Beef tenderloin is considered by many to be the most tender and delicious cut of beef. Also known as filet mignon, this cut comes from the short loin and has very little marbling, which gives it a more delicate flavor than fattier cuts like ribeye or strip steak.
If you’re planning to make beef tenderloin, you’ll want to pair it with sides that enhance the flavor instead of overpowering it. The good news is that the possibilities are endless! From hearty potatoes and vegetables to fresh salads decadent mac and cheese, and sweet desserts I’ve rounded up 25 of the best side dishes to serve with beef tenderloin.
Understanding Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin refers to the psoas major muscle that runs along the cow’s backbone. This muscle doesn’t get much use, so it remains very tender. Tenderloin is cut into filet mignon steaks as well as boneless roasts like Chateaubriand.
Compared to fattier cuts, tenderloin has a milder flavor due to its leanness. It’s also more expensive since the entire tenderloin yields only about 25 pounds of meat from a 1,200 pound steer. But for special occasions, the extra cost is worth it for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery smooth flavor.
How to Cook Tenderloin for Perfect Results
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Allow the roast to come to room temperature before cooking so it sears properly.
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Season well with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices. Rubbing it with olive oil will help them stick.
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For roasting, tie it with kitchen string to maintain an even shape. Fold the thin end under to make it even thickness.
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Roast in a 450°F oven for 15-25 minutes to develop a nice crust. Then reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting to desired doneness.
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Steaks can be grilled or pan seared over high heat, about 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Remember to let them rest before slicing.
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Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Medium rare is 125-130°F and medium is 135°F. Anything above 145°F will be overcooked.
What are the Best Sides for Beef Tenderloin?
From roasted vegetables to creamy potatoes, here are 25 complementary side dishes to serve with your tenderloin roast or filet mignon steaks:
Veggies and Salads
These fresh, flavorful sides add color to your plate:
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Roasted Brussels sprouts – Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper then roast. Toss with a balsamic glaze for a sweet-tart finish.
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Asparagus – Simple roasted or grilled asparagus rounds out the plate nicely.
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Wedge salad – A steakhouse classic with crisp lettuce, tomato, bacon, and blue cheese dressing.
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Creamed spinach – Sautéed spinach mixed into a creamy béchamel sauce makes a rich accompaniment.
Potatoes
You can never go wrong with potatoes and steak! Choose from:
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Baked potatoes – Large russets baked until fluffy, then loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon.
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Mashed potatoes – Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor. Try adding roasted garlic or horseradish.
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Hasselback potatoes – Sliced potatoes fanned out and roasted until crispy on the edges and soft inside.
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Potatoes au gratin – Sliced potatoes baked in a cheesy cream sauce.
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Potato Lyonnaise – Sliced potatoes sautéed with onions and parsley.
Hearty Sides
Satisfy big appetites with these hearty favorites:
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Yorkshire pudding – A popover-style accompaniment that’s crisp on the outside, light inside.
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Bread stuffing – Also called dressing, the perfect use for leftover bread. Try sourdough with sausage and herbs.
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Mac and cheese – A classic comfort food kicked up with lobster or truffles if you want to splurge.
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Risotto – Creamy, cheesy risotto is a savory complement to steak. Butternut squash adds great fall flavor.
Fresh Breads
Crunchy, buttery bread is great for sopping up juices:
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Dinner rolls – Warm, soft yeast rolls or biscuits are always welcome.
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Garlic bread – Sliced baguette slathered with garlicky, herbed butter then toasted.
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Focaccia – Flavorful flatbread pairs nicely with its texture contrast.
Sauces and Condiments
Enhance the flavor with:
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Béarnaise – A rich butter and egg yolk sauce flavored with tarragon and other herbs.
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Chimichurri – This lively green sauce from Argentina has parsley, oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
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Horseradish cream – Freshly grated horseradish folded into sour cream or crème fraiche.
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Red wine jus – An intense sauce made by reducing red wine with aromatics.
Sweet Endings
Finish the meal on a sweet note with:
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Creme brûlée – The classic custard dessert with a crispy burnt sugar topping.
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Fruit tart – Flaky pastry shell filled with pastry cream and fresh fruit.
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Chocolate lava cake – Indulgent molten chocolate cakes with an oozy interior.
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Berries with whipped cream – Simple, light and delicious after a heavy meal.
With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect sides to complement your tenderloin feast. Bon appétit!
WHAT INTERNAL TEMPERATURE SHOULD I COOK THE BEEF?
- RARE – 120-130°F
- MEDIUM RARE – 130-135°F
- MEDIUM – 135-145°F
NOTE #1: the internal temp of the beef will continue to rise about 5° after it’s removed from the oven for the final serving temperature.
NOTE#2: For best results, I don’t recommend cooking this cut of beef any more than ‘medium’.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH BEEF TENDERLOIN:
Below you’ll find some delicious side dishes to perfectly compliment your beef roast.
Of course, the best sides are the ones you and your family like the most.
This is a super simple recipe and easy side dish with just 2 ingredients. You control the spice level. It’s every bite creamy and delicious.
Blend 1/2 cup sour cream with 2-3 tablespoons of pure horseradish sauce in a small bowl (drain the liquid from the horseradish so your sauce isn’t watery).
Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve it.
Creamy rustic creamy mashed potatoes with brown butter, fresh sage and crumbled goat cheese (or blue cheese).
