Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

Name: Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch thick medallions; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon butter; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Author: Tessa

Published: February 28, 2025

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Beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce has been my go-to recipe for those moments when I want to create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. There’s just something about the elegant simplicity of perfectly seared beef paired with a rich, savory mushroom sauce that screams “special occasion,” even if that occasion is just a Tuesday night at home!

I first perfected this dish for an anniversary dinner years ago, and it quickly became a staple in my repertoire. It’s a testament to how a few quality ingredients, handled with care, can transform into an unforgettable meal. Trust me, this isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience that will impress anyone you serve it to, making you feel like a gourmet chef with minimal fuss. Get ready to fall in love with making beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce!

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

This beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce isn’t just delicious; it’s a culinary triple threat! You’ll adore how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy evenings. The rich, savory flavors will fool everyone into thinking you spent hours, and its naturally low-carb profile means you can indulge without guilt. It’s truly a dish that delivers on all fronts.

Quick preparation for busy cooks
Rich, gourmet flavor profile
Ideal for special occasions or weeknight indulgence
Naturally low-carb and satisfying

The Perfect Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something extraordinary on a Tuesday, this beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce fits the bill. Its elegant presentation and decadent taste elevate any meal, yet the straightforward steps ensure you can achieve perfection with ease, transforming an ordinary evening into something truly memorable.

Essential Equipment for Your Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

To whip up this incredible beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce, you won’t need a lot of fancy gadgets. A good, heavy-bottomed 12-inch skillet or cast-iron pan is essential for that perfect sear. You’ll also want some reliable tongs for turning the beef, a sharp knife for prepping, and a sturdy cutting board. A whisk will come in handy for creating that silky smooth sauce.

Ingredients for Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process so much smoother. For this impressive beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce, you’ll need a few key players. Precision matters here, so measure carefully!

1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch thick medallions
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1 tablespoon butter
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

The beauty of this beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce is its flexibility! For the mushrooms, feel free to use wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for a deeper flavor profile. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut cream can work, but it will alter the flavor. Always use fresh garlic and onion for the best taste.

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How to Prepare Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

Making this beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce is incredibly rewarding, and I’m going to walk you through each step to ensure perfect results. The key is to work efficiently and trust your instincts!

Season the Beef: First things first, pat your beef tenderloin medallions dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful sear. Then, generously season both sides of each medallion with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy here; proper seasoning is crucial for flavor.
Sear the Tenderloin: Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This hot pan is vital for creating that gorgeous crust. Carefully place the seasoned beef medallions into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you have too many, sear them in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare. Adjust cooking time for your desired doneness—a little longer for medium, a little less for rare. Once seared, immediately remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Loosely tent it with foil to keep it warm and allow the juices to redistribute.
Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt and bubble. Add your sliced cremini mushrooms and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. You want the mushrooms to release their moisture and get beautifully browned and tender. This browning adds incredible depth of flavor to your mushroom sauce.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor! Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to reduce slightly and concentrate those wonderful flavors.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens slightly to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer; for a thinner sauce, you can add a touch more broth.
Combine and Serve: Return the seared beef medallions to the skillet, nestling them into the rich mushroom sauce. Spoon the sauce over the beef to coat them. Cook for just a minute or so to warm the beef through without overcooking it. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

For the most tender beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce, always let your beef rest after searing to keep it juicy. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare. When browning your mushrooms, resist the urge to stir constantly; let them sit and caramelize for deeper flavor. For the sauce, taste and adjust seasoning before adding the cream, and remember it will thicken further as it cools slightly.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

This exquisite beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce deserves equally delightful accompaniments. For a classic pairing, creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit, soaking up every drop of that rich sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans add a vibrant touch and a hint of freshness. Alternatively, a simple bed of fluffy white rice or perfectly roasted root vegetables also makes a fantastic complement to this elegant dish.

Common Questions About Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

I get a lot of questions about making this fantastic beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce, and for good reason! It’s a dish that people want to get just right. Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive:

Can I make the mushroom sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The mushroom sauce can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if it’s too thick. This makes preparing your beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce even easier for entertaining.

How do I ensure my beef tenderloin is tender? The best way is to not overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to pull the beef off the heat a few degrees before your desired doneness, as it will continue to cook while resting. Also, always let your beef tenderloin medallions rest for 5-10 minutes after searing; this allows the juices to redistribute, leading to a much more tender and juicy result.

What other mushrooms can I use for the sauce? While cremini mushrooms are great, feel free to experiment! Shiitake, oyster, or even a mix of wild mushrooms will add even more depth and earthy flavor to your creamy mushroom sauce. Just ensure they are fresh and sautéed properly to release their full aroma.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce

Here’s an estimated breakdown for one serving of this delicious beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce. Please remember, these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal while keeping an eye on your dietary needs!

Calories: 450
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g