Print

Perfect Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Sauce

beef tenderloin with horseradish cream sauce - featured image

This showstopping beef tenderloin is juicy, tender, and easy to prepare, paired with a zippy horseradish cream sauce for a classic holiday centerpiece. It’s foolproof, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole beef tenderloin (about 34 lbs), trimmed and tied
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 23 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
  • Fresh parsley or extra chives (optional garnish)
  • Extra cracked pepper (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Let beef tenderloin rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, onion powder, and rosemary in a small bowl. Rub seasoning blend all over beef. Drizzle olive oil over top and rub in.
  3. Tie tenderloin with kitchen twine every 2 inches for even cooking, or skip if already tied.
  4. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add olive oil and sear tenderloin on all sides (about 2 minutes per side, 8-10 minutes total) until golden brown.
  5. Transfer seared beef to roasting pan or sheet tray. Insert meat thermometer into thickest part. Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare (or 140°F for medium).
  6. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15-20 minutes.
  7. While beef rests, whisk together sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chives in a mixing bowl. Taste and adjust horseradish as needed. Chill until serving.
  8. Remove twine from rested beef. Slice into ½-inch thick pieces. Arrange on platter and spoon horseradish cream sauce over top. Garnish with extra chives or parsley.

Notes

Let beef rest before slicing for maximum juiciness. Adjust horseradish in sauce to taste. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free; for dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut or vegan yogurt. Use a thermometer for perfect doneness. Leftovers keep well and flavors meld overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef tenderloin, horseradish cream sauce, holiday dinner, roast beef, easy beef recipe, Christmas, New Year's Eve, gluten-free, keto, low-carb, special occasion