Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Garlic-Thyme Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent beef tenderloin seared to a perfect crust and finished with a savory garlic-thyme butter sauce, ideal for a keto dinner. This american-inspired beef (high protein, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs Beef tenderloin, Olive oil, Butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving is portion-balanced 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Sear the beef on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F and roast for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, or until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove the beef from the skillet and let rest for 10 minutes, tented loosely with foil.
  5. Step 5: Melt 3 tbsp butter in the same skillet over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp fresh thyme, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Step 6: Slice the rested beef into 1/2-inch thick pieces and serve immediately with the garlic-thyme butter spooned over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Garlic-Thyme Butter take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Garlic-Thyme Butter?

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 Garlic-Thyme Butter?

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 Garlic-Thyme Butter 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 Garlic-Thyme Butter high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, 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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