If you’re looking for an unforgettable centerpiece that captures the spirit of the season with bold flavors and elegant simplicity, this Christmas Beef Tenderloin (Sheet Pan Beef Tenderloin) Recipe is exactly what your holiday feast needs. Tender, juicy beef paired with perfectly roasted potatoes and mushrooms all cooked on one pan means minimal fuss and maximum flavor—a true gift to any home cook. This recipe brings together classic tastes with a creamy, tangy blue cheese sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds and that cozy holiday vibe in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is that every ingredient is straightforward yet essential, each adding its unique touch to the final flavor, texture, and color. From the tender beef to the earthy mushrooms and the creamy sauce, these components come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- 2 pound beef tenderloin (trimmed and tied): Choose a high-quality cut for tenderness and rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful sear on the beef.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Key for seasoning the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
- 1 pound baby red potatoes (halved): Provide a comforting, creamy texture after roasting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Coats potatoes to get crispy edges.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers savory warmth to the potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds fragrant herbal notes to the potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Elevates the flavor of the potatoes and mushrooms.
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms: Bring earthiness and a meaty bite to the sheet pan.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Keeps mushrooms tender while roasting.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning that brings out mushroom umami.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (â…› stick): Creates richness in the sauce.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy sauce to perfection.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce velvety smoothness.
- 4 ounces blue cheese (crumbled): Adds sharp, tangy notes that beautifully complement the beef.
How to Make Christmas Beef Tenderloin (Sheet Pan Beef Tenderloin) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef Tenderloin
Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef tenderloin and tying it with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and a beautiful shape. Rub the beef all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning builds a flavorful crust that seals in the juices and gives that irresistible roasted crust you dream about.
Step 2: Season the Vegetables
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby red potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, and salt. In a separate bowl, coat the cremini mushrooms with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Getting these seasoned and ready will let them soak up the heat and caramelize beautifully in the oven alongside the beef.
Step 3: Arrange Everything on the Sheet Pan
Place the beef tenderloin in the center of a large sheet pan, then surround it evenly with the seasoned potatoes and mushrooms. Spreading everything out ensures even roasting and that lovely golden color on your veggies while your beef cooks to tender perfection.
Step 4: Roast in the Oven
Place the sheet pan in a preheated oven and roast for about 35 to 40 minutes. The beef should reach your desired doneness (medium-rare is ideal for tenderness), and the potatoes and mushrooms should be tender and golden. Using one pan means all those rich flavors mingle as they cook—a true holiday magic trick!
Step 5: Make the Blue Cheese Cream Sauce
While the beef and veggies rest, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and stir well to make a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, cooking until thickened. Finally, stir in the blue cheese until melted and creamy. This sauce is the perfect tangy, rich companion that will elevate your Christmas Beef Tenderloin (Sheet Pan Beef Tenderloin) Recipe to new heights.
How to Serve Christmas Beef Tenderloin (Sheet Pan Beef Tenderloin) Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme add a festive pop of color and herbal aroma that brighten the plate. You can also sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh touch or a few cracked black peppercorns to intensify the flavor profile. These simple additions make your dish look as fabulous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Though the sheet pan covers your protein and hearty veggies, consider pairing the beef tenderloin with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette for balance. Alternatively, roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots add seasonal sweetness and crunch, rounding out this substantial meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the beef tenderloin into thick medallions and fan them out on a warm platter surrounded by the golden potatoes and mushrooms. Spoon the blue cheese cream sauce generously over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. For a festive touch, scatter pomegranate seeds around the plate for bursts of juicy color and a fun contrast to the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftover beef tenderloin, potatoes, and mushrooms in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without any waste.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the cooked beef and vegetables can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months, making this a great option for planning ahead for holiday lunches or dinners.
Reheating
To warm up your leftovers without drying out the beef, reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, covered loosely with foil. You can warm the sauce separately in a saucepan on low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if it needs loosening.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness and elegant presentation, you can substitute with a center-cut sirloin or ribeye roast. Keep in mind the cooking times and doneness may vary slightly with other cuts.
How do I know when the beef tenderloin is done?
Using a meat thermometer is your best bet—aim for 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium. Remember the beef will continue to cook slightly after resting.
Can I make the blue cheese sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce in advance and gently reheat it before serving. Stir well to restore its creamy texture. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until ready to warm.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
Feel free to swap the blue cheese for a milder cheese like feta or a sharp cheddar. You could also simply enjoy the beef and veggies with a classic gravy or horseradish cream sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a small gathering?
Definitely! This Christmas Beef Tenderloin (Sheet Pan Beef Tenderloin) Recipe serves about 4 people, making it perfect for intimate holiday dinners without excess leftovers.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this Christmas Beef Tenderloin (Sheet Pan Beef Tenderloin) Recipe strikes the perfect balance of festive elegance and homey comfort that makes holiday cooking a pure joy. The combination of tender beef, roasted vegetables, and creamy blue cheese sauce is a crowd-pleaser you’ll love serving year after year. Give it a try—your holiday dinner table is going to thank you.
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Christmas Beef Tenderloin (Sheet Pan Beef Tenderloin) Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Beef Tenderloin recipe offers a succulent, tender roast seasoned simply with kosher salt and black pepper, complemented by roasted baby red potatoes, cremini mushrooms, and a rich blue cheese cream sauce. The entire meal is cooked using a sheet pan method, making it an elegant yet straightforward holiday dinner perfect for a festive occasion.
Ingredients
Beef Tenderloin
- 2 pounds beef tenderloin (trimmed and tied)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Potatoes
- 1 pound baby red potatoes (halved)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Mushrooms
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Blue Cheese Cream Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (â…› stick)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces blue cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef tenderloin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Rub the trimmed and tied beef tenderloin with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season it evenly with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the potatoes: In a mixing bowl, toss the halved baby red potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt until well coated.
- Prepare the mushrooms: Toss the cremini mushrooms with 2 teaspoons olive oil and ½ teaspoon kosher salt in a separate bowl.
- Arrange on sheet pan: On a large sheet pan, place the seasoned tenderloin in the center. Arrange the prepared baby red potatoes on one side and the cremini mushrooms on the other side of the tenderloin, ensuring even spacing for roasting.
- Roast the beef and vegetables: Roast in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the beef reaches your desired internal temperature (125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare). Check potatoes and mushrooms for tenderness; they should be golden and cooked through.
- Rest the beef: Remove the beef tenderloin from the pan and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes to redistribute juices and ensure tender meat.
- Make the blue cheese cream sauce: While the beef rests, use the same sheet pan juices or transfer vegetables to a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and the minced garlic. Once fragrant, whisk in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to form a roux. Gradually add ½ cup heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, then stir in 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Slice the beef tenderloin into thick medallions and plate with the roasted baby red potatoes and cremini mushrooms. Drizzle the warm blue cheese cream sauce over the beef and vegetables. Enjoy your festive Christmas beef tenderloin dinner!
Notes
- Allow the beef to rest after roasting to keep it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute blue cheese with gorgonzola or Roquefort for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust roasting time based on the thickness of the tenderloin and your preferred doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- If preferred, the cream sauce can be prepared separately to avoid mixing pan drippings.
