This exquisite beef tenderloin recipe accompanied by winter vegetables is guaranteed to be the highlight of your Christmas Day celebration.
Using the reverse sear technique, the entire beef tenderloin is slowly roasted in a low-temperature oven before being seared on the stovetop. Complemented by oven-roasted vegetables and finished with a sage brown butter sauce, this beef tenderloin promises to be a memorable holiday feast.
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Christmas Roast Beef with Vegetables
Our customary Christmas dinner generally features a more premium cut of meat, although it tends to vary from year to year. Unlike my traditional recipes, Christmas provides an opportunity for me to unleash my creativity while celebrating the seasonal flavors.
Previous Christmases have inspired this dish, along with these other recipes (or ), my , and my . Each requires a bit of effort, but the delightful taste is always a rewarding outcome.
This year’s selection does not compromise on flavor, yet it is significantly simpler than it may seem. It is a beef tenderloin roast recipe that also functions as a sheet pan dinner, incorporating both the meat and vegetables into a single recipe. With the addition of a gourmet sauce, you will create an extraordinary holiday dinner that demands far less effort than anticipated.
What You Will Need
Whole Beef Tenderloin – Trimmed and tied. You can either do this yourself using butcher’s twine or request the butcher to assist you. Plan for 6 – 8 ounces per person.
Avocado oil – My oil of choice for general cooking; any vegetable oil you prefer will suffice. This will be used on the beef tenderloin and for roasting the vegetables.
Yukon Gold Potatoes – Ideal for making the best roast potatoes.
Beets – Whole red or golden beets.
Brussels Sprouts – Select sprouts that are of similar sizes.
Tarragon – Provides a flavorful enhancement to the potatoes.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts and adds brightness to the beets.
Salted Butter – The key ingredient in the brown butter sauce.
Sage Leaves – Fresh sage imparts flavor to the brown butter sauce.
Kosher Salt – Elevates the flavors of each element in the dish.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper – A versatile seasoning, added according to preference.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
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- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Medium pot
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – I favor cast iron, though stainless steel is also effective.
- Small saucepan (optional, but a nice addition)
How to Prepare Roast Beef Tenderloin with Sage Brown Butter Sauce and Winter Vegetables
This recipe encompasses not only a beef tenderloin dish but also a complete roast beef dinner. It is designed to ensure that everything is served simultaneously while still hot.
Begin by preheating the oven to 250ºF with the oven rack positioned in the center. The low initial temperature allows the beef roast to cook slowly without overcooking the interior. This method is optimal for achieving a perfect medium rare or your preferred temperature with minimal gray banding.
Prepare the beef tenderloin by generously seasoning it with salt and pepper (this can be done up to 24 hours in advance) and then tying it with butcher’s twine.
If using, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part and place the roast in an oven-proof skillet. Roast in the oven until it reaches 20º less than your desired final serving temperature. (Refer to the chart below for specific temperatures.)
While the beef tenderloin is roasting, parboil the potatoes. Peel, chop, and boil them just enough to soften. Drain and shake them in the colander to roughen the edges, then coat with cooking oil, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and set aside.
Prepare the beets and Brussels sprouts by peeling, quartering, and slicing the beets. Halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts. Toss all the vegetables with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Once the beef attains its preferred internal temperature (115ºF for medium rare), confirm the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer, again in the thickest section, and then take the tenderloin out of the oven. Cover it with aluminum foil and let it rest. Adjust the oven racks to split the middle and increase the oven temperature to 400ºF.
While the meat is resting, roast the vegetables in the preheated oven in 15-minute intervals. Begin with the potatoes, then after 15 minutes, add the beets, and 15 minutes later, include the brussels sprouts.
As the vegetables roast, prepare the brown butter sauce with fresh sage.
Two sheet pans displaying roasted potatoes, beets, and brussels sprouts.
When the brussels sprouts are placed in the oven, transfer the beef to a carving board. Clean the pan, then heat it over medium-high heat before searing the beef tenderloin on all sides.
Once the tenderloin is finished, move it to a carving board and allow the beef to rest for 5 minutes before slicing, while you toss the vegetables with two-thirds of the brown butter sauce.
Remove the butcher's twine, then slice the beef. Drizzle with the remaining brown butter sauce and serve alongside a generous helping of vegetables.
Utilizing the Reverse Sear Method for Roasting Beef Tenderloin
Although it may not be the most conventional method for cooking beef tenderloin, the reverse sear technique is not a recent innovation. From filet mignon to prime rib, it has become the sole method I use for preparing red meat in my kitchen.
To clarify, when preparing steak or roasts in the traditional manner, a chef first sears the exterior of the meat, then cooks the interior for the necessary duration to achieve the desired doneness. The searing is typically performed in a skillet or over direct heat on a grill, while the finishing process occurs in an oven or over indirect heat on the grill.
When employing the reverse searing technique, we essentially invert the traditional method. Initially, you raise the internal temperature to within 20º of your desired doneness, followed by searing the exterior to achieve a desirable crust. This approach ensures that the meat cooks uniformly, resulting in a narrower gray band (the section of meat between the seared exterior and the perfectly cooked interior) and a more evenly cooked roast overall.
Similar to the conventional method, it is essential to keep an eye on the internal temperature while the roast is in the oven. Utilizing a probe-style meat thermometer in conjunction with a 250º oven facilitates a low and slow cooking process for the interior. Once the meat reaches your preferred temperature, complete the cooking process by finishing it over medium-high heat on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet to achieve the ideal crusty surface.
Remember to remove the meat from the oven when it is 20º below your target finishing temperature. The searing process will raise the temperature by approximately 20º, resulting in delectable outcomes.
Tips for Success
When attempting new recipes, there are always factors to consider, but these become even more critical when dealing with a premium cut of meat such as this beef tenderloin recipe, especially for a special occasion like Christmas.
