Skip to Recipe
You will appreciate the easy Roast Beef Tenderloin recipe featuring garlic and rosemary—this is my preferred choice for festive gatherings. It turns out incredibly tender and flavorful, and I hope you enjoy it!
GarlicRosemary Beef Tenderloin
The meltinyourmouth beef tenderloin is always included in my holiday meals because it is simple to prepare and enjoyed by everyone thanks to its buttery softness and tenderness. This cut is lean and without bones, making it perfect for roasting, and it is commonly known as the “king of cuts. ” With only six ingredients, you can create the simplest, most effortless tenderloin roast that is cooked to perfection. Enhance your Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve meal with your favorite steakhouse sides, such as mashed potatoes and creamed spinach, or with more luxurious options like sweet potato gratin or spinach gratin.
Reasons to Include Beef Tenderloin in Your Holiday Plans
I discovered how easy it is to make beef tenderloin. This cut is perfect for entertaining guests and is extremely simple to cook—great for those new to the kitchen! Here are a few reasons why I enjoy making this for holiday occasions:
Effortlessly Elegant:
Beef tenderloin serves as a beautiful centerpiece and does not need advanced cooking skills.
CrowdPleasing Flavor:
Its delightful tenderness and rich taste are sure to impress your guests.
Quick Cooking Time:
It cooks swiftly, giving you more time for other holiday tasks.
Versatile Pairing Options:
It goes wonderfully with various sides, from roasted veggies to creamy mashed potatoes.
Minimal Ingredients:
You only need six ingredients for this dish, including olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Dietary Restrictions:
Suitable for Weight Watchers (zero points!), glutenfree, highprotein, and dairyfree.
Ingredients
For this beef tenderloin recipe, you will only need 6 ingredients; here’s the list (measurements can be found in the recipe card below):
Olive Oil:
Combine the oil with other ingredients to create a rub for the beef. You can also use melted butter if you prefer.
Garlic:
Provides a delightful flavor to this roast.
Fresh rosemary:
Rosemary pairs excellently with garlic. If you like, you may substitute it with fresh thyme. Salt and Black Pepper to season the tenderloin.
Beef Tenderloin:
Choose USDA Prime for excellent marbling and taste, or USDA Choice to save some money.
How to Roast Beef Tenderloin
Follow these steps for preparing a perfect roasted beef tenderloin. Printable directions are available in the recipe card below.
Room Temperature:
Take the beef tenderloin out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 3060 minutes before cooking.
Make the Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the Beef:
Trim any excess fat from the tenderloin and tie it up with butcher’s twine every two inches using kitchen twine. This helps the meat maintain its shape and cook evenly, ensuring it is juicy.
Season the Beef:
Dry the meat with paper towels and apply the garlic mixture all over, gently pressing to make it stick to the beef.
How Long to Bake a Whole Tenderloin in the Oven:
Place the meat on a baking sheet and cook it at 375°F for around 45 to 60 minutes, based on its size, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Allow the tenderloin to rest for 10 minutes to keep the juices from escaping. After that, cut it into slices and serve.
What is Beef Tenderloin?
Beef tenderloin is a premium meat cut sourced from the cow’s loin. It has a soft texture and is very tender, which is why it’s often called the “king of cuts. ” This boneless and lean piece of meat is perfect for roasting and grilling.
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover beef in a sealed container in the refrigerator for no more than 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions
How does beef tenderloin differ from filet mignon?
Beef tenderloin and filet mignon are distinct cuts. The tenderloin is larger, while the filet mignon is cut from the most delicate section of the tenderloin.
Can I prepare beef tenderloin the night before?
You can apply seasoning to the tenderloin right before cooking or do it a day earlier for better flavor.
What temperature should beef tenderloin be cooked to?
A meat thermometer is crucial for achieving your desired doneness. For mediumrare, I take it out of the oven when it hits 125°F to 130°F. For medium, let it reach 135°F to 140°F. Expect the temperature to go up by about 5°F while it rests, reaching your target doneness.
Beef Tenderloin Recipe
The Roast Beef Tenderloin recipe with garlic and rosemary is fantastic and my favorite for holiday gatherings. It turns out incredibly tender and delicious, and I hope you enjoy it too!
Course: Dinner, Main Dish for Holidays
Cuisine: American
Beef Tenderloin
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12
Serving Size: 4. 5 ounces cooked
Equipment Needed
Baking sheet
Kitchen twine
Instantread thermometer
Sharp carving knife
Ingredients
▢1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
▢4 cloves garlic, minced
▢1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
▢1 tablespoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste
▢1 4pound beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied into 2inch pieces
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. If you want easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with oil.
In a small mixing bowl, blend the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and black pepper together.
Use paper towels to dry the tenderloin. Season it all over with the garlic mixture, pressing gently for it to stick.
Put the tenderloin on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F for mediumrare, which should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it’s cooked to your liking. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve right away.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 4. 5 ounces cooked, Calories: 211 kcal, Carbohydrates: 0. 5 g, Protein: 33. 5 g, Fat: 8. 5 g, Saturated Fat: 2. 5 g, Cholesterol: 93. 5 mg, Sodium: 343. 5 mg