Name: Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 center-cut beef tenderloin roast (4 to 4 ½ pounds), trimmed and tied; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 6 tablespoons softened butter; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves; 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 30 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping roast that’s bursting with flavor and melts in your mouth, look no further than my Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe. Trust me, this isn’t just any beef tenderloin—it’s kissed with a garlicky, herbaceous butter that takes it to stellar heights. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. Come on, let’s dig in!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Cut of Meat: The center-cut beef tenderloin is naturally tender and lean, making it ideal for an elegant roast.
Flavorful Garlic Herb Butter: The mix of rosemary, thyme, and garlic butter adds layers of fresh, aromatic flavor without overpowering the beef.
Balanced Cooking Technique: Searing first locks in juices for a flawless crust, finishing in the oven ensures even doneness.
Resting Time: Letting the roast rest before slicing means juicy, tender slices every single time.

Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin, beef tenderloin recipe, garlic herb beef roast, elegant beef tenderloin, tenderloin dinner ideas - Two cooked steaks rest inside a black cast iron pan placed on a white marbled surface. Each steak has a seared brown exterior with a slightly crisp texture on top. Generous dollops of melted herb butter, yellow with bits of green herbs, sit on each steak, spreading slightly and adding a creamy contrast to the rich meat. The pan has a handle to the right and shows some cooking marks and oils around the steaks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe plays a key role — from the high-quality beef that’s juicy and tender, to the fresh herbs that brighten the rich butter. I always recommend shopping for a well-trimmed center-cut tenderloin and the freshest rosemary and thyme you can find, as they make all the difference in this relatively simple recipe.

Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin, beef tenderloin recipe, garlic herb beef roast, elegant beef tenderloin, tenderloin dinner ideas - Flat lay of a whole center-cut beef tenderloin roast tied with kitchen twine, two teaspoons coarse kosher salt crystals scattered nearby, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy avocado oil, a small white ceramic bowl of soft golden butter, six garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary with needle-like leaves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme with tiny green leaves, all arranged symmetrically 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

Beef Tenderloin Roast: Look for a nice, center-cut piece that’s trimmed and tied; this ensures even cooking and presentation.
Kosher Salt: A coarse salt like kosher lifts the beef’s natural flavors without making it salty.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the herbs.
Avocado Oil: A high smoke point oil perfect for searing to get that golden crust.
Butter: Softened butter serves as the base for the herb mixture, adding richness and helping the herbs stick to the beef.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for that unmistakable punch of flavor—garlic is a must for a recipe like this.
Fresh Rosemary: Finely chopped, it brings a piney, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the beef.
Fresh Thyme: Also finely chopped, thyme offers a gentle earthiness to balance the garlic and rosemary.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe is. You can easily make it your own by swapping herbs, changing the seasoning, or pairing it with different sauces. It’s all about tailoring the flavors to what you and your guests enjoy most.

Herb Variations: I sometimes replace rosemary and thyme with sage and oregano for a slightly different Mediterranean vibe—it’s delicious and fresh.
Dietary Tweaks: If you want a dairy-free option, swap the butter for olive oil infused with the garlic and herbs.
Heat It Up: For a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter; it gives the roast a surprising but welcome warmth.
Cooking Levels: I always go medium-rare to medium with this tenderloin, but if you prefer well-done, just add a few more minutes in the oven, checking frequently.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Step 1: Bring the Beef to Room Temperature

Take your beef tenderloin out of the fridge about 1 to 2 hours before cooking. This is a game changer because cold meat won’t brown evenly, and you risk overcooking the outside while the inside stays underdone. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—that crust depends on it!

Step 2: Prepare Your Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme. Mix it well to make a fragrant spread. This butter is what will elevate the roast’s flavor and keep it juicy and tender. Set it aside while you move on to searing.

