Are you ever stuck wondering what to make for dinner? I know I am. Sometimes the day gets away from you, and you just want something simple. That’s when having a few great easy dinner recipes in your back pocket is a lifesaver.
You might think a beef tenderloin roast sounds complicated, but I’m here to tell you it’s not. This recipe is surprisingly straightforward and delivers a meal that feels really special without all the fuss. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight treat or a lazy Sunday supper.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this is one of those dishes that looks way more difficult than it is. It’s a wonderful choice when you want to impress guests or just treat your family. The preparation time is minimal, which we all love, right?
The herb rub is where the flavor comes alive. It’s a simple mix of common dried herbs and spices that you probably already have in your pantry. No need for a special trip to the store for fancy ingredients. This is all about ease and taste.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with so many different side dishes. Think roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or steamed asparagus. It fits right in with your search for quick dinner ideas that don’t get boring.
Plus, the whole meal comes together in about an hour. For a roast, that’s pretty amazing. It gives you plenty of time to relax or help the kids with homework while dinner is cooking away in the oven. It’s a simple, hands off kind of meal.
This recipe truly takes the stress out of making a nice meal. It proves that delicious food doesn’t have to be a huge production. This is one of my favorite easy dinner recipes for that very reason.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this roast is wonderfully short. It relies on a blend of dried herbs and spices to create a flavorful crust on the beef tenderloin. Here is what you will need.
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) beef tenderloin roast, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon dried leaf rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried leaf thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried leaf tarragon
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a beautifully cooked roast every time. It’s one of the most dependable easy dinner recipes I know. Let’s walk through it together. It’s simpler than you think.
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Roast
First things first, get your oven ready. You’ll want to preheat it to 400 F. While it’s heating up, take your beef tenderloin roast and place it on a rack inside a roasting pan. Using a rack is a good idea because it allows the heat to circulate all around the meat.
This even cooking helps you get that lovely brown crust on all sides. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can create a makeshift one with some balled up aluminum foil or thick slices of onion. It works in a pinch!
Step 2: Mix The Herb Rub
Now for the fun part, making the flavor. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, nutmeg, and allspice. Then add the sea salt, tarragon, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir to mix everything together.
Finally, add the Dijon mustard. The mustard acts as a binder, helping the herb mixture stick to the roast. It also adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the beef so well. Mix until you have a thick, fragrant paste.
Step 3: Season The Beef Tenderloin
Time to get your hands a little messy. Take that beautiful herb paste and rub it all over the beef tenderloin. Don’t be shy! Make sure you cover the entire surface, top, bottom, and sides. This crust is what makes the roast so delicious.
The combination of herbs and spices will create an aromatic and savory crust as it cooks. Your kitchen is going to start smelling amazing very soon. This simple step is what turns a plain roast into something special.
Step 4: Roast To Perfection
Carefully place the roasting pan into your preheated oven. Let it roast for about 45 to 55 minutes. Cooking time can vary a bit depending on the thickness of your roast and how your oven behaves. Ovens can be funny sometimes.
The most reliable way to check for doneness is with an instant read thermometer. For a medium rare roast, you’re looking for an internal temperature of about 145 F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Slicing
This step is so important, please don’t skip it! Once the roast reaches the right temperature, take it out of the oven. Tent it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before you even think about slicing it.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every slice tender and juicy. If you cut into it right away, all those wonderful juices will run out onto your cutting board. And that would be a shame!
After it has rested, you can slice it and serve it up. This is truly one of the most satisfying easy dinner recipes. Enjoy every bite.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the beef cool completely to room temperature. Then, you can either wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Leftover beef tenderloin is amazing for creating more lazy dinners. You can slice it thin for sandwiches, chop it up for a salad, or gently reheat it for another meal. The flavor is often even better the next day. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Tips
Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few simple tips. For the best flavor, let your roast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you put the rub on. This helps it cook more evenly.
Don’t have all the dried herbs? Feel free to swap them out. Oregano or marjoram would also be delicious in the rub. This is one of those easy dinner recipes that you can adapt to what you have on hand.
To turn this into an easy healthy dinner, serve it with plenty of vegetables. Roasted broccoli, green beans, or a big garden salad are wonderful choices. A side of quinoa or brown rice would also be a great, wholesome addition.
A meat thermometer really is your best friend for this recipe. It takes all the guesswork out of cooking the roast to your preferred level of doneness. It’s a small tool that makes a huge difference in the kitchen.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A beautiful, delicious beef tenderloin roast that is genuinely easy to make. It just goes to show that you don’t need complicated steps or a long list of ingredients to create a memorable meal at home.
This is one of those easy dinner recipes that will surely become a favorite in your household. It’s a great example of how simple cooking can be incredibly rewarding. It’s one of the best quick dinner ideas for any occasion.
I hope you give this recipe a try and see for yourself how simple and flavorful it is. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and the wonderful meal you create. Happy cooking!
FAQ
What Sides Go Well With Beef Tenderloin?
Classic choices like mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad are always great. For something different, try creamed spinach or roasted root vegetables. It’s hard to go wrong!
Can I Prepare The Herb Rub In Advance?
Yes, absolutely! You can mix the dry herbs and spices together and store them in a small airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, just mix in the fresh garlic and mustard. It’s a great little time saver.
How Do I Know When The Roast Is Done Without A Thermometer?
While a thermometer is best, you can use the touch test. A medium rare roast will feel firm but still have some give, like the fleshy part of your thumb. However, cooking times are a less reliable guide, so a thermometer is highly recommended.
Easy Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin Roast
This easy beef tenderloin roast recipe is surprisingly straightforward, delivering a special meal without the fuss. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a lazy Sunday supper.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Place the beef tenderloin roast on a rack inside a roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, nutmeg, allspice, sea salt, tarragon, and black pepper. Add the Dijon mustard and mix until a thick paste forms.
- Rub the herb paste generously all over the beef tenderloin, covering the entire surface.
- Carefully place the roasting pan into the preheated oven. Roast for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 145 F is reached for medium-rare using an instant read thermometer.
- Remove the roast from the oven, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve.
Notes
To cook more evenly, let the roast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before applying the rub.
Feel free to swap dried herbs; oregano or marjoram also work well in the rub. This is one of those easy dinner recipes that you can adapt to what you have on hand.
For a healthy dinner, serve with plenty of roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a side of quinoa or brown rice.
A meat thermometer really is your best friend for this recipe. It takes all the guesswork out of cooking the roast to your preferred level of doneness.
Nutrition
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