Simple Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe
This Simple Beef Tenderloin recipe offers a perfectly roasted, juicy, and flavorful centerpiece for any special meal. The beef is seasoned with a fragrant blend of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, then roasted to your preferred doneness in the oven. A rich herb-infused butter sauce made with balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce complements the tenderloin beautifully, elevating each bite with a savory finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Tenderloin
- 3 pound beef tenderloin (trimmed and tied for even thickness)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano (dried)
- 2 teaspoons rosemary (dried)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper (coarsely ground)
For the Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 475ºF to prepare it for roasting the beef tenderloin at a high temperature for a beautiful crust.
- Prepare the Beef Tenderloin: Tie the beef tenderloin using kitchen twine so it maintains an even thickness throughout. This ensures uniform cooking.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix together the 4 tablespoons of softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, rosemary, salt, and coarsely ground black pepper until well combined.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared herb butter mixture all over the surface of the beef tenderloin, coating it thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack over the baking sheet and position the buttered beef tenderloin on top of the rack. This setup allows even air circulation around the meat.
- Initial Roasting: Roast the tenderloin in the preheated oven for 10 minutes at 475ºF to develop a flavorful crust.
- Continue Roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to 450ºF and continue roasting. Monitor the internal temperature of the beef until it reaches 5-10ºF below your desired doneness (135ºF for medium-rare or 145ºF for medium), which typically takes 25-35 more minutes depending on size.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise slightly.
- Prepare the Butter Sauce: While the beef rests, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add crushed garlic and herbs (parsley, oregano, rosemary) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, heating briefly to meld the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Turn off the heat and add the remaining butter (2 tablespoons), stirring gently until melted and smooth. Serve this aromatic butter sauce alongside the tenderloin.
Notes
- Tying the beef tenderloin helps it cook more evenly and retain its shape.
- Letting the beef rest before slicing helps keep it juicy and tender.
- The herb butter mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated, just bring it to room temperature before spreading on the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute fresh herbs if desired; adjust quantities accordingly for flavor intensity.
Keywords: beef tenderloin, oven roasted beef, herb butter beef, simple beef recipe, roast beef tenderloin, garlic butter sauce, elegant dinner
