Name: Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pound beef tenderloin (trimmed, see note); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 tablespoons butter (softened, see note); 1 teaspoon parsley (dried, see note); 1 ½ teaspoons oregano (dried); 2 teaspoons rosemary (dried); 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons black pepper (coarsely ground); 3 tablespoons butter (divided); 1 clove garlic (crushed); ½ teaspoon parsley (dried); ½ teaspoon oregano (dried); ½ teaspoon rosemary (dried); 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

If you’re looking to impress family or friends with a meal that’s both elegant and deeply satisfying, then this Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it hits all the right notes: tender, juicy beef infused with rich garlic butter and savory herbs. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy Sunday dinner, you’ll find that this beef tenderloin becomes the star of the table every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Juicy and Tender: The gentle roasting and garlic butter seal in moisture for melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You won’t believe how just a few herbs and garlic elevate the whole dish.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe fits beautifully.
Easy to Follow: I’ve broken down the steps so that anyone, even if you’re new to roasting beef, can nail this dish with confidence.

The image shows a wooden cutting board with a piece of cooked beef roast, sliced into six thick pieces. The outer edges of the beef are dark brown and seasoned with herbs, while the inside is a bright pinkish-red color, indicating it is cooked medium rare. The beef is surrounded by fresh sprigs of rosemary, and there is a pool of reddish-brown juices around the meat, adding shine and moisture to the scene. The cutting board has a warm, natural wood grain texture that contrasts with the vibrant meat and green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter, beef tenderloin dinner ideas, elegant beef recipes, juicy roasted beef, garlic butter beef main dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients really makes a difference here. The combination of herbs and garlic butter brings out the natural flavor of the beef without overpowering it, which is why I always like to stick with this simple but effective ingredient list.

Flat lay of a whole trimmed beef tenderloin roast with a rich red color and fine marbling, three whole uncracked garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small heap of fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs, fresh rosemary sprigs with needle-like leaves, fresh oregano sprigs with small green leaves, a few whole black peppercorns scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl holding softened pale yellow butter, a small white bowl with dark glossy balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of thick Worcestershire sauce with a deep brown hue, and a small pile of coarse sea salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter, beef tenderloin dinner ideas, elegant beef recipes, juicy roasted beef, garlic butter beef main dish

Beef tenderloin: Look for a nicely trimmed, evenly shaped cut about 3 pounds for consistent cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a bold, aromatic punch. Don’t skip on this if you want that rich flavor.
Butter: Use softened unsalted butter so you can control seasoning perfectly; it also forms that luscious garlic butter sauce later.
Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to balance the richness.
Oregano and Rosemary: These herbs lend an earthy, warming depth that’s essential to this recipe.
Salt and Black Pepper: Coarsely ground black pepper adds texture and spice, while salt enhances all the flavors.
Balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce: These bring a subtle tangy note and umami to the garlic butter sauce that pairs beautifully with beef.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to mix things up depending on what herbs I have on hand or the occasion, so feel free to personalize this Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

Fresh herbs instead of dried: When I first tried doubling fresh rosemary and thyme, the flavor was so vibrant and fresh, making the dish even more aromatic.
Using olive oil instead of butter: If you want to avoid oven smoke or prefer a lighter option, olive oil works well, though it slightly changes the richness of the dish.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter spread for a subtle heat that my family really enjoys.
Herb crust: Try coating the beef in finely chopped fresh herbs and minced garlic before roasting for a more intense herb flavor and appealing crust.

How to Make Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tenderloin for Even Cooking

First things first: tie your beef tenderloin with kitchen twine to create an even thickness along the entire roast. This step may seem small, but I discovered this trick when I struggled with uneven cooking in past attempts. By ensuring that the beef cooks uniformly, you avoid those dry edges and ensure every slice is equally juicy. Preheat your oven to a high heat of 475ºF; this initial blast of heat helps seal the outside beautifully.

Step 2: Make and Spread the Garlic Herb Butter

Mix the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, oregano, rosemary, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread this luscious mixture all over the beef tenderloin. You’re essentially creating a flavor-packed blanket that bastes the meat as it roasts. Don’t rush this part; getting a good, even coating means every bite will be infused with that delicious garlic butter goodness.

