When it comes to holiday meals, I love choosing dishes that feel special without keeping me in the kitchen all day. Beef tenderloin checks every box — elegant, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and surprisingly easy to prepare. And when you pair it with a couple of simple, seasonal sides, you’ve got a Christmas dinner that looks like it came straight from a magazine… with none of the stress.

Here’s everything you need to know—how much to buy, how to cook it, the right internal temperatures, and a few of my favorite quick side dishes and sauces to complete the meal.

Ready to Make This Your Christmas Centerpiece?

Our 30-day dry-aged Beef Tenderloin is the star of any holiday table—meltingly tender, full of rich flavor, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Order yours here: BEEF TENDERLOIN

We ship nationwide, and this is one of our most popular cuts of the season. If you're planning a Christmas tenderloin dinner, be sure to order early so it arrives fresh and ready to cook.

How Much Beef Tenderloin Per Person?

Tenderloin is very lean and doesn’t shrink much, so planning is simple:

• ½ to ¾ lb per person

• Go with ¾ lb if you want leftovers (and you do…)

Leftover tenderloin makes incredible sandwiches, especially with horseradish sauce.

Internal Temperature Guide for Beef Tenderloin

Because tenderloin is naturally tender, keeping it on the lower end of doneness gives you the best experience.

• Rare: 120–125°F

• Medium Rare: 130–135°F (most popular)

• Medium: 140–145°F

• Medium Well: 150–155°F (not recommended for this cut)

Remove the roast 5° BELOW your target temp — it will continue to rise as it rests.
Let it rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to lock in those juices. Do not skip this step.

How to Cook a Beef Tenderloin (Simple Roasting Method)

Ingredients:

• 1 whole beef tenderloin (trimmed)

• Salt & pepper

• Olive oil or softened butter

• Optional: fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

1. Pat tenderloin dry and rub with salt, pepper, and a little oil or softened butter.
2. Tuck the thin tail end under so the roast cooks evenly; tie with kitchen twine if needed.
3. Place on a roasting rack or baking sheet.
4. Roast 20–30 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
5. Use a meat thermometer and remove the roast once it reaches your desired temp (see chart above).
6. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

That’s it. Simple, impressive, and so flavorful.

Sauces & Butters to Serve With Tenderloin

Tenderloin has a mild, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with bold sauces or herb butters.

Here are my favorites:

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

A must-have with tenderloin—it adds the perfect tangy bite.

Recipe here:
https://midwestprimefarms.com/blogs/meat-marinades-sauces/creamy-horseradish-sauce-recipe

Lemon-Dijon-Chive Compound Butter

Melt a slice of this over warm tenderloin… heaven.

Recipe here:
https://midwestprimefarms.com/blogs/meat-marinades-sauces/lemon-dijon-chive-compound-butter

Red Wine Reduction (Perfect Drizzle for Beef)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry red wine

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 minced shallot (optional)

• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté shallot in butter (optional).
2. Add wine and broth; bring to a boil.
3. Simmer until reduced by half.
4. Whisk in remaining butter.
5. Season to taste.

Easy Holiday Side Dishes for Beef Tenderloin

These sides feel fancy but require very little effort—perfect for a holiday meal that doesn’t keep you trapped in the kitchen.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes- peeled and rinsed

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes with smashed garlic until tender.
2. Drain and return to pot.
3. Add butter, warm cream, salt & pepper.
4. Mash until creamy.

Roasted Carrots with Honey Butter & Thyme 

Elegant, seasonal, and perfect for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs carrots

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

How to Prep the Carrots:

1. Peel the carrots with a vegetable peeler.
2. Trim just the ends.
3. Slice carrots lengthwise into halves or quarters —

• Smaller carrots: cut in half
• Larger carrots: quarter lengthwise
• Aim to make them similar thickness so they roast evenly.

This long, elegant cut gives you beautiful presentation and caramelized edges.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss lengthwise-cut carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange them on a baking sheet cut side down for maximum caramelization.
4. Roast 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are caramelized and the thickest part is tender when pierced.
5. Meanwhile, melt butter with honey and thyme in a small skillet.
6. Drizzle the warm honey-thyme butter over the roasted carrots before serving.

Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cozy, caramelized, and perfect for winter.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs Brussels sprouts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: chopped pecans or dried cranberries for serving

How to Prep the Brussels Sprouts:

1. Rinse Brussels sprouts under cold water.
2. Trim off the tough stem end.
3. Remove any loose or yellow outer leaves.
4. Cut sprouts in half (or quarters if very large) so they roast evenly.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss prepped sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet, cut side down for maximum caramelization.
4. Roast 20–25 minutes, until crispy and browned.
5. Add pecans or dried cranberries before serving if desired.

Want a More Affordable but Still Delicious Option?

If you love the idea of a holiday beef roast but aren’t looking to splurge on tenderloin this year, we’ve got you covered.

Two of our favorite budget-friendly roasts that still feel special:

Sirloin Tip Roast

Lean, flavorful, and beautiful when roasted medium-rare and sliced thin.
Order Sirloin Tip Roast: SIRLOIN TIP ROAST

Rump Roast

Another wallet-friendly option that roasts up tender and makes amazing leftover sandwiches.
Order Rump Roast: RUMP ROAST

Both roasts take wonderfully to the same herb rubs and sauces used for tenderloin, making them great substitutes without losing that festive feel.

Make Holiday Dinner Easy This Year

If you want a Christmas meal that impresses without stress, dry-aged beef tenderloin is the way to go. It’s elegant, tender, and incredibly simple to prepare.