Beef Tenderloin Roast

Category: Simple Beef Recipes That Work

Covered in garlic herb butter, this tender beef dish cooks perfectly with an easy temperature guide. Ready in 45 minutes for a festive centerpiece.
Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 07:23:40 GMT
A tender beef roast with herbs and garlic, served on a white plate. Pin
A tender beef roast with herbs and garlic, served on a white plate. | thefamilycooks.com

These down-home biscuits and gravy take me back to childhood every single time. Whenever I whip this up, I can't help thinking about those lazy mornings at grandma's table. There's nothing quite like fluffy, buttery biscuits drowning in thick, savory sausage gravy to make you feel right at home.

The Magic Behind This Breakfast Classic

What makes me come back to this dish again and again is how everyday ingredients transform into something so darn good. The way those hot biscuits drink up the creamy gravy gets me every time. You can kick up the heat or keep it mild, and it comes together so fast you'll wonder why you don't make it more often.

Ingredients for Biscuits and Gravy

  • Biscuits: Try making your own, but don't sweat it if you grab the tubes from the fridge instead.
  • Ground Sausage: I usually reach for Jimmy Dean, though any breakfast sausage will do the trick.
  • All-Purpose Flour: This gives your gravy body and thickness. Wondra flour makes it extra lump-free.
  • Whole Milk: The key to that velvety, rich texture we all crave.
  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Just enough to wake up all those flavors.
  • Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes: Toss in a tiny bit for a gentle kick if that's your thing.
  • Optional Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice color pop.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 - Prepare the Biscuits
Make your own from scratch or just pop open a store-bought tube we won't tell anyone.
Step 2 - Cook the Sausage
Heat that skillet up good, break up the sausage as it cooks until you've got nicely browned bits, and hang onto some of that flavorful fat.
Step 3 - Make the Gravy
Dust your cooked sausage with flour, give it a quick stir, then pour in your milk bit by bit while whisking away until it thickens up just right.
Step 4 - Serve the Dish
Break open those hot biscuits, pour that gravy all over them, and toss on some parsley if you're feeling extra.

Tasty Variations to Try

Want something different? Try hot sausage for a spicier breakfast or switch to turkey sausage to cut some calories. Ground beef works in a pinch too. A dash of garlic powder really perks things up, and there are plenty of plant-based options these days for meat-free folks.

What Goes Well With It

This hearty dish needs something light on the side like fresh strawberries, orange slices, or chunks of watermelon. A cold fruit smoothie works wonders to balance things out, or go all-in on comfort food with some crispy potatoes on the side.

Storing Leftovers

Keep your gravy and biscuits in different containers in the fridge. When hunger strikes again, warm up your gravy in a small pot and add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Throw those biscuits in a toaster oven to get them crispy again.

Quick Answers

What's the best sausage? Traditional breakfast sausage wins but feel free to experiment. Need it gluten free? Switch to cornstarch and grab some GF biscuits. Making it vegetarian? Plant-based sausage substitutes work surprisingly well. Lumpy gravy? Just keep that whisk moving and add milk gradually for smooth results.

A plate of sliced beef tenderloin served with roasted tomatoes and herbs. Pin
A plate of sliced beef tenderloin served with roasted tomatoes and herbs. | thefamilycooks.com

Wrap-Up

Covered in garlic herb butter, this tender beef dish cooks perfectly with an easy temperature guide. Ready in 45 minutes for a festive centerpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Why should meat be room temperature?
Having meat warm up before cooking helps it cook more evenly throughout.
→ Why let meat rest after?
Giving it 10-15 minutes rest locks the juices in, making slices juicy and flavorful.
→ What sides work best?
It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, herb potatoes, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
→ Is a thermometer really needed?
Using one ensures you hit the exact temperature and doneness you’re aiming for.
→ Can this be prepped in advance?
You can make the garlic butter beforehand, but it’s better to cook the meat fresh.

Beef Tenderloin Roast

Juicy and tender beef tenderloin spread with herby garlic butter, making it great for festive dinners or memorable evenings.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Beef

Skill Level: Advanced

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 8 Serves (1 roast)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need

01 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, minced fresh.
02 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
03 2 teaspoons salt (kosher).
04 4-4.5 lbs beef tenderloin roast, trimmed and tied at the center.
05 1 teaspoon rosemary leaves, minced fresh.
06 2 tablespoons oil (avocado).
07 6 tablespoons butter, softened.
08 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Leave meat out for an hour or two to warm up. Combine herbs, garlic, and butter into a spread.

Step 02

Set oven to 425°F. Dry the surface of the meat, then sprinkle with pepper and salt.

Step 03

Heat oil and sear the meat on all sides for around 10 minutes in total.

Step 04

Coat the top of the beef with the garlic-herb butter mix.

Step 05

Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until it hits your desired doneness.

Step 06

Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes, then slice it up after removing the twine.

Additional Notes

  1. A meat thermometer can make your cooking spot on.
  2. Tastes amazing with a horseradish dip.
  3. Choose from a variety of sides to go with it.

Essential Tools

  • Cast iron pan (large).
  • Meat thermometer (probe type).

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 732
  • Fats: 62 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Proteins: 41 g