If you’re looking for an elegant yet surprisingly simple dish that will wow your family and friends, you’ve got to try my Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the beef turns out paired with the rich, earthy mushroom sauce — it’s like Christmas dinner magic on a plate! Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so your version comes out perfect every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Tender Beef: The rosemary and garlic rub infuses flavor without overpowering the natural richness of the tenderloin.
- Velvety Mushroom Cream Sauce: A luscious, creamy topping that’s surprisingly easy to make and elevates the whole dish.
- Impressively Simple: Fancy enough for special occasions but straightforward enough for a weeknight treat.
- Reliable Results: I’ve learned the best techniques to get juicy, medium-rare steaks every time without guesswork.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here come together to create layers of deep, savory flavors — the fresh rosemary and garlic connect beautifully with the earthy mushrooms, while the cream sauce brings it all together with a touch of indulgence. When shopping, aim for fresh rosemary and wild mushrooms if you can find them; they really make the difference.
- Beef tenderloin: Choose a well-trimmed tenderloin for steaks or filets that are evenly sized so they cook uniformly.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one for searing to get that nice crust without smoking.
- Fresh rosemary: Fresh is key here, as dried rosemary can overpower and be too bitter.
- Garlic: Finely chopped to release maximum flavor without burning.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the natural beef flavor.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the shallots and mushrooms perfectly.
- Shallots: Thinly sliced, they sauté quickly and add a sweet, mild onion flavor.
- Wild mushrooms: I love using a mix like shiitake, oyster, and cremini for complexity, but button mushrooms work in a pinch.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the cream sauce.
- Dry white wine: Important for deglazing and adding depth; Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well.
- Heavy cream or whole milk: Heavy cream makes a richer sauce, but whole milk can be used for a lighter option.
- Grated parmesan: Melts into the sauce for a subtle nutty flavor and creaminess.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a nice little kick without overpowering.
Variations
I love that this recipe is flexible enough for you to make it your own. Over time, I’ve swapped out a few things — you should feel free to do the same depending on what you have or your taste preferences.
- Mushroom Mix: I’ve tried this with morel mushrooms for a special treat, which gave the sauce a rich earthiness — you can also use cremini or button mushrooms for a milder flavor.
- Mustard Alternative: Sometimes I substitute whole grain mustard for Dijon to add a bit more texture to the sauce.
- Dairy-free: For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and skip the parmesan; you’ll get a rich, creamy sauce with a slightly different but delicious twist.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of smoked paprika.
How to Make Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steaks
First things first — preheat your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, rub each steak generously with fresh chopped rosemary and garlic. Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper here; it’s the foundation of flavor. I like to let the steaks sit for about 10 minutes after seasoning — it helps those herbs settle in.
Step 2: Sear the Beef for a Beautiful Crust
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering—this is critical for a nice sear. Add the steaks and sear for about 2 minutes on each side. You’ll want a golden-brown crust, which locks in those juicy flavors. If you don’t see that sizzle, your pan isn’t hot enough yet, so be patient!
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Transfer those beautifully seared steaks to a baking sheet and roast them in your preheated oven. I use a meat thermometer here because it’s the only way to guarantee your beef will have that perfect medium-rare pink center—aim for 120 to 125°F internal temp. This usually takes 8-12 minutes depending on your steak’s thickness. When done, cover with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute those flavorful juices.
Step 4: Make the Mushroom Cream Sauce
While the beef is resting, melt butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and mushrooms — season them lightly with salt and pepper. Resist the urge to stir too soon; letting the mushrooms caramelize undisturbed for 5 minutes is what gives you that gorgeous golden color and deep flavor. I usually stir once and cook a few minutes more until they’re perfectly browned, then transfer them to a plate.
Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce by about a third, then slowly add your cream and Dijon mustard. Bring it to a boil and reduce to a simmer to thicken the sauce — about 5 minutes usually does the trick. Remove it from heat and stir in parmesan, then adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes before folding your mushrooms back in.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the tenderloin steaks, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top, and generously spoon that luscious mushroom cream sauce over them. Trust me, this dish gets rave reviews every time I bring it to the table.
