Filet of Beef Recipe

A perfectly roasted filet of beef is a dish that brings elegance and sophistication to any occasion. Whether it’s a special celebration or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its tender, juicy meat and delightful herb-infused flavors. The beauty of a filet of beef lies in its simplicity—just a few high-quality ingredients and a simple roasting technique are all you need to create a dish that is truly spectacular.

The filet of beef is known for being one of the most tender cuts of beef, and when seasoned with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, it transforms into a flavorful masterpiece. Paired with garlic, olive oil, and a little salt and pepper, this dish becomes the star of your meal. Plus, it requires minimal prep and cook time, making it an ideal choice when you want to serve a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, requiring just a handful of ingredients. The magic happens with the high-quality beef and the infusion of fresh herbs, making it a dish that feels luxurious without being complicated.

2. Perfectly Tender

The filet of beef is one of the most tender cuts of beef, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth good. The gentle roasting process helps retain its juiciness, making it the perfect cut for those who enjoy a lean but flavorful steak.

3. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday celebration, or dinner party, this filet of beef is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

4. Quick Cooking Time

Unlike many other cuts of beef, the filet of beef cooks relatively quickly. With just 25-30 minutes in the oven, you can have a perfectly roasted piece of beef ready to serve in under an hour.

5. Easy to Customize

You can easily adapt the seasoning for the filet of beef to suit your preferences. Add a touch of garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or even a splash of red wine for additional layers of flavor.

Ingredients

• Beef tenderloin (2 lbs)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh rosemary (1 tbsp, chopped)
• Fresh thyme (1 tbsp, chopped)

Variations

1. Add Mustard

For an extra layer of flavor, rub the beef with Dijon mustard before adding the garlic, rosemary, and thyme. The mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the beef’s richness.

2. Add Red Wine

After roasting the beef, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine, scraping up any flavorful bits left behind. This makes a simple yet delicious sauce to drizzle over the beef before serving.

3. Smoky Flavor

For a smoky twist, sprinkle some smoked paprika over the beef before roasting, or grill the filet of beef for a few minutes at the end to achieve a smoky crust.

4. Herb Butter

For an indulgent touch, top the cooked filet of beef with a dollop of herb-infused butter made with additional rosemary, thyme, and garlic. This adds a rich and flavorful finishing touch to the dish.

5. Garlic and Parmesan Crust

For a savory, crispy topping, combine breadcrumbs with minced garlic and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture over the beef halfway through roasting to create a delicious crust.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps to create a beautiful, caramelized crust while keeping the inside of the beef tender and juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub the entire surface of the beef with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring the beef is evenly coated.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme over the beef, pressing lightly to adhere. These herbs will infuse the meat with aromatic flavors as it roasts.

Step 4: Roast the Beef

Place the seasoned beef on a roasting rack or directly on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C), and for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C).

Step 5: Rest the Beef

Once the beef has reached your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the filet of beef into thick, even slices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use a Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is your best friend when roasting beef. It ensures that your filet of beef is cooked perfectly to your liking without having to guess.

2. Rest the Meat

Always let your beef rest after cooking. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and helps maintain the meat’s tenderness and moisture.

3. Don’t Overcook

The filet of beef is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium. Overcooking it can result in a dry texture. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature, and remove the beef from the oven as soon as it reaches the desired level of doneness.

4. Add Flavor with a Marinade

If you have time, marinate the beef for a few hours before cooking to enhance its flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs can take the flavor to the next level.

5. Let the Beef Come to Room Temperature

Before roasting, let the beef come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.

How to Serve

This Filet of Beef is a versatile main course that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a creamy risotto for a luxurious meal. You can also drizzle the beef with a balsamic glaze or a simple red wine sauce for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover filet of beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to slice the beef before storing to preserve its tenderness.

Freezing

To freeze leftover beef, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sliced beef in the microwave or in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through. Avoid reheating for too long to prevent drying out the meat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

While this recipe is designed for beef tenderloin, you can use other cuts like ribeye or sirloin. However, cooking times may vary depending on the cut, and the texture may not be as tender.

2. Can I make this recipe with bone-in beef tenderloin?

Yes, you can use bone-in beef tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time as bone-in cuts generally take longer to cook than boneless.

3. What is the best way to know if the beef is done?

Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C), and for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C).

4. How long should I rest the beef?

Allow the beef to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and ensures the meat stays moist.

5. Can I add more herbs to the beef?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or sage. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate flavor of the beef.

6. Can I cook the beef on the stovetop?

While this recipe is meant for roasting, you can sear the beef on the stovetop in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side to develop a crust, and then finish cooking in the oven.

7. How can I make a sauce to go with the beef?

After roasting, deglaze the pan with some red wine, beef broth, or balsamic vinegar to create a simple sauce. You can also add a pat of butter to make the sauce richer.

8. Can I prepare the beef in advance?

While it’s best to cook the beef fresh, you can prep the seasoning and let the beef rest with the rub for a couple of hours before roasting. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.

9. How can I tell if the beef is overcooked?

Overcooked beef will feel firm and dry. For the best texture, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness.

10. What sides go best with filet of beef?

Filet of beef pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Conclusion

This Filet of Beef recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a stunning and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or a regular dinner, this tender and juicy beef will be the highlight of your meal.

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