Name: Roasted Beef Tenderloin with French Onions and Horseradish Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 center-cut beef tenderloin (about 2 ½ pounds); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1 cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; Pinch of salt (for the sauce)

A perfect holiday centerpiece or a classy Sunday dinner, this Roasted Beef Tenderloin with French Onions and Horseradish Sauce is a feast of flavor, elegance, and simplicity. The tenderloin, richly marbled and perfectly roasted, is nestled among buttery caramelized onions that lend it a French onion soup vibe—but better. The creamy horseradish sauce offers the right punch of tang and heat, cutting through the richness and making every bite sing.

This dish isn’t just about the beef—it’s about the aroma that fills your kitchen, the ease of serving something so impressive, and the way it melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to spoil your family, this one-pan wonder elevates your table without keeping you trapped in the kitchen.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Roasted Tenderloin?

When you’re cooking a showstopper like this, quality matters. Go for a center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied. It offers uniform thickness for even roasting and is naturally tender, which means you don’t have to do much to make it shine. You can often find this cut labeled as “Chateaubriand” in butcher shops.

Ingredients for the Roasted Beef Tenderloin with French Onions and Horseradish Sauce

Beef Tenderloin (Center Cut): The star of the show. Its tender, buttery texture makes it ideal for roasting.
Yellow Onions: Slowly caramelized to create a rich, sweet bed for the roast—adding French onion flavor.
Olive Oil & Butter: For searing the beef and caramelizing the onions to golden perfection.
Fresh Thyme: Aromatic and earthy, thyme enhances the savory notes in the dish.
Garlic: Adds bold, fragrant undertones.
Salt & Cracked Pepper: Essential for seasoning and creating that crust on the beef.
Prepared Horseradish & Sour Cream: These come together for the creamy horseradish sauce, delivering a tangy kick.
Heavy Cream: To smooth out the sauce and add richness.

How To Make the Roasted Beef Tenderloin with French Onions and Horseradish Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Tenderloin

Pat your beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and cracked pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes—this helps with even cooking.

Step 2: Sear to Lock in Flavor

In a large cast iron or ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high. Sear the tenderloin on all sides until it’s beautifully browned (about 3 minutes per side).

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

Remove the tenderloin briefly. In the same pan, add sliced onions, more butter, and thyme sprigs. Sauté over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft, golden, and aromatic.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Nestle the seared beef back on top of the onions. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 425°F. Roast until the internal temp hits 125°F for medium-rare (about 25-30 minutes). Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Make the Horseradish Cream Sauce

While the beef roasts, combine sour cream, prepared horseradish, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and chill until ready to serve.

How to Serve and Store Roasted Beef Tenderloin

Slice the tenderloin thickly and spoon the caramelized onions over the top. A generous dollop of horseradish sauce on the side seals the deal. If you have leftovers, wrap tightly and refrigerate. Reheat gently to preserve the tender texture.

What to Serve With Roasted Beef Tenderloin?

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

A buttery, cheesy comfort dish that complements the savory beef.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and sprinkled with golden Parmesan—a great contrast to the tenderloin.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Serve a small bowl before the main course for an elegant start.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

If you’re going for a buffet-style dinner, this creamy pasta is a comforting side option.

Crispy Fried Zucchini

Light and crunchy with a hint of salt—a fresh side to balance the richness.

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

Their earthy sweetness pairs beautifully with the bold beef flavor.

Creamy Cranberry Salad

Bright, cool, and creamy—a surprising hit that lightens the meal.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If this Roasted Beef Tenderloin got you in the mood to cook, try these SavorQueen favorites next:

Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken when you’re craving Southern-style comfort.
Easy Beef Stroganoff for a creamy, quick skillet meal.
The Best Turkey Meatloaf with a savory glaze your family will request again.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a weeknight-friendly steak fix.
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese when you want indulgence in every bite.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a dash of red wine in the onions or a Dijon swirl in the sauce? Let me know how it turned out in the comments!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Roasted Beef Tenderloin with French Onions and Horseradish Sauce

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Treat yourself and your guests to an unforgettable meal with this Roasted Beef Tenderloin with French Onions and Horseradish Sauce. Juicy, tender, and boldly flavored, this one-pan dish is the perfect centerpiece for holidays, special occasions, or even an elevated Sunday dinner. The beef tenderloin roasts atop a bed of buttery caramelized onions, while a cool horseradish cream sauce brings a tangy contrast. It’s an easy recipe with stunning results—ideal for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, holiday food ideas, or an impressive beef tenderloin roast for gatherings. With every bite, you’ll taste the love.

Instructions

1. Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F.

3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloin on all sides until browned, about 3 minutes per side.

4. Remove the beef and reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, sliced onions, thyme, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until onions are golden and caramelized (15–20 minutes).

5. Return the seared beef atop the onion mixture and transfer skillet to oven. Roast until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare (about 25–30 minutes).

6. Let the beef rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

7. While the beef roasts, whisk together sour cream, horseradish, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.

8. Serve sliced beef with caramelized onions and a generous spoonful of horseradish sauce.