If you are craving a show-stopping main dish that combines tender, juicy beef with a fragrant, flavorful herb butter crust, this Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or a cozy weekend dinner. The tenderloin’s melt-in-your-mouth texture enhanced by the garlic, rosemary, and thyme butter creates an irresistible harmony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to craft a masterpiece. Each component adds a layer of flavor, aroma, or richness that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
- 3 lb beef tenderloin roast: This cut is prized for its tenderness and mild flavor, making it ideal for roasting.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Acts as the flavorful base for the herb mixture and helps create a beautiful crust.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped: Adds a piney, aromatic freshness that complements beef perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped: Offers a subtle earthiness to balance the richness of the butter.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter with a warm, pungent depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing to lock in juices and create a golden-brown exterior.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh green color and a mild, clean finish.
How to Make Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels—this helps to achieve a better sear. Then season the roast generously with salt and pepper to bring out its robust beefy essence.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic. This blended herb butter will infuse your beef with layers of aromatic flavor while keeping it moist and tender during roasting.
Step 3: Coat the Beef with Herb Butter
Rub the herb butter mixture all over the beef tenderloin, making sure every nook is covered. This is where the magic happens—the butter and herbs create a flavored crust that seals in the juices and flavors deeply.
Step 4: Sear the Beef Tenderloin
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully sear the beef on all sides until it’s a gorgeous golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized layer.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and roast the tenderloin for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Feel free to adjust timing if you prefer your beef more or less done, but this temperature gives you the perfect juicy tenderness.
Step 6: Rest the Roast
Once out of the oven, let the beef rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in slices that are moist and flavorful rather than dry or tough.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the rested roast for a fresh, colorful finish before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkling of fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful splash of green but also enhances the dish’s fresh flavor profile. You might also consider a few extra sprigs of rosemary or thyme on the side for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This roast pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables. A crisp green salad or buttery roasted asparagus makes a wonderful, complementary choice to balance the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, place thick slices of the roast on a serving platter surrounded by roasted baby carrots or colorful heirloom tomatoes. Drizzle some pan juices or a light red wine reduction sauce over the beef for added decadence and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover beef tenderloin tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day sandwiches or salads.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers longer, slice the roast and freeze the portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. Properly stored, the beef will maintain good quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out the meat, gently warm slices in a covered skillet over low heat or in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil. Adding a small splash of broth or water before reheating helps keep the beef moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe?
Yes, but fresh herbs bring a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the amounts by about one-third as the flavors are more concentrated.
What if I prefer my roast more well done?
Simply continue roasting until your desired doneness is reached. For medium, aim for 140-145°F internal temperature, and for well done, around 160°F.
Is beef tenderloin very expensive compared to other cuts?
Beef tenderloin is typically pricier due to its tenderness and quality, but it’s worth the investment for special meals because of its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I prepare the herb butter ahead and refrigerate it?
Absolutely! You can mix the herb butter a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, which actually helps the flavors meld beautifully.
What wine pairs well with this Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe?
A medium to full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the richness of the beef and herb butter elegantly.
Final Thoughts
This Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is beautifully straightforward to make. The combination of tender beef and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own delicious memories around the dinner table.
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Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast is a succulent and flavorful main dish featuring a tender 3-pound beef tenderloin. Infused with a fragrant blend of rosemary, thyme, and garlic herb butter, this roast is seared to perfection on the stovetop then finished in the oven to achieve a juicy medium-rare center. Perfect for special occasions or elegant dinners, it’s garnished with fresh parsley for a bright touch.
Ingredients
Beef Tenderloin
- 3 lb beef tenderloin roast
Herb Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Beef: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Make Herb Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the softened unsalted butter with the chopped fresh rosemary, chopped thyme, and minced garlic to create a fragrant herb butter.
- Apply Herb Butter: Evenly rub the herb butter mixture all over the surface of the beef tenderloin ensuring every part is coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, to lock in juices.
- Roast in Oven: Transfer the skillet with the seared beef into the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) is reached for medium-rare doneness. Adjust timing if you prefer your beef more or less cooked.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the beef tenderloin rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy slices.
- Garnish and Serve: Slice the roast and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately for perfect results.
- Allowing the roast to rest after cooking improves juiciness and tenderness.
- For rarer beef, reduce roast time, and for well-done, increase roast time accordingly.
- This recipe works well with other fresh herbs like oregano or sage if preferred.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the meat in a regular skillet and transfer it to a roasting pan for the oven step.