Seek assistance from your butcher. If you notice a beautiful whole tenderloin on display, do not hesitate to ask the butcher to cut it to your required size, trim it if necessary, and wrap it in kitchen twine for you.
Do not overlook the importance of tying the meat. Securing the tenderloin not only helps maintain its shape but also allows you to fold over any thinner sections, ensuring that your roast has a consistent thickness from end to end, which promotes even cooking.
Cook the beef tenderloin to the doneness level preferred by the person who likes it the least cooked. When it is time to serve, you can easily sear slices of beef to achieve medium-well or well-done, but it is not possible to revert the beef from medium to medium-rare or rare.
Cooking beef tenderloin to a medium rare is optimal. This cut, which is also used for filet mignon, is recognized as the most tender portion of beef. It is a lean cut with minimal fat or marbling and does not improve with extended cooking times. However, it is important to respect individual preferences regarding the degree of doneness when serving meat.
Utilize an instant-read meat thermometer, also known as a probe thermometer, as it is the only reliable method to determine whether your beef is medium rare or well done without cutting into it. When preparing beef tenderloin, it is preferable to ensure proper cooking rather than risk overcooking.
Adjust the cooking times for vegetables to ensure that everything is prepared according to YOUR preferences. If you prefer your beets to be tender and your Brussels sprouts to be crisp, place the beets in the oven earlier and add the Brussels sprouts later.
Avoid overcrowding the sheet pans. While it is acceptable for the vegetables to share the same pans, ensure there is sufficient space for air to circulate around them, allowing the edges to become crispy.
Allow adequate time for the searing pan to heat up. If you intend to begin searing the beef 10 minutes before the vegetables are finished, place the pan on the heat at least 5 minutes prior. A HOT pan is essential for achieving the best sear.
Refrain from excessive handling of the meat during the searing process. Place the beef on one side and allow it to cook for a few minutes before flipping it. Once a proper sear is achieved, the beef will easily release from the pan. If you find yourself needing to scrape it off or struggle to lift it, this indicates that the pan was not adequately heated or the meat has not cooked long enough.
Do not be stingy with the brown butter. Prepare enough to drizzle over both the vegetables and the beef – this sauce is versatile and enhances the flavor of most roasted dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This roast beef tenderloin recipe, accompanied by winter vegetables and sage brown butter sauce, represents a delightful fusion of a Christmas roast and a sheet pan dinner. Slow roast and reverse sear the beef tenderloin, roast the vegetables, and then generously drizzle the entire dish with sage brown butter sauce for a memorable Christmas dinner.
How to Properly Store and Reheat
Leftover beef tenderloin?! Who would have thought such a thing existed? However, when preparing a whole tenderloin for the holidays, it is easy to misjudge the amount of food guests will consume, resulting in leftovers. These leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days (or even longer) if kept in an airtight container.
You can slice the beef thinly and transform it into some of the finest roast beef sandwiches you have ever experienced. Additionally, you can repurpose it for another meal. If you anticipate having leftovers, it may be wise to aim for a medium-rare doneness. This approach will prevent you from ending up with overcooked meat during the second serving.
One of my preferred methods for utilizing leftover beef tenderloin is to create a cottage pie, which is the beef equivalent of a shepherd’s pie. Although I do not have a recipe available at this time, you can substitute medium-rare roast beef for the lamb in this dish without any modifications. Treat the medium-rare beef in the same manner as you would the raw lamb: marinate it and then sear it before preparing the gravy. In fact, that lamb shepherd’s pie serves as an excellent alternative Christmas dinner on its own.
Notes
*Avocado oil or any other high-heat cooking oil is suitable. Look for an oil with a smoke point exceeding 400º.
Total cooking time for vegetables: potatoes – 45 minutes; beets – 30 minutes; brussels sprouts – 15 minutes. Potatoes should achieve a golden brown exterior with soft, pillowy centers. Beets and brussels sprouts should be tender yet not mushy. Adjust cooking times as necessary to achieve your desired texture.
OTHER RECIPES
Beef Tenderloin Ingredients:
Beef Tenderloin:
* 1 beef tenderloin, about 5 to 6 pounds
* 1/4 cup red wine, such as pinot noir or burgundy
* 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
* 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning blend
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Vegetables:
* 2 1/2 pounds red or gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inchpieces
* 4 medium carrots, peeled, cut in 1 1/2-inch slices and quartered lengthwise
* 1 large onion, cut in wedges
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 cup thinly sliced shallots
* 3 cups beef broth
* 1 cup red wine, such as pinot noir or burgundy
Beef Tenderloin Instructions:
Put the beef tenderloin in a large food storage bag with 1/4 cup red wine, the 4 cloves of garlic (minced), Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Seal the bag and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
Lightly oil a large shallow roasting pan. Heat oven to 425°.
Toss potatoes, carrots, and onion with the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Arrange the vegetables in the prepared pan and cover with foil. Roast for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over low heat; add 1 cup sliced shallots and sauté, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
Pour in the beef broth and red wine; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until reduced by about one-third to one-half. Pour the marinade off the beef and add it to the sauce.
Simmer for 2 minutes longer. Set aside and keep warm.
Remove the foil from vegetables and place the beef tenderloin on the vegetables.
Roast uncovered until the beef registers about 150° on a meat thermometer for medium, or to about 140° for medium rare, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Lift beef tenderloin out and place on a cutting board; loosely cover with foil. Let the beef tenderloin stand for about 10 minutes.
Slice beef tenderloin and serve with the sauce and vegetables. The roast beef recipes is ready to serves 6 persons...enjoy it !
500F-eye-of-round-roast.
Beef Tenderloin and Root Vegetable Roast Video :
