with stacked spice racks. Here, a mouthwatering combination of rosemary, thyme, garlic, nutmeg, tarragon, and other dried herbs and spices is mixed with punchy Dijon mustard before being rubbed on the roast. The result is a deeply flavorful piece of meat that’s best served alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. If that’s not the perfect holiday meal, we don’t know what is.
Related: What Is the Best Cut of Steak for Grilling, the Stove, and More?
Black Pepper Beef
Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling by Christine Keely
Sure, you can coat your tenderloin in a combination of your favorite spices, or you can let one spice do most of the work. In this recipe, the beef is mixed with the tried and true combo of salt and black pepper. But that’s not all! Once the meat has been seasoned and has rested for 30 minutes, it’s tossed in a skillet with lemongrass, curry leaves, onion, ginger, and Thai chiles. If you like your food with a kick, this recipe is for you.
Classic French Chateaubriand
The Spruce / Victoria Heydt
A chateaubriand steak is a center-cut piece of beef tenderloin served in a classic red wine sauce. The fancy-sounding dish typically serves two, and is the ideal choice if you’re looking to make a romantic dinner at home. Slice the meat on the diagonal for that restaurant-quality presentation, and serve it with plenty of that scrumptious shallot and red wine sauce.
Beef Wellington
Simply Recipes / Michelle Becker
Yes, tenderloin is the star of this classic British dish, which sees the meat wrapped in puff pastry (and a few other ingredients), then baked. In this recipe, the beef is coated with mustard, minced mushrooms, and ham, before being bundled up in that pastry dough. It’s like a nesting doll of deliciousness!
Garlic-Mustard Filet Mignon
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Sure, steak is delicious, but the real star of this recipe is the garlic-mustard pan sauce enriched with shallots, wine, and cream. This sauce, which is undeniably as mouth watering as it sounds, comes together in minutes. In fact, this whole dish takes less than half an hour to prepare.
Beef Poke
Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Shell Royster
Though typically made with raw fish, poke works when prepared with beef as well, especially when the beef gets a quick sear. Since tenderloin is smooth and lean, it’s one of the best cuts to use for a recipe like this. The quickly cooked meat is joined by buttery macadamia nuts, fresh tomatoes, and sweet onion slices, and everything is tossed in a glossy soy sauce mixture sweetened with brown sugar.
Beef Tenderloin With Red Wine Sauce
In this recipe, beef tenderloin is paired with a Bordelaise-style sauce that’s made with dry red wine, beef broth, mushrooms, and seasonings. When choosing a red wine to cook with, we suggest a pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon. If there’s any wine leftover once the steak is finished, go ahead and pour yourself a glass!
Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
This recipe proves that you can whip up a stellar beef tenderloin with just four ingredients—beef, olive oil, coarse salt, and whole green peppercorns. With the exception of the meat, you likely have most if not all of these ingredients at home, making this dish ridiculously easy to execute. Serve with the starch and greens of your choice for a complete meal.
Related: Follow These 7 Tips for Cooking Restaurant-Quality Pan Seared Steak
Roast Beef Tenderloin With Pinot Noir Sauce
To give your beef tenderloin an unexpected kick, season it with a dash of Creole seasoning. The seasoning is bursting with flavor, yet still pairs well with a simple red wine sauce with shallots and rosemary. Tired of tenderloin? Try this recipe with lamb instead.
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