There’s something utterly special about a tender, juicy roast beef that just melts in your mouth, especially when paired with a tangy kick of horseradish. This Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe has become my go-to for celebrations and cozy family dinners because it hits all those savory, aromatic, and creamy notes just right.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds three slices of medium-rare roast beef, each slice showing a pink center with a browned crust around the edges. Two dollops of creamy white sauce with black pepper specks are placed on top of the beef slices. On the right side of the plate, there is a half head of roasted garlic with a golden brown top. Fresh green rosemary sprigs sit near the garlic, adding a touch of color. In the background, a whole garlic bulb and additional rosemary sprigs are softly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to tell you, making this Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe feels like a mini celebration every time. The blend of dried herbs combined with fresh ones creates such a lovely crust on the beef, while the horseradish sauce adds just the right zing to brighten every bite.

Perfect Herb Blend: The combination of oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder season the tenderloin beautifully, giving it aromatic depth.
Simple Yet Elegant Cooking: Searing the beef before roasting locks in juices and gives a golden crust that almost feels indulgent without extra fuss.
Flavorful Horseradish Sauce: The creamy sauce with sour cream, mayo, and horseradish balances out the savory richness perfectly.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a weekend treat, this roast beef recipe always impresses.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe plays a role in making the final dish taste like it took hours of fancy cooking—without the stress. Let’s break down why each component is essential.

Flat lay of a whole raw beef tenderloin with a smooth, deep red color and slight marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano with fine green leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of dried thyme showing tiny, pale green flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of dried rosemary with needle-like pieces, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder with fine off-white powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt with white crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper showing dark, uneven granules, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil with a glossy surface, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy pale yellow butter, two fresh rosemary sprigs with vibrant green needles, four fresh thyme sprigs with delicate small green leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of thick white sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth pale beige mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated horseradish with a moist, fibrous texture, and two whole uncracked brown eggs with smooth clean shells, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef Tenderloin: The star of the show — tender, lean, and perfect for roasting evenly.
Dried Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary: These earthy herbs give layers of flavor that stick to the meat and intensify as it cooks.
Garlic Powder: Adds that subtle punch of garlic without burning, which can happen with fresh garlic.
Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasoning fundamentals to enhance all those flavors.
Olive Oil: Helps with searing and creates the initial crisp, golden crust on the tenderloin.
Butter: Adds richness and helps baste the beef while roasting alongside fresh herbs.
Fresh Rosemary and Thyme Sprigs: Infuse fresh, fragrant notes during roasting—don’t skip these!
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: This creamy base makes the horseradish sauce smooth and tangy.
Horseradish: The zesty star of the sauce that gives a spicy kick to each bite.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak the herb mix or amp up the horseradish sauce’s spice depending on your mood or occasion.

Variation: I sometimes swap a part of the dried herbs with fresh chopped parsley or tarragon for a fresher finish — it gives a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free horseradish sauce, try using coconut yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo — it keeps the creaminess with no compromise.
Spice Level: If you like it hot, don’t be shy adding an extra spoonful of horseradish or even a dash of hot sauce into the mix.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe

The image shows a thick piece of raw meat tied with string in an oval shape, placed in a white cast iron pan with a black interior. The meat is covered with a mix of light green and white dried herbs and spices scattered evenly on top. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with part of a white bowl holding a light-colored sauce visible near the bottom right corner. The overall scene is brightly lit, focusing on the texture of the meat and the details of the seasoning. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Tenderloin

First things first, preheat your oven to 325˚F. Then mix those dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Take your whole beef tenderloin and rub this herbal mixture all over until it’s well coated. This step locks in flavor and forms a delicious crust later on.

Step 2: Sear Like a Pro

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet on high heat and pour in the olive oil once it’s shimmering. Place the tenderloin in the hot skillet and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes — you want that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning; patience here makes all the difference.

Step 3: Butter Baste and Roast

After searing, add butter, fresh rosemary, and thyme sprigs to the skillet. Once the butter melts, spoon it over the tenderloin to infuse more flavor and keep the meat moist. Pop the whole skillet in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until an internal thermometer reads 135˚F to 140˚F for medium-rare.

Step 4: Rest and Make Sauce

Once the oven timer goes off, take the tenderloin out and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and horseradish in a bowl. Taste and adjust the horseradish amount so it suits your spice preference perfectly.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested tenderloin into thick or thin pieces—your call. Serve it alongside the horseradish sauce and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate.

Top Tip

When I first tackled this Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe, I learned that resting the meat is absolutely non-negotiable. It can be tempting to cut in right away, but the resting step lets the juices redistribute, making every slice juicy and tender.

Don’t Skip the Sear: High heat searing seals in the juices and creates that irresistible golden crust.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Rely on temperature, not time, so you hit that perfect medium-rare every time.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding fresh rosemary and thyme to the skillet during roasting makes a noticeable flavor difference.
Adjust Horseradish to Taste: Start with less—you can always add more to avoid overpowering the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the sliced tenderloin—it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A few lemon wedges on the side also help brighten things up with a squeeze of citrus right before eating.

Side Dishes

For sides, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic cauliflower mash pair beautifully, soaking up the horseradish sauce. I’ve also enjoyed it with simple roasted carrots and green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic; easy, fresh, and perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the slices fan-style on a large platter, garnished with rosemary sprigs and little bowls of extra horseradish sauce for guests to serve themselves. It’s elegant, inviting, and gets a lot of compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always slice what I need for the meal and wrap the rest tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate. This way, the meat stays moist and flavorful. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If I have more than I can eat in a few days, I freeze sliced beef in air-tight freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. It can last up to 2 months and still taste great after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm slices in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it juicy. Microwave works in a pinch, but low and slow in a pan or oven yields the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

While a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect doneness, you can also check for firmness — medium-rare feels like pressing your thumb to the middle of your palm. But I really recommend investing in a thermometer for foolproof results with this Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in the rub?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs will add vibrant flavor but use about three times the amount compared to dried herbs because they’re less concentrated. I usually combine both fresh and dried to get the best of both worlds for this recipe.

How spicy is the horseradish sauce?

The heat of horseradish can vary based on brand and freshness. I suggest starting with a small amount and tasting—then add more if you want more punch. The sauce is creamy, so it tames the sharpness nicely but still offers a wonderful zing.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Yes! You can roast the tenderloin a few hours in advance and keep it loosely covered at room temperature for up to an hour, or refrigerate and gently rewarm before serving. Just prepare the horseradish sauce right before to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Herbed Roast Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s the kind of dish you make when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something memorable but not overly complicated. Trust me, once you master this, it’ll become your favorite for those extra-special dinners. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every flavorful, tender bite.