Beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce is one of those special occasion meals I love to make when I want something elegant, rich, and unforgettable. The beef is incredibly tender and juicy, and the creamy mushroom sauce adds deep flavor and a luxurious finish. Whether I’m hosting a holiday dinner or treating myself to something elevated at home, this dish always delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and decadence. The beef tenderloin cooks quickly and stays tender, while the mushroom sauce brings savory, earthy notes that make the whole plate feel restaurant-worthy. It’s a beautiful main course that pairs effortlessly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the beef tenderloin:
- Beef tenderloin (whole or individual filets)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Butter (for searing)
For the mushroom sauce:
- Mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed, sliced)
- Shallots or onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Dijon mustard (optional)
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
For the beef tenderloin:
- I let the beef come to room temperature for even cooking, then pat it dry and season it generously with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using.
- I heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- I transfer the skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven (or transfer to a baking dish) and roast until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare—about 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness.
- I let the beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
For the mushroom sauce:
- While the beef is resting, I melt butter in the same skillet and sauté the shallots until soft.
- I add the garlic and mushrooms and cook until they’re golden brown and tender, about 6–8 minutes.
- I deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up the browned bits, and simmer for a few minutes to reduce.
- I stir in the cream, Dijon mustard (if using), and Worcestershire sauce, and let it simmer until thickened.
- I season with salt and pepper, then finish with fresh parsley before spooning it over the sliced beef.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes me about 15–20 minutes to prep and another 25–30 minutes to cook and rest the beef, so I usually have it ready in under an hour.
Variations
Sometimes I add a splash of red wine or Marsala to the mushroom sauce for deeper flavor. If I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a bolder twist, I’ll add a touch of blue cheese to the sauce or top the beef with a horseradish cream instead.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the beef slices gently in a low oven or in a skillet with a bit of broth to keep it moist. I reheat the mushroom sauce separately over low heat, stirring frequently. I avoid microwaving the beef to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, I can use filet mignon, sirloin roast, or even ribeye steaks if I want something more budget-friendly but still tender.
Can I make the mushroom sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. I make it up to a day in advance and reheat it gently before serving. I may need to thin it with a splash of cream or broth.
What mushrooms work best?
I like using cremini or baby bella mushrooms, but white button, shiitake, or a blend of wild mushrooms work beautifully too.
How do I know when the beef is done?
I use a meat thermometer—130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium. Resting is key to keep it juicy.
What sides go well with this dish?
I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, green beans, or a simple arugula salad for balance.
Conclusion
Beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce is one of those timeless dishes I turn to when I want something comforting, elegant, and packed with flavor. The tender beef and savory sauce come together beautifully, creating a meal that feels both luxurious and satisfying. Whether I’m serving it for a special celebration or just a cozy dinner, it never fails to impress.
Print
Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce is an elegant and flavorful main dish featuring perfectly seared, juicy beef paired with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. Ideal for special occasions or a refined dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 1 whole beef tenderloin or 4–6 individual filets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter (for searing)
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed), sliced
- 2 shallots or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Let beef come to room temperature. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer skillet to a 400°F (200°C) oven and roast until internal temp reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, about 15–20 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes.
- While beef rests, melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté shallots until soft.
- Add garlic and mushrooms. Cook until golden and tender, about 6–8 minutes.
- Deglaze with beef broth, scraping the bottom. Simmer to reduce slightly.
- Stir in cream, Dijon, Worcestershire, and simmer until sauce thickens. Season to taste.
- Slice beef and spoon mushroom sauce on top. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Deglaze with red wine or Marsala for deeper flavor.
- Mushroom sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
