• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

In the Kitch

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Patriotic Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Guides
  • Tutorials
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Patriotic Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Guides
    • Tutorials
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    In the Kitch » Recipes » Main Course

    Updated: Nov 13, 2024 · Published: Nov 14, 2018 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Beef Tenderloin (With Bourbon Sauce)

    Jump to Recipe
    Beef tenderloin covered in bourbon sauce with text overlay that says 'Holiday Beef Tenderloin'.
    Beef tenderloin covered in mushroom sauce.

    Nothing says Christmas like a special meal for the family. This holiday beef tenderloin recipe with a bourbon mushroom sauce is a great choice for the holiday season. You get a wide range of tastes that are sure to please a palette of any background.

    Beef tenderloin covered in mushroom sauce in serving dish.

    If you are looking for the perfect holiday meal and need a change-up from the classic roast turkey or bison roast, give this recipe a try. It's hearty and flavorful, similar to other beef dishes like my electric skillet beef stew but with elevated flavors and presentation.

    It pairs perfectly with this Christmas dinner salad and roasted vegetable side dish for Christmas.

    This Christmas beef dish is sure to leave everyone filled with the holiday spirit and a full stomach! In a matter of only 45 minutes, you and your guests can enjoy the ultimate Christmas meal.

    Jump to:
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to Cook This Christmas Beef Tenderloin
    • ♨️ Cooking Temperatures
    • 🌡️ Leftover Storage
    • ✔️ Tips For Success
    • What to Serve With Beef Tenderloin
    • ❄️ More Holiday Recipes to Consider
    • 📋Recipe

    🥘 Ingredients

    • beef tenderloin - This is a cut of beef that comes from the loin of the cow. Because of its tenderness, it is often used for special occasions and fine dining.
    • olive oil - For searing. Use pure olive oil, not extra virgin.
    • button mushrooms - You could also do a mix of button and cremini if desired.
    • bourbon - Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is primarily made from corn. It pairs well with beef because of its rich, sweet and bold flavors.
    • beef stock - I use prepared beef stock or broth.
    • cornstarch - To thicken the sauce.

    *Check recipe card for full ingredients and amounts.

    🔪 How to Cook This Christmas Beef Tenderloin

    1. Place the tenderloin in a bowl and cover with the garlic, two tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper.
    2. Bring a large pan to high heat and place the beef in it. Let it sear on every side (about 3 minutes on each side). Lower the heat and continue cooking until desired doneness using a meat thermometer. Remove from pan and let rest while making the sauce.
    3. Using the same pan over medium heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil and then add the mushrooms. Sprinkle with salt and let them cook for 5 minutes.
    4. Add the bourbon and let it cook for 5 more minutes. Add the beef stock.
    5. Mix the cornstarch with a bit of cool water until it dissolves. Add this to the mushroom sauce and cook for a couple more minutes, until it thickens. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed.
    6. Serve the tenderloin covered with the bourbon mushroom sauce.
    Beef tenderloin covered in mushroom sauce on plate.

    ♨️ Cooking Temperatures

    • Medium Rare (130°-140°F)
    • Medium (140°-150°F)
    • Medium Well (150°-160°F)

    🌡️ Leftover Storage

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

    ✔️ Tips For Success

    • Trimmed or Untrimmed: Tenderloin can be purchased trimmed or untrimmed. If you're not comfortable trimming it yourself, consider buying it pre-trimmed.
    • Season Generously: Season the tenderloin generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. For best results, do this a few hours before cooking and let the meat sit in the refrigerator. This will help the seasoning absorb into the meat.
    • Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the tenderloin come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout the roast.
    • Slice Properly: Slice the tenderloin against the grain into even portions. This will help retain its tenderness!

    What to Serve With Beef Tenderloin

    • Sides: Try asparagus risotto, a vegetable galette or caprese pasta salad.
    • Drinks: If you're looking for holiday drinks, try this cranberry Moscow mule or Christmas party punch. As for wine, some of the best wines that go with tenderloin are Bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec.
    • Dessert: Finish this delicious holiday meal off with a range of festive desserts such as Christmas cake pops, Christmas cake and butter tarts.
    Mushroom sauce drizzling onto beef tenderloin.

