Name: Easy Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lb beef tenderloin (trimmed and tied); 2 tsp coarse kosher salt; 1 tsp cracked black pepper; 2 tsp olive oil; 1 large shallot (sliced); 2 sprigs fresh sage; 2 sprigs fresh oregano; 5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 3 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1 tsp stone-ground mustard; 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tsp fresh chives (chopped)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a roast that exudes elegance yet remains surprisingly simple, this Easy Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine tender, juicy beef with a golden crust, enriched by an irresistibly fragrant herb butter that melts into every slice. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal fuss, making it perfect for intimate dinners or holiday celebrations. Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory, aromatic, and buttery notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A roasted piece of meat sits in a white pot with a smooth inside layer. The meat is sliced into four thick pieces, showing a slightly pink center with a browned, herb-covered crust. On top of the meat are melted patches of what looks like butter mixed with herbs. Surrounding the meat are two light brown, roasted onion halves and several sprigs of fresh green rosemary. The pot contains a thin layer of dark brown sauce, with the white marbled surface underneath visible around the pot. The light shines softly on the meat, making the textures and colors clear and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this unforgettable Easy Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to enhance the tenderness, depth, and aroma of the beef, ensuring a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

3 lb beef tenderloin (trimmed and tied): The star of the dish, prized for its buttery texture and mild flavor.
2 tsp coarse kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and building a crave-worthy crust.
1 tsp cracked black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
2 tsp olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful sear while keeping the meat juicy.
1 large shallot (sliced): Provides delicate sweetness and subtle depth during roasting.
2 sprigs fresh sage: Infuses the roast with earthy, aromatic notes.
2 sprigs fresh oregano: Offers a gentle herbal brightness to balance the richness.
5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened): The base of the luscious herb butter that ties the flavors together.
3 cloves garlic (finely minced): Adds unmistakable pungency and warmth to the butter.
1 tsp stone-ground mustard: Brings tang and a subtle bite to the herb butter.
1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens the butter with a fresh, grassy note.
1 tsp fresh chives (chopped): Adds a mild onion-like freshness and vibrant color.

How to Make Easy Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Begin by patting your beef tenderloin dry with paper towels—this step ensures the surface browns nicely during searing. Generously season the beef with the kosher salt and cracked black pepper, pressing the spices gently into the meat to build flavor. Allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes; this helps the roast cook more evenly and enhances the final tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

While the beef is resting, blend together the softened unsalted butter with finely minced garlic, stone-ground mustard, chopped parsley, and chives in a small bowl. This compound butter will be the magic behind the rich, herbaceous finish. Set it aside at room temperature so it’s ready to melt into every crevice of the roast later on.

Step 3: Preheat and Sear the Beef

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a sturdy cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil once the pan is hot. Carefully sear the beef tenderloin on all sides, watching closely until a deep golden-brown crust forms—this will take about 2 minutes per side. This initial searing locks in the juices and adds a wonderful texture.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Once the beef is beautifully seared, scatter the sliced shallot alongside the sprigs of fresh sage and oregano in the skillet. These aromatics will perfume the roast as it cooks, imparting subtle layers of flavor that mingle perfectly with the beef and herb butter.

Step 5: Roast and Baste with Herb Butter

Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. After 10 minutes of roasting, spread half of the compound butter evenly over the top of the tenderloin. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting for another 15 to 20 minutes, basting the beef periodically with the remaining herb butter. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness—aim for about 125°F for that perfect medium-rare, remembering the roast will continue to cook slightly as it rests.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Remove the skillet from the oven and tent the beef loosely with foil. Resting the meat for about 15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is succulent and tender. When ready, discard the herbs, slice the roast into 1-inch thick pieces, and prepare to wow everyone with your culinary masterpiece.

How to Serve Easy Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe

Easy Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by garnishing your beef with fresh sprigs of parsley or chives. A drizzle of the melted herb butter over the slices right before serving adds an indulgent, glossy finish that makes each bite feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This Easy Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad to complement the richness of the beef without overpowering it. The goal is to balance textures and colors on the plate for a meal that’s as satisfying to the eye as it is to the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, arrange the sliced tenderloin on a wooden cutting board or a large platter surrounded by the roasted shallots and some fresh herbs. Alternatively, for a more casual vibe, serve slices on individual plates topped with a dollop of herb butter and accompanied by roasted potatoes or asparagus spears. Either way, this dish commands attention and invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Easy Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe feast, wrap the sliced beef tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

You can also freeze sliced tenderloin for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap each portion carefully with plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently by placing the beef slices in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the tender texture and avoid drying out the meat. Adding a small spoonful of reserved herb butter before reheating helps retain flavor and juiciness.

FAQs

What is the best cut of beef for this recipe?

The beef tenderloin is the ideal cut for this recipe thanks to its tender, buttery texture and mild flavor. It cooks evenly and pairs wonderfully with the herb butter, producing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for the butter?

While fresh herbs deliver the brightest, most vibrant flavors, dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount of fresh herbs stated, and mix them thoroughly into the butter to allow the flavors to develop.

How do I know when the beef tenderloin is perfectly cooked?

The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Aim for 125°F in the thickest part of the roast for medium-rare. Remember, the temperature will rise a bit while resting, resulting in perfect doneness.

Can I prepare the herb butter in advance?

Absolutely! The herb butter can be made up to a day ahead. Keep it wrapped tightly and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the beef during roasting to ensure it melts smoothly.

Is it necessary to tie the beef tenderloin?

Tying the beef helps it maintain an even shape, which promotes uniform cooking and an attractive presentation. If you don’t have kitchen twine, you can carefully tuck the ends under or use skewers, but tying is recommended for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly rewarding about serving up this Easy Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter Recipe—a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes yet comes together with simplicity you’ll appreciate on busy days. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend treat, this roast will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with happy smiles. Go ahead and try it; your future self and dinner guests will thank you!