Wondering what to cook for an upcoming holiday gathering? A beautiful beef tenderloin roast is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, sure to impress guests of all ages. With a few expert tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to serve a perfectly cooked roast packed full of flavor.
Roasting Tips from the Pros
No matter which cut of beef you select to serve, there are some tried-and-true tricks chefs use to get the juiciest, most delicious results. The pros from Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. and the Beef Checkoff, are the experts on all things beef and offer these tips for the perfect holiday roast.
Step 1: Use tools of the trade
Before you start, consider investing in an ovenproof meat thermometer. This is particularly important when roasting larger cuts. Unlike an instant-read thermometer, an ovenproof meat thermometer stays in the roast while cooking. This helps you avoid opening the oven unnecessarily and poking multiple holes in the roast, causing you to lose some of the juices.
Step 2: Select your cut
When cooking for four people or fewer, it is best to purchase a steak. For larger parties, a traditional bone-in roast is a popular option. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a roast that has one rib for every two people. To save time in the store, you can even call your meat counter in advance to order the exact size roast you need.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
It’s important to set your oven to the appropriate temperature for your roast. For a bone-in Ribeye roast, 350 F is generally recommended, but make sure to check your recipe for specifics. While your oven preheats, season the roast according your recipe, then sear. While it’s possible to develop a crust on your roast through slow roasting, you may get tastier results by searing it over high heat at either the beginning or the end of the roasting time. Most recipes will specify whether and when to brown the meat, but when in doubt, a quick sear before popping the roast into the oven won’t hurt.
Step 4: Go low and slow
When placing the roast in your roasting pan, preferably on a roasting rack, you want to place the beef on the rack fat-side-up and bone side down (if your cut has bones). Using a rack improves air circulation and promotes even cooking. Once your roast is in the pan, you’ll want to insert your ovenproof meat thermometer with the tip centered in the thickest part of the roast, avoiding the bone, if the cut you select has one. Cook as recommended, being sure not to overshoot your target temperature as it will continue to rise after pulling the roast from the oven.
Cooking times vary depending on both the cut of meat and your desired doneness. For example, if you’re cooking a bone-in Ribeye Roast for four to six people at 350 F, you can plan for a cook time as short as 1 hr 45 min for medium rare, targeting an internal temperature of 135 F, or as long as 2 hr 45 min for medium, with an internal temperature of 145 F. Find specific roasting time guidelines for a bone-in Ribeye Roast, as well as other cuts.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once you pull the roast from the oven, transfer it to a carving board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil (this is called tenting) and let it rest. It is important to let your roast rest so the juices have time to re-absorb into the meat ensuring a tender, juicy roast. Larger roasts need more time to rest, often as long as 15–20 minutes. Those few extra minutes provide a great opportunity to make an au jus from the reserved beef drippings and plate side dishes.
Step 6: Carve and Serve
The most important tool for properly carving your roast is a sharp knife. And, if you’re using a meat fork to help carve, try not to pierce the roast to hold it in place. If you want to avoid this risk altogether, you can use the back of the fork instead or simply opt for tongs. If you have a rib roast, cut each slice along the rib bone. And remember to always cut across the grain for maximum tenderness.
Classic Beef Tenderloin Roast with Cranberry Drizzle
Ingredients
- 1 beef Tenderloin Roast Center-Cut 2 to 3 pounds
- 1 pound yellow onions peeled, cut into wedges
- 2-1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-1/4 teaspoons salt divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- Sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
- 1 can 16 ounces whole berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat oven to 425°F. Combine onions, Brussels sprouts, oil and 1 teaspoon salt on metal baking pan; toss to coat. Set aside.
- Cook's Tip: Peeled Cipollini or pearl onions may be substituted for yellow onions and omit cutting into wedges. Cipollini onions look and taste like small, flat onions but are actually bulbs of the grape hyacinth. Sometimes referred to as wild onions, they can often be found in the produce department of large supermarkets. To easily peel, place in boiling water 10 to 15 seconds. Remove from water and immediately place in a bowl of ice water. Drain and peel skin.
- Combine thyme and pepper in small bowl. Reserve 1 teaspoon thyme mixture for sauce; set aside. Press remaining thyme mixture evenly onto all surfaces of beef Tenderloin Roast.
- Place roast on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof-meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef. Do not add water or cover. Place prepared vegetables in oven with roast. Roast beef in 425°F oven 35 to 45 minutes for medium rare; 45 to 50 minutes for medium doneness. Roast vegetables 45 to 50 minutes or until tender and lightly browned
Sauce
- Meanwhile, prepare sauce. Combine vinegar and shallots in small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes. Stir in cranberry sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 6 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in reserved 1 teaspoon thyme mixture and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Keep warm.
- Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 145°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 15 to 20 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10° to 15°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)
- Carve roast into slices; serve with vegetables and sauce.