Description
Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese is a luxurious and elegant dish that’s perfect for special occasions, such as holiday dinners, celebrations, or any time you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. This recipe features a perfectly seared beef tenderloin, known for its tenderness and rich flavor, paired with a creamy, zesty horseradish sauce that adds a delightful kick. The combination of the tender beef and the tangy, creamy horseradish mixture creates a balance of flavors that is both sophisticated and comforting.
What sets this dish apart is how effortlessly it comes together. The beef tenderloin is seasoned and seared to create a beautiful crust, then finished off in the oven to achieve a perfect medium-rare. The horseradish cream cheese sauce, made with just a few ingredients like cream cheese, horseradish, and a touch of fresh herbs, is the ideal accompaniment, adding a burst of flavor without overpowering the delicate beef. Whether you’re hosting a formal holiday dinner or enjoying a romantic meal at home, this dish will make any occasion feel special.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 4 (6-8 oz) beef tenderloin steaks (filets)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)
For the Horseradish Cream Cheese Sauce:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
STEP 1: Prepare the Beef Tenderloin
To ensure even cooking, it’s important to bring the beef tenderloins to room temperature before cooking. Remove them from the fridge about 20 minutes before you plan to start cooking. Season both sides of the tenderloins with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Be generous with the seasoning to help develop a flavorful crust when seared.
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. A heavy-duty cast iron skillet works best because it retains heat well and distributes it evenly. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the tenderloin steaks to the pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle when the meat hits the pan—that’s the searing process beginning.
Allow the steaks to sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Resist the urge to move the steaks around too much; letting them sit undisturbed allows that delicious crust to form.
Once seared, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roasting in the oven ensures even cooking of the tenderloin. Roast for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare, or 12-14 minutes for medium doneness. For an accurate measurement, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—medium-rare should read around 130°F (54°C), and medium will be around 140°F (60°C).
After removing the steaks from the oven, allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting the meat helps the juices redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring it remains moist and tender.
STEP 2: Prepare the Horseradish Cream Cheese Sauce
While the beef is roasting, you can prepare the horseradish cream cheese sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Stir the mixture until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to increase the amount of horseradish.
Next, add the sour cream or Greek yogurt to lighten the texture of the sauce and give it an extra layer of creaminess. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
If you like a bit of fresh herb flavor, you can mix in some chopped chives or parsley directly into the sauce. This not only adds a pop of color but also gives the sauce a fresh flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
Once the sauce is well-prepared, cover it and set it in the refrigerator while the beef finishes cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and keeps the sauce cool for serving.
STEP 3: Serve the Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese Sauce
Once your beef tenderloin steaks are rested, plate each one with care. Spoon a generous amount of the horseradish cream cheese sauce over the top of each steak. The creamy sauce should coat the meat, enhancing its flavor without overwhelming it.
Garnish with fresh chopped chives, parsley, or a sprig of rosemary for a burst of color and fragrance. If you want to take it up a notch, you can also drizzle the steaks with melted butter from the skillet to add an extra touch of richness.