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When it comes to show-stopping dinners, nothing says “special occasion” like a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin. This Million Dollar Roast Beef Tenderloin is tender, flavorful, and sophisticated without being complicated. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or celebrating a milestone, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. And the best part? It’s much easier than you’d think to create this luxurious dish in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef tenderloin is all about balance:
- Unbeatable Flavor: A blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and Dijon mustard infuses the meat with bold, aromatic notes.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Thanks to the tenderloin’s premium cut and careful roasting, every bite is buttery smooth.
- Simple Elegance: This dish looks like it belongs in a high-end restaurant but is entirely achievable for home cooks.
Whether it’s your first time cooking beef tenderloin or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe provides all the guidance you need to achieve flawless results.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the tenderloin and sauce:
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 2 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Necessary Tools
- A large skillet for searing
- A baking sheet lined with aluminum foil
- A meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness
- A whisk for the sauce
- A small bowl for mixing the beurre manié (butter-flour paste)
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried rosemary and thyme if needed. Use 1 tsp of each instead of 1 tbsp fresh.
- Dijon Mustard: If unavailable, whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard works well.
- Red Wine: Replace with pomegranate juice or extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Beurre Manié: Cornstarch mixed with cold water can be used as a thickening agent instead of butter and flour.
How to Make Million Dollar Roast Beef Tenderloin
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Season the Tenderloin
Rub the trimmed beef tenderloin with olive oil. Then, evenly coat it with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. For an extra pop of flavor, brush Dijon mustard over the surface.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tenderloin and sear on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms. This locks in the juices and adds depth of flavor.
Step 4: Roast
Transfer the seared tenderloin to the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Adjust cook time based on your desired doneness:
- Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom (these add incredible flavor). Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine butter and flour into a paste (beurre manié). Gradually whisk this into the sauce until it thickens.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the tenderloin into thick medallions. Arrange them on a platter, drizzle with the rich red wine sauce, and enjoy your culinary masterpiece.
What to Serve with Beef Tenderloin
- Roasted Vegetables: Think caramelized carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their smooth texture pairs beautifully with the tenderloin.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Buttery Dinner Rolls: Perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Tips for Success
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your tenderloin is perfectly cooked every time.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Allowing the beef to rest prevents the juices from running out when sliced.
- Deglaze Thoroughly: Scrape up all the bits in the pan when making the sauce—they’re flavor gold!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover beef tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my beef tenderloin is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work well; use 1/3 the amount called for with fresh herbs.
In Summary
This Million Dollar Roast Beef Tenderloin is the ultimate in culinary luxury. From its tender texture to the robust, flavorful sauce, it’s a dish that delivers every time. With simple preparation steps and the ability to customize, it’s perfect for intimate dinners or grand celebrations.
More Recipes to Try
Looking for more show-stopping dishes? Check these out:
- Roasted Cranberry and Goat Cheese Flatbread
- Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
- Crispy Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review below or share your creations with me on Pinterest. Let’s make every meal unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 28g
Million Dollar Roast Beef Tenderloin Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Million Dollar Roast Beef Tenderloin is the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. Juicy, tender, and infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, it’s complemented by a luxurious red wine sauce. Easy to prepare yet impressively elegant, this recipe is a showstopper for family dinners or festive celebrations!
Ingredients
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 2 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Season the tenderloin: Rub the beef with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Brush with Dijon mustard.
- Sear the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the tenderloin on all sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to the baking sheet.
- Roast: Place in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Rest for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add beef broth and red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Mix butter and flour into a paste and whisk it into the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Slice the tenderloin into medallions, drizzle with sauce, and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
- Let the tenderloin rest for 10 minutes after roasting to retain juices.
- Substitute red wine with pomegranate juice or extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz beef with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg