Ultimate Beef Tenderloin: 15-Minute Holiday Roast

The holidays are here, and you know what that means – it’s time to pull out all the stops! Hosting Christmas dinner is such a special tradition for me, and there’s nothing quite like seeing the look on my family’s faces when they see the main course. If you’re dreaming of a centerpiece that’s both elegant and unbelievably easy, let me tell you about the magic of a perfectly roasted beef tenderloin. Trust me, this isn’t just any recipe; it’s my secret weapon for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth roast that always gets rave reviews, even from the pickiest eaters. It’s simple, it’s foolproof, and it’s guaranteed to make your holiday table shine.

Why This is the Best Beef Tenderloin Recipe for Your Holiday Feast

Okay, let’s talk about why this recipe for beef tenderloin is honestly *the* one you want for your big holiday dinner. I’ve tried a few things over the years, and this one just hits every single mark, especially when you’re juggling a million things during the holidays. It’s super easy to throw together, which is a lifesaver when you’ve got guests arriving!

You get that incredible, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that screams “special occasion,” but without needing to be a gourmet chef. Seriously, the simple herb rub and the roasting method do all the heavy lifting. It’s the kind of dish that looks like you spent all day fussing over it, but in reality, most of the time it’s just doing its thing in the oven. If you’re looking for the best beef tenderloin recipe that’s festive, fuss-free, and always a crowd-pleaser, you’ve found it right here!

• Effortless Elegance: It looks and tastes incredibly fancy, but requires minimal active cooking time.
• Guaranteed Tenderness: The technique ensures a super tender and juicy result every single time.
• Impressive Presentation: A beautifully roasted tenderloin makes a stunning centerpiece for any festive table.
• Speedy Prep: You can get it seasoned and into the oven in about 15 minutes!

Gather Your Ingredients for Perfect Beef Tenderloin

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! Having everything prepped and measured makes the actual cooking so much smoother, especially when you’re aiming for a perfect roast for your holiday guests. You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, just a few good quality ingredients that let that beautiful beef tenderloin shine.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A gorgeous 3 to 4 pound beef tenderloin roast – this is our star! Make sure it’s trimmed nicely.
• 2 tablespoons of good olive oil – just enough to help our seasonings stick.
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt for that essential seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to give it a little zing.
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary – it just screams holiday, doesn’t it?
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to complement the rosemary perfectly.
• And about 2 cloves of garlic, minced really fine. I like to mince mine right before I use it so it’s extra fragrant.

That’s it! Simple, right? These flavors are classic and honestly, they let that amazing beef flavor really come through.

Mastering How to Cook Beef Tenderloin: Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, now for the fun part – actually cooking this gorgeous piece of meat! Learning how to cook beef tenderloin might sound intimidating, especially for a holiday roast, but I promise you, it’s totally doable. My method is all about building flavor and getting that perfect tender texture without a fuss. We’re going to do a quick, hot sear to get a lovely crust, then let the oven do most of the work. It’s truly my go-to way to ensure a spectacular result every single time. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try our method with a sous-vide precision cooker first for ultimate tenderness before searing!

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Prepping Your Beef Tenderloin

First things first, let’s get this beauty ready. You want to start by patting your beef tenderloin really dry with some paper towels. This is super important, guys! A dry surface helps create that beautiful, golden-brown crust we’re after when it hits the oven. Then, in a little bowl, mix up that fantastic herb rub: olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and your minced garlic. Rub this all over the tenderloin, like you’re giving it a delicious massage. Make sure to get it everywhere!

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Roasting Your Beef Tenderloin to Perfection

Now, let’s talk roasting! Get your oven preheated to a nice hot 425°F (220°C). Place your prepared tenderloin on a rack inside a roasting pan. Pop it into that hot oven for just 15 minutes. This initial blast of heat is key for that lovely sear. Then, and this is important, turn the oven down to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting for another 30 to 45 minutes. The best way to know it’s done is by using a meat thermometer – you’re looking for about 125°F (52°C) in the thickest part for a perfect medium-rare. If you’re aiming for more well-done, just go a little longer.

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The Crucial Resting Period for Your Beef Tenderloin

Almost there! This is probably the hardest part because you’ll want to slice into it immediately. But listen to me: you HAVE to let your beef tenderloin rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes after you take it out of the oven. This allows all those delicious juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and tender. If you skip this, all those beautiful juices will just run out onto your cutting board!