Step 3: Roast and Monitor for Perfect Doneness

Place the beef on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet to allow air to circulate, which helps in even roasting. Roast at 475ºF for 10 minutes to kick-start that crust formation. Then lower your oven temperature to 450ºF and continue roasting until the internal temp reads 5-10º below your desired doneness — 135ºF for medium-rare or 145ºF for medium. This usually takes about 25–35 minutes but keep a close eye, as oven temperatures vary.

Step 4: Rest Before Slicing

Resting is a game changer. I can’t stress enough how allowing the beef tenderloin to rest for 15 minutes after roasting lets the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy. Plus, the internal temperature will climb a few more degrees, nailing the perfect doneness.

Step 5: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Sauce

While your beef is relaxing, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet. Add crushed garlic and herbs, sautéing until fragrant — about a minute. Add balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for a subtle tang and umami kick, then stir in the remaining butter off the heat. This sauce is the finishing touch that takes your oven-roasted beef tenderloin beyond amazing.

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Pro Tips for Making Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe

Use a meat thermometer: I always rely on a probe thermometer to avoid overcooking—beef tenderloin is delicate, and a few degrees make all the difference.
Bring beef to room temperature: Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking throughout.
Don’t skip resting: I learned early on that resting is what prevents dry slices; patience here pays off big time.
Manage oven smoke: Since butter can smoke at high heat, keep your vent fan on and consider substituting olive oil if smoke bothers you.

How to Serve Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe

Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple yet elegant—fresh parsley sprinkled over sliced beef adds a fresh green pop and brightens the rich flavors. Sometimes a touch of lemon zest can add an unexpected zing that everyone notices and loves. These little touches add visual appeal and balance without overpowering the garlic butter sauce.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables, which absorb the garlic butter sauce so well. On lighter days, steamed asparagus or green beans dressed with a squeeze of lemon keep the plate vibrant and fresh. My family goes crazy for garlic roasted mushrooms alongside—it’s the perfect earthy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this tenderloin whole on a gorgeous wooden board, surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and sliced lemon wedges to wow guests. Another fun idea is slicing the beef into medallions and stacking them on small plates with a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce and microgreens on top. It’s a restaurant-level presentation that’s surprisingly easy to pull off at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. I find that slicing the tenderloin before storing helps when reheating and serving later. Leftovers keep well for 2-3 days without losing much of their deliciousness.

Freezing

Freezing cooked beef tenderloin is totally doable. Freeze sliced portions in heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers to protect flavor and prevent freezer burn. When I’ve done this, the tenderloin tastes nearly as good as fresh if thawed slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to gently warm slices in a low oven (around 275ºF) wrapped in foil so they stay juicy and don’t dry out. You can also heat in a skillet over low heat with a bit of garlic butter sauce—just enough to warm through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the beef.

FAQs

What is the best way to check if my Beef Tenderloin is done?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the beef. For medium-rare, pull it out at 130º-135ºF, and for medium, 140º-145ºF. Remember the beef will continue cooking slightly while resting, reaching the perfect temperature.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs offer a brighter flavor but are less concentrated, so use about double the amount of dried herbs, except for oregano where you’ll want to keep it the same or slightly less, as it can overpower.
How do I avoid smoke from the butter when roasting?

Butter has a low smoke point, so cooking at high temperatures can cause smoke. To avoid this, keep your oven fan on or crack the oven door slightly during cooking. Alternatively, substitute olive oil for butter, though this will change the flavor profile slightly.
Is tying the beef tenderloin necessary?

While not required, tying the tenderloin helps it cook evenly by making its shape uniform. This simple step ensures you get consistent doneness throughout without thinner ends drying out.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter Recipe turns out every single time. It’s my go-to when I want something impressive but still easy to prepare. The garlic butter sauce is like the cherry on top, adding that silky richness that keeps everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you nail this recipe, it’ll become one of your favorites too—perfect for celebrations or just treating yourself and your loved ones to something special. Give it a try and let me know how your roast turns out!