Step 3: Season and Sear the Tenderloin

Season both sides of the tenderloin generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat avocado oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the beef on all sides—don’t rush, about 2-3 minutes per side—to lock in those juices and get a gorgeous, golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Apply Herb Butter and Roast

Slather the garlic herb butter all over the top of your seared tenderloin. Then, transfer the entire skillet to a 425°F (220°C) preheated oven. Roast it for 15 to 20 minutes depending on your preferred doneness. Using a probe thermometer helps me get it right every time—135°F for medium-rare is my go-to.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, transfer the roast to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting step is essential—it lets the juices redistribute so every slice is juicy and tender. Then, remove the twine and slice into 1-inch thick pieces. If you like, a little horseradish sauce on the side adds a perfect bite of heat and tang.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Room Temp Matters: I never skip the resting at room temp—this really helps with even cooking and a better crust.
Searing Is Non-Negotiable: Tried skipping the sear once and totally regretted it—don’t do it! It adds so much flavor and texture.
Butter Mix Makes It: I like to prepare the herb butter ahead so it’s ready to go; it spreads easily and coats the meat beautifully.
Use a Thermometer: Avoid guessing doneness – a probe thermometer keeps you from overcooking and wasting this precious cut.

How to Serve Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin, beef tenderloin recipe, garlic herb beef roast, elegant beef tenderloin, tenderloin dinner ideas - A white plate holds a cooked roast beef that is sliced into several thick pieces showing a pink, juicy center with a browned outer layer. The top of the roast is covered with a textured mix of chopped garlic and herbs that is pale with green bits. The slices lay mostly flat with their textured pink, moist interiors facing up, and a few whole pieces of roast sit to the left. Fresh green sprigs of rosemary are placed on the plate near the meat. In front of the plate, a white bowl with a rough edge contains creamy white sauce topped with small, chopped green herbs, and a spoon rests inside the bowl. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of chopped parsley to add a pop of green and a touch of freshness. Sometimes, I drizzle a little of the pan juices over the sliced tenderloin for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

Pairing this tenderloin roast with creamy mashed potatoes is my favorite combo, but roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts work beautifully too. A crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving the sliced tenderloin fanned out on a large platter with dollops of horseradish cream and colorful roasted vegetables arranged artistically. It always gets “oohs” and “aahs” from friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep their flavor for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or a second dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, slice the tenderloin first, then freeze the slices flat on a tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can thaw only what you need. Frozen slices keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftover slices in a warm skillet with a touch of butter, covering it briefly to keep the beef moist. This approach preserves the texture better than microwaving or oven reheating.

FAQs

Can I prepare the herb garlic butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! The herb garlic butter can be mixed and refrigerated a few hours or even a day ahead. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the beef for easy application.
What’s the best way to ensure my beef tenderloin cooks evenly?

Start by bringing the beef to room temperature before cooking, sear it thoroughly on all sides to create a crust, and roast it in a preheated oven. Using a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature is the most reliable method.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs give the best flavor, you can substitute dried ones in a pinch—use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
How do I know when the beef tenderloin is done?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part: 120-125°F for rare, 130-135°F for medium-rare, and 140-145°F for medium. Remember, it will carry over cook slightly during resting.

Final Thoughts

This Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe has become my go-to when I want to feel like a culinary rockstar without fussing over complicated techniques. It’s rich, flavorful, and elegant, yet straightforward enough to make any night feel special. I truly hope you give it a try—you’ll love how the garlic herb butter transforms a simple beef tenderloin into something extraordinary. Let me know how it turns out when you make it at home!

Herbed Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Caroline
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

A succulent beef tenderloin roast infused with a flavorful herbed garlic butter, seared to perfection and oven-roasted to your desired doneness. This elegant main course promises tender, juicy slices perfect for special occasions or a gourmet dinner.

Ingredients

Beef Tenderloin Roast

1 center-cut beef tenderloin roast (4 to 4 ½ pounds), trimmed and tied
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons avocado oil

Garlic Herb Butter

6 tablespoons softened butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the beef tenderloin from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to ensure even cooking.
Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme. Set this flavorful mixture aside.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Beef: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the beef tenderloin in half if necessary, then trim and retie it with kitchen twine for even shape and cooking.
Season the Beef: Pat the beef dry thoroughly with paper towels, then season all sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Roast: Heat avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the beef tenderloin on all sides for about 10 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.
Apply Herb Butter and Roast: Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the top of the seared beef. Insert a probe thermometer if using, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20 minutes for medium rare, adjusting time for your preferred doneness.
Rest the Meat: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the beef to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
Serve: Remove kitchen twine and slice the roast into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve immediately, optionally with horseradish sauce for added flavor.

Notes

Letting the beef come to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking throughout.
Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a perfect sear with a flavorful crust.
The resting time is crucial to keep the meat juicy and tender.
Adjust roasting time according to your preferred doneness using a meat thermometer.
Horseradish sauce makes a classic and tangy accompaniment to the roast.