How to Make Beef Tenderloin with 3 Sauces (Perfect for the Holidays!)

Allrecipes

Video Stats

Channel: Allrecipes
Host: Allrecipes
Published: Jun 21, 2025
Views: 166.6k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 45 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 6

Overview

Beef tenderloin is often seen as a luxurious cut of meat, perfect for special occasions and holiday dinners. In this recipe, the focus is on not just cooking the tenderloin, but also on how to prepare it for maximum flavor and enjoyment. The process begins with selecting a whole tenderloin, which can be more economical than buying pre-cut steaks. The video guides you through trimming the meat, removing the silver skin, and preparing it for cooking.

One of the standout features of this recipe is the three sauces that accompany the beef. The Cowboy Butter, a flavorful compound butter, is made with garlic, herbs, and spices, adding a rich layer of flavor when melted over the hot meat. The classic horseradish sauce offers a tangy contrast, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their beef. Lastly, the mushroom sauce is a luxurious addition, made with sautéed mushrooms and shallots, deglazed with red wine, and thickened with beef stock.

Cooking the tenderloin is straightforward, with the option to sear it in a hot skillet before finishing in the oven. The key is to monitor the internal temperature to achieve the desired doneness, typically around 135°F for medium-rare. This method ensures a juicy, tender result that melts in your mouth. The video emphasizes the importance of resting the meat before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute for a perfect presentation.

Overall, this recipe not only teaches you how to cook a beef tenderloin but also provides tips on maximizing the cut’s potential. With the right techniques and sauces, you can impress your guests and create a memorable holiday meal that showcases the best of beef tenderloin.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
01:06

Dry off the beef tenderloin to prepare for trimming.

01:08

Tip: Dry the beef tenderloin to get the best sear and flavor.

2
01:12

Pull off the chain from the beef tenderloin using your hands or a knife.

3
01:28

Cut off the head of the beef tenderloin.

4
01:50

Use a knife to remove the silver skin from the beef tenderloin.

5
02:11

Render down the fat and scraps from the beef for cooking or dog treats.

6
02:54

Cut off the end of the tenderloin to prepare for roasting.

7
03:11

Cut off the fatty parts from the head of the tenderloin.

8
03:20

Cut petite fillets from the head of the tenderloin.

9
04:01

Tie the beef tenderloin with twine for even cooking.

10
04:38

Coat the beef tenderloin with salt to develop a crust.

04:44

Tip: Let the beef tenderloin sit in the fridge for a few hours to dry out the surface for better browning.

11
05:01

Mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives, thyme, Dijon, lemon zest, and spices.

05:28

Tip: Make extra Cowboy butter to use as a dip for crusty bread.

06:48

Tip: Serve beef tenderloin at room temperature for the best flavor.

12
06:56

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, vinegar, mustard, and cayenne pepper.

13
07:43

Melt butter in a skillet and add sliced mushrooms.

08:06

Tip: Develop color on the mushrooms to enhance their flavor.

14
08:11

Add shallots and chopped mushrooms to the skillet.

15
08:24

Deglaze the skillet with red wine and add bay leaf and thyme.

09:14

Tip: Use a probe thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to your desired temperature.

16
09:41

Add beef stock mixed with cornstarch to the sauce.

17
10:01

Heat a skillet and sear the beef tenderloin in olive oil.

18
10:21

Transfer the seared tenderloin to the oven at 325°F.

11:05

Tip: Let the beef rest after cooking to retain its juices.

19
11:46

Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef.

20
12:01

Plate the beef tenderloin and serve with sauces.

12:10

Tip: Bring the Cowboy butter to room temperature before serving for better melting.

13:08

Tip: Buy the whole tenderloin for better value and multiple meals.

Ingredients

Serves: 6
Garlic3 cloves
Shallots2
Mushrooms2 cups
Horseradish2 tbsp
Mayonnaise3 tbsp
Sour Cream4 tbsp
Dijon Mustard2 tsp
Red Wine1 cup
Beef Stock1 cup
Thyme0.5 tsp
Bay Leaf
Olive Oil2 tbsp
Salt1 tsp
Pepper1 tsp
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Cream

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water

Nutrition

Calories
450
kcal per serving
Protein
50
per serving
Carbs
5
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • Buying a whole beef tenderloin can save money and provide multiple meals.
  • The silver skin on beef tenderloin is tough and should be removed for better texture.
  • Cowboy Butter is a compound butter that enhances the flavor of beef.
  • Horseradish sauce pairs well with beef tenderloin and can be served at room temperature.
  • Mushroom sauce adds richness and depth to the beef dish.