Beef tenderloin is considered by many to be the most tender and delicious cut of beef you can buy Its velvety texture and subtle beefy flavor make it a special occasion showstopper. But serving this premium cut of meat is only half the battle – you need side dishes worthy of accompanying the beef tenderloin centerpiece
The sides you choose to serve alongside beef tenderloin can make or break the overall dining experience, That’s why it’s crucial to pick complementary dishes that enhance the tenderness of the meat and create a seamless flavor profile from start to finish
In this article, I’ll recommend 25 of the best side dishes to serve with beef tenderloin. You’ll find an array of options, from hearty potatoes and vegetables to light salads, decadent pasta bakes and more. With this list, you’ll be able to craft a beef tenderloin dinner for any occasion that delights the palate from the first bite to the last.
Understanding Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin, also known as filet mignon, is cut from the short loin of the cow This area does little work, meaning the muscle stays tender Tenderloin is one of the most expensive cuts of beef because it’s exceptionally tender with little fat. It has a milder taste than fattier cuts like ribeye.
When choosing a tenderloin, look for solid red meat with a smooth texture and white fat marbling. Expect to pay around $20 per pound. For special occasions, a whole tenderloin roast serves around 6-8 people. For everyday meals, tenderloin can be cut into filet mignon steaks.
Best Ways to Cook Tenderloin
There are several cooking methods that work well:
-
Roasting: Season a whole tenderloin and roast in the oven at 400°F for 30-45 minutes until it reaches your desired doneness between 125°F (rare) to 150°F (well-done).
-
Grilling: Cut tenderloin into 1-2 inch filet mignon steaks. Grill over high heat for 3-5 minutes per side.
-
Searing: Heat a cast iron skillet with oil over high heat. Sear filet mignon steaks 2-3 minutes per side. Finish cooking in the oven.
-
Sous vide: Vacuum seal tenderloin steaks and cook in a water bath at 130°F for 1-2 hours for perfect medium-rare doneness.
No matter how you cook it, always let the tenderloin rest for 10+ minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
25 Side Dishes for Beef Tenderloin
Here are my top recommendations for side dishes to serve with elegant beef tenderloin:
Potatoes
Buttery, fluffy potatoes are a classic pairing. Try smashed, mashed, baked or fried potatoes.
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Loaded baked potatoes with bacon, cheddar and scallions
- Crispy roasted new potatoes
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes au gratin
- French fries or potato wedges
Vegetables
Bright, fresh vegetable sides balance the richness of beef tenderloin.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Sauteed green beans with roasted almonds
- Glazed carrots with honey and thyme
- Creamed spinach or roasted asparagus
- Sauteed mushrooms with shallots and thyme
Breads
Warm breads and rolls for sopping up beef juices are always welcome.
- Dinner rolls or bread basket
- Buttery garlic bread
- Parmesan herb focaccia bread
- Classic popovers
- Yorkshire puddings
Pasta and Grains
Hearty pastas and grains make satisfying additions to a beef dinner.
- Creamy baked mac and cheese
- Mushroom risotto or orzo
- Cheesy polenta
- Butlered noodles or pasta
- Wild rice pilaf
Salads
Fresh, crisp salads balance the meal.
- Caesar salad with croutons and parmesan
- Mixed baby greens with vinaigrette
- Classic wedge salad with blue cheese dressing
- Tomato and mozzarella caprese salad
- Greek salad with feta, olives, onion and cucumber
Sauces
Don’t forget sauces to complement the beef!
- Bearnaise
- Red wine reduction
- Mushroom gravy
- Horseradish cream
- Chimichurri
Perfecting Your Beef Tenderloin Dinner Menu
With so many excellent sides for beef tenderloin, how do you narrow down your options? Keep these tips in mind:
-
Pick 2-3 side dishes so you don’t overwhelm the star of the show – the beef!
-
Include a mix of textures and flavors. Choose a starchy potato dish along with a bright vegetable and salad for balance.
-
Consider rich vs. light sides. Pair heavier foods like pasta or potatoes with lighter options like salad greens.
-
Complement doneness. Raw preparations like steak tartare call for different sides than well-done beef.
-
Account for prep time. Save time-consuming dishes for leisurely dinners and quick sides for busy weeknights.
-
Match the formality. Fine dining calls for elegant sides like risotto or asparagus. Backyard BBQs pair better with potato salad and slaw.
With the perfect supporting sides, your spectacular beef tenderloin will steal the show. Use this list to find inspiration for unforgettable beef tenderloin dinners suited to any occasion.
Guests With Different Temperature Preferences
- If you have some guests who prefer different temperatures, you can cut the Chateaubriand roast into 2 or 3 mini roasts.
- Tie up each mini roast and place them in the pan together.
- Then pull out each mini roast as it reaches the desired temperature.
Why Should You Tie up a Beef Tenderloin?
- As meat cooks it expands in size and shape, tying up the roast will preserve its round shape and allow for nice even slices once it’s done.
- It also helps it cook at the same rate too.
- The best twine for tying a roast is Butcher’s Twine.
- For a how-to tutorial on how to tie up a beef tenderloin, watch my video demo below!
How to Make Beef Tenderloin with 3 Sauces (Perfect for the Holidays!) | Allrecipes
FAQ
What are good sides to serve with beef tenderloin?
- mashed potatoes, twice baked potatoes, scalloped potatoes or cheesy potatoes
- brussel sprouts
- asparagus
- dinner rolls
- salad
How many people will a 2 lb beef tenderloin feed?
1 1/2 pounds of beef will comfortably feed 4 people; 2 pounds will feed six. You can stretch it to feed a few more people if you are serving the tenderloin with several other dishes on the table. When buying your tenderloin roast, make sure the butcher removes the silver skin.
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.
What vegetables go well with filet mignon?
Roasting or grilling enhances the flavor of the vegetables, which balances well with the powerful taste of a filet mignon. Roasted brussels sprouts or carrots and grilled mushrooms or bell peppers are a few delicious options.