This is a no-peel potato dish, rustic and earthy with an incredibly good flavor combination.
A tasty side dish blending sliced Yukon gold potatoes with sweet potatoes in a creamy gruyere cheese sauce.
Bake until bubbly and golden.
My go-to recipe for perfectly cooked fresh green beans in just 6 minutes without blanching or draining.
It’s more a technique for cooking fresh green beans than a recipe. Once the beans are cooked just add a tablespoon or two of butter and a light sprinkle of salt.
Even people who swear they don’t like brussels sprouts are crazy about this recipe.
The brussels sprouts are roasted to tender with crispy, caramelized outsides, tossed with smoked bacon and an irresistible maple syrup Dijon mustard glaze.
Restaurant quality golden, pan seared scallops drizzled with an amazing lemon garlic butter sauce.
The whole dish comes together in just 10 minutes and is a delicious way to a surf and turf meal!
I created this recipe one cold, rainy day when I had a stockpile of salmon in the freezer and the few other ingredients needed including sweet corn, potatoes and herbs.
Make it in just 30 minutes and don’t look back. It’s loaded with layers of creamy, comforting flavor and would be a great appetizer or lead-in to this beef tenderloin.
I’ve been making this old fashioned Potato Salad for more than 4 decades. My family and I never get tired of it!
Make it a day ahead of time (it helps all the flavors come together) — tender bites of potato, hard boiled eggs, crispy bacon and real mayonnaise – it can’t be beat.
Readers call it “amazing!”
Caramelized mushrooms and onions are always a great pairing with beef.
They’re a perfect side dish with classic Beef Tenderloin along with a good Pinot Noir or another red wine.
Save this recipe for grilling season too – it’s incredibly good with grilled steak.
Buttery thinly sliced potatoes baked in a muffin tin with two kinds of melted cheese and golden, crispy edges.
As a side or with a dollop of sour cream they’re irresistible!
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The Absolute Best Sides To Pair With Every Cut Of Steak
FAQ
What sides go with beef tenderloin?
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The Kitchnhttps://www.thekitchn.com45 Easy Sides to Serve with Beef Tenderloin – The KitchnNov 25, 2024 — Tender baby spinach, mixed in a flavorful cream sauce, makes one of the best and easiest side dishes for your beef tenderloin dinner. … Tender asp…
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Simpson’s Meatshttps://simpsonsmeats.comPerfect Pairings for Beef Tenderloin: Side Dishes, Wines, and DessertsOct 16, 2024 — The Perfect Sides for Beef Tenderloin * Garlic Mashed Potatoes. A classic choice that’s hard to beat, garlic mashed potatoes complement beef tender…
What to make with a beef tenderloin?
Relatively quick-cooking and arguably the most tender cut of beef, tenderloin makes for a magnificent roast, succulent stir-fry, or tasty grilled skewers. It’s also especially lean and free of connective tissue, lending itself to raw and ultra-rare applications like steak tartare and beef poke.
How many will a 4 lb beef tenderloin serve?
It’s actually fairly easy to figure out how much beef tenderloin per person you need to buy: Simply purchase 8 ounces (1/2 pound) of meat for each guest. If you’re feeding six people, you’ll need 3 pounds of meat. For a larger crowd, say 12 people, you’ll need closer to 6 pounds of meat.
What vegetables go well with beef?
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Potatoes:Mashed, baked, roasted, or au gratin, potatoes are a classic complement to beef, especially when paired with gravy.
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Carrots:The slight earthy and sweet taste of carrots makes them a popular choice for roasted beef or tender lamb, according to HP Westwood.
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Mushrooms:Sautéed or roasted, mushrooms add an umami flavor that pairs well with beef.
How many side dishes can you serve with beef tenderloin?
You can always serve two, three, or even four side dishes with your tasty beef tenderloin meal. The word “tender” is part of beef tenderloin for a reason. The meat is juicy, succulent, and melts in your mouth when cooked properly. Did you know that filet mignon steaks are actually cut from beef tenderloin?
What can I serve with beef tenderloin?
For a savory side dish that pairs well with beef tenderloin, consider a Mushroom Sauce. This rich and flavorful sauce is made from mushrooms, butter, onion, garlic, and white wine. Grilled Carrots are another option for a slightly sweet and smoky side dish.
What to serve with beef tenderloin in the fall?
Arugula salad is one of our favorite side dishes to serve with beef tenderloin in the fall. The spicy, peppery taste of the arugula is delicious when the weather is cold, and you need something to warm you up. This arugula salad recipe from Minimalist Baker has it all.
Can you make beef tenderloin side dishes ahead of time?
Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions. If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Serve and enjoy! Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was! Are you looking to spice up your dinner table with the perfect side dishes for beef tenderloin?
What to serve with beef tenderloin on Thanksgiving?
Butter, salt, and sweet potatoes are a winning combination. The sweetness of butter amplifies the taste of potatoes, and the solids in the butter become caramelized as the potatoes roast. This is best served with beef tenderloin on Thanksgiving. Easy Sauteéd Sweet Potatoes, anyone? 3. French Spinach Soufflé
What is a good side dish for a beef roast?
Salty cheese, pepper radishes, and plenty of herbs make this rice side dish an all-season stunner. When you’re serving a beef roast, you want a side dish with flavor that will stand up to the meat, but won’t overpower it. Here are 43 suggestions we love.