Tasty Million Dollar Tenderloin – Elegant Holiday Dinner Recipe
Tasty million dollar tenderloin is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday table! Juicy, tender beef is roasted with herbs and spices, then served with a rich sauce for a luxurious dish that’s perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or any special celebration.
Equipment
- Roasting pan or baking sheet
- Large skillet (oven-safe if possible)
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Saucepan for reduction
- Tongs & spatula
Ingredients
- 1 whole beef tenderloin (3–4 lbs), trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup red wine (Cabernet or Merlot)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Trim & Season: Remove silver skin and excess fat from tenderloin. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear: Heat olive oil and butter in skillet. Sear tenderloin on all sides until golden brown.
- Roast: Transfer to oven at 425°F (220°C). Roast until internal temp reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
- Prepare Sauce: In skillet, sauté shallots and garlic. Deglaze with red wine, scraping browned bits. Add broth and reduce. Stir in cream and herbs until velvety.
- Rest: Let tenderloin rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice against the grain into medallions. Drizzle sauce over and garnish with herbs.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for precision—medium-rare is ideal.
- Always rest meat before slicing to retain juices.
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use quality wine for sauce depth; avoid overly sweet varieties.
- Pair with roasted potatoes, asparagus, or green beans for balance.