What Was Best: Herb-Infused Roast Beef
Slow-roasted beef tenderloin with fresh rosemary and thyme, making it the best choice for special occasions. This french-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes pairs (900g) beef tenderloin, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef tenderloin
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat 2 lbs beef tenderloin dry with paper towels, then rub 3 tbsp olive oil evenly over the surface.
- Step 2: Mix 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture over the entire beef tenderloin, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: Place beef on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare (135°F/57°C internal temperature), then tent with foil and rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does What Was Best: Herb-Infused Roast Beef take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 What Was Best: Herb-Infused Roast Beef?
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 (900g) beef tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in What Was Best: Herb-Infused Roast Beef?
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 What Was Best: Herb-Infused Roast Beef for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
What goes well with What Was Best: Herb-Infused Roast Beef?
French beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
