Roast Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragout

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Total: 50 min
  • Active: 20 min
This showstopper of a roast is actually very easy to make. Look for a center-cut piece of tenderloin with an even thickness so it cooks properly. Simply sear and roast it to medium rare, then enjoy the compliments that are guaranteed to follow.
Advertisement

Ingredients

One 2-pound center-cut beef tenderloin roast

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 to 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 pound mixed mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini or white button, trimmed and quartered

1 medium shallot or 1/2 small onion, chopped

3 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped

1/2 cup Madeira, vermouth or white wine

1/3 cup heavy cream

Directions

Special equipment:
an instant-read thermometer
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the beef dry and season all over with salt and a generous amount of pepper. Add the oil to the skillet and heat until shimmering. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and swirl to melt. Add the beef and sear until mahogany brown on all sides, about 8 minutes total.
  3. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 125 degrees F for medium rare, about 25 minutes. 
  4. Meanwhile make the ragout: Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and spread them out evenly; increase the heat to high. Let the mushrooms cook, undisturbed, until browned, then shake the skillet to flip them over. Add the additional butter along the sides of the skillet as the mushrooms cook if the skillet seems very dry. Continue to cook until nicely browned, about 5 minutes. 
  5. Add the shallot and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 2 minutes. Season the mushrooms with 1/2 teaspoon salt and some pepper; add the thyme. Pull the skillet off the heat and add the Madeira. Return the skillet to the heat and scrape up any of the brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
  6. When the beef is ready, transfer to a cutting board, tent very loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
  7. Slice the beef across the grain, arrange on a platter and serve with the mushroom ragout.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Christine Tripucka Gilbert

This was fantastic! I tied my roast up the night before to ensure an even cook temperature. I pulled the roast out of the refrigerator an hour and a half before searing to have it come to room temperature and seasoned it with a generous amount of pepper and some kosher salt. The gravy was very good as I used Vermouth. A crowed pleaser for an elegant Christmas dinner!<br />

See All Reviews