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Amazing Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe – Juicy, Elegant & Perfect for Holiday Feasts

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 — 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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Beef Tenderloin Roast
  • 3 –4 lb whole beef tenderloin trimmed and tied
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp dried rosemary or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped
  • 2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
Optional (Alcohol-Free) Finishing Touches
  • Garlic herb butter butter + garlic + parsley
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
  • Roasted garlic bulbs
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Equipment

  • Roasting pan or oven-safe skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sharp carving knife
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Tenderloin
  1. Pat beef dry with paper towels.
  2. Tying the roast ensures even cooking — most butchers will do this for you, or you can tie it with kitchen twine every 2 inches.
  3. In a bowl mix:
  4. olive oil
  5. minced garlic
  6. salt & pepper
  7. rosemary
  8. thyme
  9. onion powder
  10. paprika
  11. oregano
  12. Rub mixture all over the tenderloin.
  13. Let sit at room temp 30–45 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat & Sear
  1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
  2. Heat a skillet with a little oil over high heat.
  3. Sear the tenderloin on all sides (3–4 minutes per side) until browned.
  4. Transfer to a roasting pan or leave in skillet if oven-safe.
Step 3: Roast
  1. Roast at 475°F for:
  2. 20–25 minutes for medium rare
  3. 25–30 minutes for medium
  4. Use an instant-read thermometer:
  5. 125°F–130°F: medium rare
  6. 135°F–140°F: medium
  7. 145°F: medium well
  8. Remove from oven a few degrees early — it will continue cooking as it rests.
Step 4: Rest
  1. Loosely cover with foil and let rest 15–20 minutes.
  2. This ensures the roast stays juicy and slices beautifully.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
  1. Cut into ½–1 inch thick medallions.
Serve with:
  1. garlic herb butter
  2. mashed potatoes
  3. roasted vegetables
  4. green beans
  5. fresh herbs for garnish

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: 2 months
Reheat Without Drying Out
Wrap slices in foil with a splash of broth and warm at 275°F for 10–15 minutes.

🥄 Variations

Garlic Herb Butter Crusted Tenderloin – brush with herb butter for extra richness.
Peppercorn Tenderloin – add crushed peppercorns for a bold crust.
Rosemary Crusted Tenderloin – pack fresh rosemary on the outside.
Mustard Herb Tenderloin – coat with mustard + herbs (no wine).
Smoked Paprika Version – adds warmth and deeper flavor.
Garlic & Parsley Tenderloin – simple, clean flavor for picky eaters.
Honey Garlic Tenderloin – brush lightly with honey + garlic for a glazed finish.
Balsamic-Free “Balsamic Style” Tenderloin – use pomegranate molasses instead of vinegar.
Mediterranean Herb Tenderloin – oregano, thyme, garlic, lemon zest.
Holiday Spice Tenderloin – cinnamon + thyme for a festive aromatics blend (still savory).

❓ 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 — they cook more.
Why rest the meat?
Prevents juices from running out, keeps it tender.
Can I marinate overnight?
Yes — keep seasonings simple and avoid liquids.
Can I cook it from cold?
No — it will cook unevenly. Always let it warm slightly.
Should I cover the roast while baking?
No — uncovered gives a perfect crust.
Can I add vegetables to the pan?
Yes — potatoes, carrots, onions roast beautifully.
What if I don’t have rosemary?
Thyme + garlic alone works great.
How do restaurants get it so tender?
Tenderloin is naturally tender — proper resting is the key.

🏁 Conclusion

This Amazing Beef Tenderloin Roast is luxurious, tender, and bursting with garlic-herb flavor — all while being clean, simple, alcohol-free, and pork-free. With a perfectly seared crust, buttery-soft interior, and festive aroma, it’s the ideal centerpiece for Christmas or any special celebration.
Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for home cooks — a truly perfect holiday roast.