๐ Introduction
This Amazing Beef Tenderloin Roast is the ultimate showstopper for Christmas, special occasions, or any dinner where you want something elegant, impressive, and unbelievably tender. Beef tenderloin is naturally buttery-soft, lean, and mild in flavor โ and when roasted with a fragrant garlic-herb crust, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
This recipe uses simple, clean ingredients (no alcohol, no pork, no wine reductions) while still delivering restaurant-quality flavor. With a beautiful golden crust on the outside and a tender pink center, this roast will make your holiday table unforgettable.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan or oven-safe skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Sharp carving knife
- Baking sheet
๐ Ingredients
Beef Tenderloin Roast
- 3โ4 lb whole beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ยฝ tsp black pepper
- 1 ยฝ tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- 2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ยฝ tsp dried oregano
Optional (Alcohol-Free) Finishing Touches
- Garlic herb butter (butter + garlic + parsley)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
- Roasted garlic bulbs
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Tenderloin
Pat beef dry with paper towels.
Tying the roast ensures even cooking โ most butchers will do this for you, or you can tie it with kitchen twine every 2 inches.
In a bowl mix:
- olive oil
- minced garlic
- salt & pepper
- rosemary
- thyme
- onion powder
- paprika
- oregano
Rub mixture all over the tenderloin.
Let sit at room temp 30โ45 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat & Sear
Preheat oven to 475ยฐF (245ยฐC).
Heat a skillet with a little oil over high heat.
Sear the tenderloin on all sides (3โ4 minutes per side) until browned.
Transfer to a roasting pan or leave in skillet if oven-safe.
Step 3: Roast
Roast at 475ยฐF for:
- 20โ25 minutes for medium rare
- 25โ30 minutes for medium
Use an instant-read thermometer:
- 125ยฐFโ130ยฐF: medium rare
- 135ยฐFโ140ยฐF: medium
- 145ยฐF: medium well
Remove from oven a few degrees early โ it will continue cooking as it rests.
Step 4: Rest
Loosely cover with foil and let rest 15โ20 minutes.
This ensures the roast stays juicy and slices beautifully.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
Cut into ยฝโ1 inch thick medallions.
Serve with:
- garlic herb butter
- mashed potatoes
- roasted vegetables
- green beans
- fresh herbs for garnish
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Serves: 6โ8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rest at room temp: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25โ30 minutes
- Final Rest Time: 15โ20 minutes
- Total Time: ~1.5 hours
๐ง Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: 3โ4 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat Without Drying Out
Wrap slices in foil with a splash of broth and warm at 275ยฐF for 10โ15 minutes.
๐ฅ Variations (All Alcohol-Free & Pork-Free)
- Garlic Herb Butter Crusted Tenderloin โ brush with herb butter for extra richness.
- Peppercorn Tenderloin โ add crushed peppercorns for a bold crust.
- Rosemary Crusted Tenderloin โ pack fresh rosemary on the outside.
- Mustard Herb Tenderloin โ coat with mustard + herbs (no wine).
- Smoked Paprika Version โ adds warmth and deeper flavor.
- Garlic & Parsley Tenderloin โ simple, clean flavor for picky eaters.
- Honey Garlic Tenderloin โ brush lightly with honey + garlic for a glazed finish.
- Balsamic-Free โBalsamic Styleโ Tenderloin โ use pomegranate molasses instead of vinegar.
- Mediterranean Herb Tenderloin โ oregano, thyme, garlic, lemon zest.
- Holiday Spice Tenderloin โ cinnamon + thyme for a festive aromatics blend (still savory).
โ 10 FAQs
- Do I have to sear it first?
Searing gives the best crust and flavor. - Can I skip tying the roast?
It may cook unevenly; tying is recommended. - What if I want it more cooked?
Slice end pieces โ they cook more. - Why rest the meat?
Prevents juices from running out, keeps it tender. - Can I marinate overnight?
Yes โ keep seasonings simple and avoid liquids. - Can I cook it from cold?
