Traditional Roast Beef Tenderloin

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This traditional roast beef tenderloin is a true showstopper, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious Sunday dinner. Its tender, juicy texture and rich flavor are sure to impress your guests and leave everyone craving more.

Ingredients for Traditional Roast Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin is the star of this dish, known for its tenderness and lean, buttery flavor. The key is to choose a high-quality cut. Olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the meat and adds a subtle richness. Salt and black pepper are essential for enhancing the beef's natural flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme complement the beef with their aromatic, earthy notes, while garlic brings a touch of pungency that rounds out the seasoning blend.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer for precise results; it's worth the investment.
  • Let the beef come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
  • If you prefer a different level of doneness, adjust the roasting time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This roast beef tenderloin pairs beautifully with a classic red wine sauce or a creamy horseradish sauce. Serve it alongside roasted root vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. Mashed potatoes or a hearty risotto also make excellent accompaniments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the tenderloin in advance?
Yes, you can season the beef and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. Bring it to room temperature before roasting.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs in a pinch, but reduce the quantity by about half since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Traditional Roast Beef Tenderloin Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This high temperature will give the tenderloin a beautiful, flavorful crust. While the oven heats up, trim any silver skin and excess fat from the tenderloin. You want to remove these parts to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture.

Next, rub the entire tenderloin with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This step is crucial for flavor and helps the seasoning adhere better. After that, sprinkle the chopped rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic evenly over the meat. These fresh herbs and garlic will infuse the beef with a wonderful aroma and taste as it roasts.

Place the seasoned tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan. This setup allows air to circulate around the meat, ensuring it cooks evenly. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let it roast for about 25-30 minutes. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare, which is perfect for a tenderloin.

Once the tenderloin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite juicy and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple yet elegant — minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
  • Easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for entertaining.
  • Quick to prepare and cooks in under an hour.
  • Perfectly tender and juicy every time.

Ingredients

1 whole beef tenderloin (about 4 to 5 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Trim any silver skin and excess fat from the tenderloin.
3. Rub the tenderloin with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
4. Sprinkle the rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic evenly over the meat.
5. Place the tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
7. Remove the tenderloin from the oven and cover with foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

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