Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe

If you’re craving a centerpiece roast that’s elegant but surprisingly simple to pull off, you’ve got to try this Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe. I absolutely love how tender, juicy, and flavorful this beef turns out every time—plus, that garlic butter sauce? Game changer. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to impress your family on a cozy weekend, this recipe will become your go-to for beef tenderloin. Let me walk you through it so you can get the best results with minimal fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I like to keep the ingredient list straightforward—quality beef and flavorful, fresh herbs paired with butter make all the difference. You’ll also find a little balsamic and Worcestershire in the garlic butter sauce, adding a subtle depth you might not expect but will adore.

• Beef Tenderloin: Look for a whole, trimmed tenderloin around 3 pounds for even cooking and best texture.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced for the butter blend, plus one crushed clove for the sauce to get that aromatic punch.
• Butter: I prefer unsalted butter so I can perfectly balance the seasoning; softened butter spreads easily on the meat.
• Parsley, Oregano, and Rosemary: These herbs bring fragrant, earthy notes—you can use dried or fresh, but fresh herbs will be more vibrant.
• Salt and Coarse Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning; freshly cracked pepper adds texture and warmth.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to finish the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A small splash deepens the umami flavor of the butter sauce.

Variations

One of the things I appreciate about this Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to swap around herbs or add a little heat if that’s your vibe—you can truly tailor this recipe to your preferences.

• Herb Swap: I once tried this with thyme instead of oregano and rosemary, and my family actually loved the more subtle, woodsy flavor.
• Butter Alternatives: For a dairy-free twist, replace butter with olive oil in both the rub and sauce; it’ll smoke less in the oven too.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the butter mixture gave the tenderloin an exciting warmth my guests raved about.
• Smaller Roast: If you have a 2-pound tenderloin, just reduce cooking time and keep a close eye on the internal temp to avoid overcooking.

How to Make Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Beef for Even Cooking

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F. Then, take your trimmed beef tenderloin and tie it with kitchen twine at even intervals—this little trick helps it cook uniformly so you won’t end up with thin, overdone edges. I like to make sure the thickness is consistent lengthwise; it really makes a difference in the final texture.

Step 2: Make the Herb Garlic Butter Rub

In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, oregano, rosemary, salt, and coarse black pepper. The butter should be spreadable but not melted—this helps it cling to the beef. I usually use a spoon to coat the entire tenderloin evenly, giving it that flavorful crust as it roasts.

Step 3: Roast with Care

Place a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet and set your buttered beef on top—this allows air to circulate and prevents soggy bottoms. Roast at 475°F for 10 minutes to get a nice sear, then lower the oven to 450°F. Continue roasting until the internal temperature is just shy of your target doneness—135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. From my experience, this usually takes about 25-35 more minutes, but keep a meat thermometer handy. Overcooking is the biggest mistake here, so check early if your tenderloin is on the smaller side.

Step 4: Rest and Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once out of the oven, let the roast rest for 15 minutes. This step is critical — it allows the juices to redistribute, so each slice is juicy and tender, not dry. While resting, melt a tablespoon of butter in a small pan and sauté crushed garlic and herbs for about a minute to release their aroma. Then add balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, stir, and finish by stirring in remaining butter off heat. This sauce adds a beautiful, rich layer of flavor you’ll want on every slice.

How to Serve Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the tenderloin slices with fresh chopped parsley or a few sprigs of rosemary for that fresh green pop and aroma. A light drizzle of the garlic butter sauce over each cut really brings everything together beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic Yukon golds and a crisp green veggie like sautéed asparagus or green beans almondine. They complement the richness of the beef without competing with it.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like to arrange the sliced tenderloin in a circle on a large platter and spoon the garlic butter sauce in the center, garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers for a wow factor. It’s both rustic and elegant—perfect for impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After slicing, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the garlic butter sauce separate and reheat it gently before serving again to keep it fresh and buttery.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked tenderloin before, wrapped tightly in foil then plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. While the texture softens slightly, it reheats well and is great for sandwiches or steak salads later on.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently warming slices in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. Add the warmed garlic butter sauce at the end to revive the richness—it’ll taste almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe holds a special place in my cooking arsenal because it combines simplicity and sophistication beautifully. I still remember the first time I made it—it turned out so tender and flavorful, my family kept asking for seconds. I know you’ll enjoy making this as much as eating it. It’s a perfect way to celebrate any occasion or simply treat yourself to a delicious meal at home. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite roast!

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