Pro Tips for Making Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I used to guess the doneness by time alone, but a thermometer guarantees juicy medium-rare every time.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing steaks, make sure there’s enough space; overcrowding causes steaming, which ruins the crust.
- Let the Beef Rest: Resting lets the juices redistribute, so don’t skip or shorten that step or the beef will dry out.
- Caramelize Mushrooms Slowly: Resist stirring too soon; the golden color means flavor development you don’t want to miss.
How to Serve Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a gorgeous presentation and a little extra aroma. A small drizzle of truffle oil over the mushroom sauce can also add a special luxurious touch if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted fingerling potatoes — they soak up that mushroom cream sauce beautifully. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans add a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to slice the tenderloin into medallions, arrange them fan-style on the plate, and spoon the mushroom cream sauce artistically over the top. A sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers adds a pop of color that guests always comment on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store any leftover beef and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the meat from soaking too much sauce and getting soggy, and it makes reheating easier.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, especially if you freeze the beef steaks and mushroom cream sauce separately. Just cool everything completely before sealing tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. I’ve frozen and enjoyed this up to 3 months later with great results.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is gently warming the sauce on low heat in a skillet, then adding the sliced beef at the end just to warm through—this prevents overcooking and keeps the beef tender and juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use filet mignon instead of beef tenderloin steaks?
Absolutely! Filet mignon is actually cut from the beef tenderloin, so they cook similarly. Just be sure to tie thicker filets so they cook evenly and follow the same sear and roast steps.
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What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
While I strongly recommend a meat thermometer for consistent results, if you don’t have one, you can use the timing guide as a rough estimate: roughly 8-12 minutes in the oven after searing for medium-rare. Just keep in mind thickness matters, so adjust time accordingly.
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Can I make the mushroom cream sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a few hours or even a day ahead. Warm it gently on the stove just before serving and stir well to bring back its silky texture. If it thickens too much, add a splash of cream or milk.
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What wines pair well with this dish?
I recommend a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a bold white like Chardonnay to complement the beef and creamy mushroom sauce beautifully. The wine you use in the sauce also ties the flavors together nicely.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is easy enough to make without stress. Whenever I make it, my family goes crazy, and I always get asked for seconds. If you’re looking to treat yourself or impress your guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try — I can’t wait to hear what you think!
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Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce is an elegant and flavorful centerpiece perfect for a Christmas dinner. Juicy beef tenderloin steaks are infused with fresh rosemary and garlic, seared for a flavorful crust, and oven-roasted to a perfect medium-rare. They are paired with a rich, creamy wild mushroom sauce enhanced with shallots, Dijon mustard, white wine, and Parmesan, creating a luxurious dish that’s sure to impress your holiday guests.
Ingredients
Beef Tenderloin
- 1 (4-5 pound) beef tenderloin, cut into 6 steaks (or 6 filet mignon, tied)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces wild mushrooms, torn
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to warm up while you prepare the steaks.
- Season the Steaks: Rub each steak evenly with fresh chopped rosemary and finely chopped garlic. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the beef’s natural flavor.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add the steaks and sear each side for about 2 minutes until a golden brown crust forms. Then transfer the steaks to a baking sheet.
- Roast the Steaks: Place the baking sheet with seared steaks in the preheated oven. Roast them until the internal temperature reaches 120 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare to rare doneness, about 8-12 minutes. Remove the steaks, cover tightly with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Prepare Mushroom Sauce – Sauté Mushrooms and Shallots: While the steaks rest, melt butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and wild mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden, then stir and continue cooking until mushrooms caramelize, about 3-5 more minutes. Remove mushrooms from skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer the wine for 3-5 minutes until it reduces by about one-third, concentrating flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Slowly add heavy cream and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Finish the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Stir the caramelized mushrooms back into the sauce, combining all flavors.
- Serve: Plate the rested beef tenderloin steaks, sprinkle with flaky salt for added texture, and generously spoon the wild mushroom cream sauce over the top. Enjoy your festive and decadent meal!
Notes
- For perfectly cooked steaks, use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature.
- Letting the steaks rest after roasting ensures juicy and tender meat.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Wild mushrooms can be replaced with cremini or button mushrooms if needed.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete holiday meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg