Garlic-Herb Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Béarnaise

Alright, picture this: the tantalizing smell of garlic and fresh herbs sizzling in a pan, a perfectly seared beef tenderloin resting, juicy and tender, with that rich, buttery béarnaise sauce waiting to be drizzled on top. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to share this recipe — it’s one of those special dishes that turns any dinner into a celebration, without needing to be a pro chef. Plus, the creamy béarnaise? It’s like the crown jewel that takes this meal from amazing to unforgettable. Trust me, once you nail this combo, it’s bound to become your go-to for those fancy-but-still-family-friendly dinners.

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

2 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Creamy Béarnaise Sauce:

3 egg yolks
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and warm
1 tbsp shallots, finely minced
Salt and white pepper, to taste

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by patting your beef tenderloin dry with paper towels — this is key to getting that beautiful crust. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this fragrant herb mixture all over the tenderloin and let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2:

Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. When it’s melted and foaming, sear the tenderloin on all sides until a rich brown crust forms, about 3 minutes per side. This step locks in those juices, so don’t rush it!

Step 3:

Transfer the seared tenderloin to a baking sheet and pop it into a preheated 400°F oven. Roast for 15–20 minutes for medium-rare (an internal temp of 130°F-135°F). Pro tip: use a meat thermometer to avoid guesswork.

Step 4:

While the beef roasts, start the béarnaise sauce by placing egg yolks, white wine vinegar, shallots, and half the tarragon in a heatproof bowl. Set this over a simmering pot of water (double boiler style), whisking constantly until it begins to thicken and become creamy.

Step 5:

Slowly drizzle the warm melted butter into the egg yolk mixture while whisking vigorously to create a smooth, velvety emulsion. Stir in the remaining tarragon, and season with salt and white pepper. If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of warm water can loosen it up!

Step 6:

Once the beef is out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute those juicy flavors. Slice it up, plate it, and generously spoon over that luscious creamy béarnaise. Garnish with extra fresh tarragon if you’re feeling fancy.

Variations & Tips

Feel free to swap rosemary and thyme for sage or oregano depending on what’s fresh in your herb garden.
If béarnaise seems intimidating, a simple garlic butter will also pair beautifully with the tenderloin.
To ensure even cooking, use a wire rack on your baking sheet when roasting the tenderloin.
For extra crispiness, finish searing the tenderloin on the hottest side of your pan for 30 seconds each side after roasting.
Leftover béarnaise keeps well refrigerated for 1-2 days; gently rewarm by whisking over low heat to avoid curdling.

How I Like to Serve It

This garlic-herb beef tenderloin with béarnaise shines at weekend dinner parties or holiday gatherings when you want to impress without stressing. It pairs wonderfully with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and crisp steamed asparagus or green beans. For a seasonal touch, add roasted root vegetables in the fall or a fresh green salad in the spring.

Notes

Store leftover beef tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days; gently reheat in a low oven or sliced cold in sandwiches.
If you prefer, swap white wine vinegar with lemon juice in the béarnaise for a slightly brighter tang.

Closing: This recipe never fails to bring that wow factor to the table, combining simple ingredients into a truly unforgettable meal that feels special with every bite.