Beef Tenderloin Roast with Herb Butter Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an elegant yet approachable dinner that will wow your guests—and your taste buds—look no further than my Beef Tenderloin Roast with Herb Butter Recipe. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy beef with a flavorful, garlicky herb butter that elevates every bite. I absolutely love how this turns out because it’s rich without being heavy, with a crust that seals in all that meaty goodness. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for holidays, special dinners, or any time you want to impress without stress.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and moistness. When shopping, look for a fresh, center-cut beef tenderloin roast with minimal silverskin—that’s your ticket to the best texture.

• Beef Tenderloin Roast: Pick a trimmed, center-cut roast about 4 to 4 ½ pounds; this size is ideal for even cooking and serving about 8 people.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and enhancing the natural flavor of the beef.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right bit of heat and texture without overpowering the beef.
• Avocado Oil: Has a high smoke point, perfect for searing the meat to a beautiful crust.
• Butter (softened): Creates that rich, creamy, and luscious herb butter that melts over the roast.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced to infuse every bite with aromatic depth.
• Fresh Rosemary Leaves: Offers a woodsy, piney note that pairs beautifully with beef.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds a subtle herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.

Variations

I love to personalize this Beef Tenderloin Roast with Herb Butter Recipe depending on the occasion or what herbs I have fresh in the garden. You might find that customizing it to your taste makes it even more special.

• Herb Swaps: Sometimes I swap rosemary and thyme for sage and oregano, which gives a slightly earthier flavor that I adore in the fall.
• Butter Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, try a high-quality olive oil herb rub instead of butter; it’s lighter but still packs plenty of flavor.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the herb butter gives a subtle smoky kick that my family goes crazy for.
• Smaller Roasts: If you only want to serve 4, halve the ingredients and bake just 10-12 minutes for a medium-rare finish.

How to Make Beef Tenderloin Roast with Herb Butter Recipe

Step 1: Bring the Roast to Room Temperature

Before doing anything, take the beef tenderloin out of the fridge and let it sit on your counter for about 1 to 2 hours. This is a crucial step I learned early on—it ensures the roast cooks evenly. Cold meat straight from the fridge can result in uneven cooking, and no one wants that!

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

While the meat is warming, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl. This herb butter is what makes this recipe so dreamy—every bit of that buttery, garlicky goodness seeps into the roast during cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Tenderloin

Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the tenderloin in half if needed, trim any excess fat or silver skin, and tie it up to ensure even shape and cooking. Pat the meat dry with paper towels—this is super important for getting a good sear—and then season evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

Heat avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then carefully add the beef. Sear on all sides for about 10 minutes to create that irresistibly golden crust. Searing is where flavors develop, so don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Roast with Herb Butter

Spoon and slather the garlic herb butter mixture on top of the seared tenderloin, making sure it’s coated well. If you have a probe thermometer, insert it now for precise temperature monitoring.

Pop the whole pan into your preheated oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye on your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F (54°C); the meat will continue to cook while resting.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

After roasting, transfer the beef to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is key for juicy, tender slices because it lets the juices redistribute instead of running out when you cut.

Remove the twine, slice into 1-inch thick pieces, and you’re ready to serve. I like to add a dollop of horseradish sauce alongside for a tangy, spicy contrast, but that’s up to you.

How to Serve Beef Tenderloin Roast with Herb Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with fresh rosemary sprigs or a little sprinkle of chopped parsley to brighten the plate. Sometimes, a small spoonful of coarse sea salt sprinkled on slices right before serving adds that subtle crunch and extra flavor burst I love.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this roast are creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and garlic herb roasted potatoes—the trio is pure comfort on a plate. Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts bring a nice green contrast and balance the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve laid the sliced beef on a wooden serving board with dollops of horseradish cream and scattered thyme leaves around for drama. Lighting some candles and adding a splash of red wine really sets the mood too—dinner party success!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I wrap the sliced beef tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the slices are perfect for sandwiches or quick reheats.

Freezing

I’ve frozen sliced leftover roast before by laying pieces flat on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw only what you need. For best flavor, consume within 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the beef slices with foil and warm gently in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the meat moist and tender rather than drying it out in the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I really can’t recommend this Beef Tenderloin Roast with Herb Butter Recipe enough—it’s become my go-to for special dinners because it’s impressive without being intimidating. The combination of a perfectly roasted tenderloin with that garlicky, herb-infused butter feels like a restaurant-worthy meal you made at home. Give it a try next time you want to treat yourself or loved ones, and I promise you’ll be grinning as everyone asks for seconds!

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