If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels like a gentle hug, I’ve got you covered with this Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s quick, packed with flavor, and that garlicky gravy? Absolutely dreamy. Whether you’re hosting a small holiday feast or simply craving something comforting and fuss-free, this recipe hits just the right note every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & Foolproof: You’ll have tender, juicy turkey and silky garlic gravy ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Comfort Food Classic: The rich garlic gravy amps up simple turkey tenderloins, giving you that cozy, home-cooked meal vibe.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish every time, and I bet yours will, too.
Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of stuff; just a handful of staples and fresh garlic make all the magic happen.

The image shows a white oval plate with three layers of food arranged neatly. On the top right, there is a white bowl filled with smooth, light yellow mashed potatoes, sitting on the plate. Below the bowl, two rows of sliced, cooked meat lay side by side, coated with a light brown sauce and garnished with small green herb leaves. On the bottom right corner of the plate, a bunch of green asparagus spears is placed parallel to the meat. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth is partially visible on the left side. There is also a small pitcher with brown sauce near the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy, Turkey tenderloin recipes, quick turkey dinner, comfort food turkey, garlicky gravy recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together so effortlessly. Each one has its place, whether it’s boosting flavor, creating a velvety gravy, or giving the turkey that golden crust you’ll want to eat with your eyes first.

Flat lay of two whole turkey tenderloins with smooth pale pink skin, a small mound of fine sea salt sprinkled beside them, a small white ceramic bowl of golden avocado oil, a small white bowl with soft yellow butter cubes, a small white bowl with fluffy white flour, two fresh whole garlic cloves alongside finely grated garlic, a bunch of vibrant green parsley sprigs, and a simple white bowl filled with rich brown beef broth, all placed in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy, Turkey tenderloin recipes, quick turkey dinner, comfort food turkey, garlicky gravy recipes

Turkey Tenderloins: These cook quickly and stay tender—much easier than carving a whole bird!
Sea Salt: I prefer fine sea salt because it seasons evenly without being too harsh.
Poultry Seasoning: It adds that nostalgic blend of herbs that pairs perfectly with turkey.
Avocado Oil: Great for searing thanks to its high smoke point and mild flavor.
Butter: Essential for richness in the gravy and to deepen the flavor.
Flour: Acts as the thickening agent for your gravy—make sure it’s well combined to avoid lumps.
Garlic: Fresh and finely pressed garlic gives an aromatic punch that canned garlic just can’t match.
Organic Beef Broth: Adds rich depth to the gravy; I like using organic for a clean taste.
Extra Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the gravy’s flavors.

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.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what’s in your pantry or your family’s tastes. Feel free to personalize it and make it your own!

Herb Swap: I sometimes add fresh rosemary or thyme instead of poultry seasoning and it gives the gravy a lovely aromatic twist.
Broth Choice: If you want a lighter gravy, chicken broth works just as well—and I’ve even made it with vegetable broth for a milder option.
Dairy-Free: I’ve replaced butter with olive oil and the gravy still turns out silky and flavorful.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy is a fun way to add a little heat without overpowering.

How to Make Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Turkey Tenderloins

Start by patting your turkey tenderloins dry—this helps get a nice golden crust. Season them generously with the fine sea salt and poultry seasoning. Heat your avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and once hot, add the tenderloins. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until beautifully browned. This step locks in juices and builds the flavor foundation for the whole dish. Don’t rush it—trust me, the golden crust is worth the extra minute or two.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Gravy Base

After you’ve removed the turkey tenderloins onto a plate to rest, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it well to create a smooth roux. This part is crucial—keep whisking for 1-2 minutes so the flour cooks off its raw taste but doesn’t brown too dark. Then, stir in the finely grated garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now!

Step 3: Whisk in Broth and Finish the Gravy

Slowly pour in the room temperature beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Taste and add that extra pinch of sea salt if you feel it needs a little boost. Once just right, nestle your turkey tenderloins back into the skillet for a minute to warm through and soak up some gravy flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe

Pat Dry Thyme: Make sure your turkey tenderloins are completely dry before seasoning and searing to get that perfect crust without steaming.
Room Temperature Broth: Adding cold broth can cause lumps in your gravy, so I always use room-temp broth to keep it smooth.
Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the flour for at least 2 minutes prevents your gravy from tasting floury while keeping it pale enough for a beautiful color.
Time to Rest: Let the turkey rest before slicing—it keeps juices locked in and gravy from becoming watery.

How to Serve Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate on a white marbled surface with sliced grilled meat arranged in two rows on the left side. The meat is covered with a smooth brown sauce and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Next to the meat on the right side are several steamed asparagus spears that are bright green and glossy. Behind the meat and asparagus, there is a white bowl filled with creamy pale yellow mashed potatoes with a slightly uneven smooth surface. In the top left corner on the white marbled surface is a small white bowl with fresh chopped herbs. On the bottom right corner, a white pitcher contains more brown sauce, partially visible. The photo has soft lighting and a clean, fresh presentation style. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy, Turkey tenderloin recipes, quick turkey dinner, comfort food turkey, garlicky gravy recipes

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top—it adds a bright pop of color and a fresh flavor balance to the rich gravy. Sometimes, I even add a tiny zest of lemon peel for brightness if I’m feeling fancy. Both really elevate the dish without overpowering the garlic goodness.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairings are creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted green beans. The gravy soaks beautifully into mashed potatoes, making every bite heavenly. On the lighter side, steamed asparagus or a crisp salad help balance the meal out. For cozy nights, I love roasted root vegetables with a touch of rosemary alongside this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I slice the turkey tenderloin thinly and fan it out on a platter, spoon the garlic gravy over, and garnish with fresh herbs and some pomegranate seeds for a festive pop. It’s simple but looks stunning on the table and always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, I let the leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. I’ve found that keeping the turkey and gravy together helps the meat soak up extra flavor overnight.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, portion out the turkey and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. I recommend freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy seems too thick. Microwaving works too—just cover your dish to keep moisture in and stir halfway through so it heats evenly. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the tenderloin.

FAQs

Can I use turkey breast instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Turkey breast works fine, but tenderloins cook faster and tend to stay juicier. Just keep a close eye on the cooking time so your breast meat doesn’t dry out.
What do I do if my gravy is lumpy?

Lumpy gravy usually means the flour wasn’t whisked well or the broth was too cold when added. To fix it, strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve or whisk in a little warm broth; both help smooth it out.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the garlic gravy in advance and gently reheat it before serving. Just keep it covered and stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
What’s the best way to get garlic flavor without it being overpowering?

Finely grating or pressing fresh garlic distributes its flavor evenly and gently in the gravy. Cooking the garlic briefly in butter mellows the sharpness, giving you that comforting garlic warmth instead of a raw punch.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Turkey Tenderloin with Easy Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it combines speed, simplicity, and deliciousness in one pan. I love how the garlic gravy transforms tender turkey into a meal that feels like a celebration, but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. So next time you’re craving something cozy but hassle-free, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!