Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Dijon and Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef tenderloin seared to a perfect crust and finished with a rich Dijon-thyme butter sauce, ideal for a low-carb dinner. This american-inspired beef (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs Beef tenderloin, Olive oil, Butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Sear the beef for 3 minutes per side until deeply browned, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-7 minutes more for medium-rare, or until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove beef from skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: While resting, melt 3 tbsp butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp minced fresh thyme.
  6. Step 6: Slice the rested beef and drizzle with the garlic-thyme butter sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Dijon and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Dijon and Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Dijon and Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Dijon and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Dijon and Thyme low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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