No โ it will cook unevenly. Always let it warm slightly. - Should I cover the roast while baking?
No โ uncovered gives a perfect crust. - Can I add vegetables to the pan?
Yes โ potatoes, carrots, onions roast beautifully. - What if I donโt have rosemary?
Thyme + garlic alone works great. - How do restaurants get it so tender?
Tenderloin is naturally tender โ proper resting is the key.
๐ Conclusion
This Amazing Beef Tenderloin Roast is luxurious, tender, and bursting with garlic-herb flavor โ all while being clean, simple, alcohol-free, and pork-free. With a perfectly seared crust, buttery-soft interior, and festive aroma, itโs the ideal centerpiece for Christmas or any special celebration.
Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for home cooks โ a truly perfect holiday roast.

Amazing Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe โ Juicy, Elegant & Perfect for Holiday Feasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat beef dry with paper towels.
- Tying the roast ensures even cooking โ most butchers will do this for you, or you can tie it with kitchen twine every 2 inches.
- In a bowl mix:
- olive oil
- minced garlic
- salt & pepper
- rosemary
- thyme
- onion powder
- paprika
- oregano
- Rub mixture all over the tenderloin.
- Let sit at room temp 30โ45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 475ยฐF (245ยฐC).
- Heat a skillet with a little oil over high heat.
- Sear the tenderloin on all sides (3โ4 minutes per side) until browned.
- Transfer to a roasting pan or leave in skillet if oven-safe.
- Roast at 475ยฐF for:
- 20โ25 minutes for medium rare
- 25โ30 minutes for medium
- Use an instant-read thermometer:
- 125ยฐFโ130ยฐF: medium rare
- 135ยฐFโ140ยฐF: medium
- 145ยฐF: medium well
- Remove from oven a few degrees early โ it will continue cooking as it rests.
- Loosely cover with foil and let rest 15โ20 minutes.
- This ensures the roast stays juicy and slices beautifully.
- Cut into ยฝโ1 inch thick medallions.
- garlic herb butter
- mashed potatoes
- roasted vegetables
- green beans
- fresh herbs for garnish
Notes
๐ง Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: 3โ4 daysFreezer: 2 months Reheat Without Drying Out Wrap slices in foil with a splash of broth and warm at 275ยฐF for 10โ15 minutes.
๐ฅ Variations
Garlic Herb Butter Crusted Tenderloin โ brush with herb butter for extra richness. Peppercorn Tenderloin โ add crushed peppercorns for a bold crust. Rosemary Crusted Tenderloin โ pack fresh rosemary on the outside. Mustard Herb Tenderloin โ coat with mustard + herbs (no wine). Smoked Paprika Version โ adds warmth and deeper flavor. Garlic & Parsley Tenderloin โ simple, clean flavor for picky eaters. Honey Garlic Tenderloin โ brush lightly with honey + garlic for a glazed finish. Balsamic-Free โBalsamic Styleโ Tenderloin โ use pomegranate molasses instead of vinegar. Mediterranean Herb Tenderloin โ oregano, thyme, garlic, lemon zest. Holiday Spice Tenderloin โ cinnamon + thyme for a festive aromatics blend (still savory).โ 10 FAQs
Do I have to sear it first?Searing gives the best crust and flavor. Can I skip tying the roast?
It may cook unevenly; tying is recommended. What if I want it more cooked?
Slice end pieces โ they cook more. Why rest the meat?
Prevents juices from running out, keeps it tender. Can I marinate overnight?
Yes โ keep seasonings simple and avoid liquids. Can I cook it from cold?
No โ it will cook unevenly. Always let it warm slightly. Should I cover the roast while baking?
No โ uncovered gives a perfect crust. Can I add vegetables to the pan?
Yes โ potatoes, carrots, onions roast beautifully. What if I donโt have rosemary?
Thyme + garlic alone works great. How do restaurants get it so tender?
Tenderloin is naturally tender โ proper resting is the key.