This Garlic Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast is the ultimate showstopper for any special occasion or Sunday dinner. Perfectly tender, rich in flavor, and topped with a golden crust of garlic and fresh herbs, it practically melts in your mouth. Each juicy slice is infused with the savory aroma of rosemary, thyme, and butter—a culinary harmony that elevates the beef to pure luxury.
Whether you’re celebrating with guests or treating yourself to a cozy evening in, this roast transforms a simple meal into a five-star dining experience. With minimal prep and simple techniques, it delivers maximum impact and flavor with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast
- Elegant but Easy: While it looks like a restaurant dish, the process is straightforward.
- Incredible Flavor: Garlic herb butter bastes the beef as it roasts, locking in flavor and moisture.
- Perfect Texture: Achieves a beautifully caramelized crust and a tender, medium-rare center.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or even as a fancy weekend treat.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the roast, prepping right ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Pan: Essential for getting that gorgeous sear before roasting.
- Meat Thermometer: Guarantees perfect doneness every time. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the garlic herb butter.
- Small Spatula or Spoon: Helps evenly spread the butter over the tenderloin.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: For trimming the tenderloin and slicing clean, even portions.
Every tool plays a role: the skillet sears, the thermometer ensures doneness, and the spatula helps infuse each bite with buttery herbs. Having them on hand will set you up for success.

Ingredients for the Garlic Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast
- Beef Tenderloin Roast: The star of the show, known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Forms the luscious base of the herb crust.
- Fresh Garlic (minced): Brings bold, savory notes.
- Fresh Rosemary: Adds woodsy, aromatic depth.
- Fresh Thyme: Enhances the herbal character.
- Kosher Salt: Amplifies the natural flavor of the beef.
- Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the meat to golden perfection.
Each ingredient contributes a specific element—flavor, texture, or aroma—making the dish cohesive and utterly delicious.
How To Make the Garlic Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast
Step 1: Prep the Herb Butter
In a small mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended and fragrant.
Step 2: Trim and Tie the Roast
Using a sharp knife, trim excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloin. Tie the roast with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Tenderloin
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloin on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 4: Apply the Herb Butter
Remove skillet from heat and slather the garlic herb butter all over the roast, using a spatula or spoon to coat evenly.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Transfer skillet to the oven. Roast until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare, about 25–30 minutes depending on thickness.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Remove from oven and let the roast rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm.
How to Serve and Store This Tenderloin Roast
Serve this showstopper with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For sauces, a red wine reduction or classic horseradish cream can elevate the flavors even further.
To store leftovers, wrap slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold in steak sandwiches or salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when beef tenderloin is done?
Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, pull at 135°F and rest. For medium, go up to 145°F.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the herb butter and trim the tenderloin the day before. Just sear and roast when you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs in a pinch, but reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Should I let the meat come to room temperature?
Definitely. Letting the tenderloin sit at room temp for 30-45 minutes ensures even cooking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, slice and wrap in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Use within 2 months for best quality.
What wine pairs well with this?
A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complements the richness of the beef and butter beautifully.
Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Garlic Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast, you’ll enjoy these other comforting favorites:
- French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
- Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Effortless Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
- Sticky Honey Garlic Steak Rotini
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add red pepper flakes? Did you pair it with wine or a side of roasted garlic potatoes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other roast smarter.
Looking for more meal inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest at Kitchen By Kate for more hearty favorites and family-friendly meals.

Garlic Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
This Garlic Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Roast is an easy yet elegant main course perfect for holidays or special dinners. With garlic, rosemary, and thyme-infused butter, this tender roast is juicy, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy. A must-try beef tenderloin recipe for gatherings, family meals, or indulgent weekends.
Ingredients
1 whole beef tenderloin roast (approximately 3–4 pounds)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Trim the tenderloin of excess fat and silver skin using a sharp knife. Tie with kitchen twine every 1 inch for even cooking.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the beef on all sides until a golden crust forms, about 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Remove from heat and spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the entire tenderloin.
6. Transfer skillet to oven and roast until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare, about 25–30 minutes.
7. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
8. Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
Let the tenderloin come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer for accurate results and perfect doneness.
Resting the meat is crucial for juicy, tender slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 37
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 135