SAVE IT

Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Party

Now that you’ve got your stunning beef tenderloin, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to make your holiday gathering truly spectacular. A beautiful roast deserves equally delightful sides! I love to create a balanced plate that feels festive and comforting. This is where you can really tailor the meal to your family’s favorites, but here are a few ideas that I always come back to for a fantastic holiday party recipe. They’re seasoned just right and complement the richness of the beef so well.

First up, you absolutely cannot go wrong with some fluffy homemade dinner rolls. Perfect for soaking up any extra juices! Then, consider my classic stuffing – it’s savory and delicious. And for a touch of green, you can’t beat these crispy roasted Brussels sprouts. They’re a little sweet, a little savory, and just perfectly caramelized.

Tips for Success with Your Beef Tenderloin Roast

Just a few little extra tips can really take your beef tenderloin from great to absolutely unforgettable! When I’m picking out my roast, I always try to find one that’s pretty uniform in thickness. This helps it cook more evenly, so you don’t end up with one end totally done and the other still a bit rare. Don’t be afraid to ask your butcher if they can trim off that tough silver skin for you, or give it a gentle nudge on how to do it yourself – it makes a world of difference in tenderness!

Another thing I always stress is letting it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you season and cook it. Going straight from the fridge to the heat can make it cook unevenly. And remember that resting period I mentioned? It’s non-negotiable! If you cut into it too soon, all those lovely juices will escape, leaving you with a drier roast. Trust me on this one; the extra wait is totally worth it for that perfect, juicy bite!

Frequently Asked Questions about Beef Tenderloin

Got burning questions about tackling that beautiful beef tenderloin for your holiday feast? I get it! There are always a few things that pop into my head when I’m preparing something special like this. Let’s clear up any confusion so you can feel totally confident serving up the best roast ever!

What is the best internal temperature for beef tenderloin?

For a perfect medium-rare, which I always recommend for beef tenderloin because it’s SO tender, aim for 125°F (52°C) in the thickest part. For medium, it’s around 135°F (57°C), and for medium-well, aim for about 140°F (60°C). Remember, the temperature will rise a bit as it rests!

Can I prepare beef tenderloin ahead of time?

You can totally do part of the prep ahead! Mix your herb rub and have it ready to go. You can even trim the tenderloin and pat it dry the day before, storing it covered in the fridge. Just let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you rub it down and pop it in the oven – this really helps with even cooking!

How do I store leftover beef tenderloin?

Leftovers are the best, right? Once your beef tenderloin has cooled down, wrap it up super tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It should keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For reheating, I like to warm up thin slices gently in a skillet with a little broth or beef drippings to keep them from drying out.

Nutritional Estimate for Roasted Beef Tenderloin

When you’re making a special meal like this, it’s nice to have an idea of the nutrition. Keep in mind these numbers are just an estimate, and they can change a little depending on the exact cut you get and how big your slices are. Based on a standard 4-ounce serving, this delicious beef tenderloin roast is packed with protein (around 40g!), and has about 350 calories with 20g of fat. It’s a fantastic centerpiece for a holiday meal!

Share Your Holiday Beef Tenderloin Masterpiece!

I would absolutely LOVE to see your beautiful beef tenderloin creation! Did you make this for your holiday feast? Please leave a comment below and tell me all about it – I want to know how it turned out and what your family thought! If you snap a picture, tag me on social media. Sharing our cooking adventures really builds this wonderful little kitchen community we have going here. And if you have any lingering questions or want to share your own tips, don’t hesitate to reach out via my contact page!

Perfect Roasted Beef Tenderloin for the Holidays

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Impress your guests with a perfectly roasted beef tenderloin, a centerpiece for your holiday dinner.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 45 min
• Total Time: 60 min
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 (3-4 pound) beef tenderloin roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic.
4. Rub the mixture all over the beef tenderloin.
5. Place the tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan.
6. Roast for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for 30-45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
8. Remove the tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• For medium-well, roast until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
• Consider using a sous-vide precision cooker for ultimate tenderness before searing.
• This recipe is a great alternative to meal planning for busy holidays.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 ounces
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1
• Sodium: 300
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 12
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 2
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 40
• Cholesterol: 100