    ❄️ More Holiday Recipes to Consider

    • Cranberry white chocolate cake pops sprinkled with cinnamon in decorative jar.
      Cranberry White Chocolate Cake Pops
    • Cinnamon orange glögg in wine glass.
      Swedish Glögg
    • Brandy Alexander cocktail in a martini glass with blue stem.
      Brandy Alexander Cocktail
    • Goat cheese shots with mini breadsticks and Christmas lights on the side.
      Cranberry Goat Cheese Mini Dips (Christmas Appetizer)

    Do you think I added enough Bourbon? If you tried this Christmas Beef Tenderloin with Bourbon Mushroom Sauce Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Beef tenderloin covered in mushroom sauce

    Beef Tenderloin (with Bourbon Sauce)

    Joss Dyckson
    If you are looking for the perfect Christmas meal and have not quite figured out what to make, give this holiday beef tenderloin with a bourbon mushroom sauce recipe a try.
    5 from 2 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 460 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 beef tenderloin - around 3 pounds
    • 3 garlic cloves - minced
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil - divided
    • 3 cups button mushrooms - cleaned and sliced
    • ½ cup bourbon
    • ½ cup beef stock
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • salt and pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Place the beef tenderloin in a bowl and cover with the garlic, two tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper.
    • Bring a large pan to high heat and place the beef tenderloin in it. Let it sear on every side (about 3 minutes on each side). Lower the heat and continue cooking until desired doneness using a meat thermometer. Remove from pan and let rest while making the sauce.
    • Using the same pan over medium heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil and then add the mushrooms. Sprinkle with salt and let them cook for 5 minutes.
    • Add the bourbon and let it cook for 5 more minutes. Add the beef stock.
    • Mix the cornstarch with a bit of cool water until it dissolves. Add this to the mushroom sauce and cook for a couple more minutes, until it thickens. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed.
    • Serve the beef tenderloin covered with the bourbon mushroom sauce.

    Equipment

    • Thermometer

    Notes

    • Cooking Temperatures:
      • Medium Rare (130°-140°F)
      • Medium (140°-150°F)
      • Medium Well (150°-160°F)
    • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
    • Trimmed or Untrimmed: Beef tenderloin can be purchased trimmed or untrimmed. If you're not comfortable trimming it yourself, consider buying it pre-trimmed.
    • Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the beef tenderloin come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout the roast.
    • Slice Properly: Slice the tenderloin against the grain into even portions. This will help retain its tenderness!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 52gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 167mgPotassium: 999mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 0.1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 4mg

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

    Want to see our recipes in action?Subscribe to our channel on Youtube!

    More Simple & Amazing Main Course Recipes

    • Greek lemon chicken thighs and baby potatoes on plate.
      Easy Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs
    • Mexican shredded chicken with salsa verde in dark bowl with spoon over rice.
      Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
    • Lamb chops on plate.
      Electric Skillet Lamb Chops
    • Chickpea and salmon salad in bowl with lemon slices.
      Easy Chickpea Salmon Salad
    108 shares
    • Share46
    • Tweet
    • Email
    • Bluesky
    • Reddit

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Joss D author image.

    Hi, I'm Joss!

    I am the creator and editor of In the Kitch. I am inviting you on this food journey with me to learn, grow and bring out that inner chef in you. I hope to inspire you to get creative in your own kitchen!

    More about me →

    Patriotic Recipes

    • 4th of July themed charcuterie board on red plate with red, white and blue stars.
      4th of July Charcuterie Board
    • 4th of July pulled pork sliders on parchment lined serving tray.
      4th of July Pulled Pork Sliders
    • Blueberry mojito mocktail with fresh mint in cocktail glass.
      Blueberry Mojito Mocktail
    • Canada Day raspberry cheesecake in jars with red and white spoons.
      Raspberry Cheesecake in a Jar (Canada Day Dessert)
    • Bison burger with toothpick on cutting board.
      Bison Burgers
    • Strawberry crumble in tart dish with vanilla ice cream and spoon.
      Easy Strawberry Crumble

    Popular

    • Strawberry slushy margarita with mint leaves.
      How to Make a Slushy Margarita
    • Cake pop frosting in bowl with spatula.
      Cake Pop Frosting & Coating
    • Sliced candied limes on wooden counter.
      How to Candy Limes
    • Hamburger scrambled eggs in cast iron pan.
      Hamburger Scrambled Eggs
    • Electric skillet fried chicken in a dish.
      Electric Skillet Fried Chicken
    • Electric skillet pot roast with vegetables on serving tray.
      Electric Skillet Pot Roast

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    In the Kitch

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Statement

    About

    • About
    • The Team

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 In the Kitch

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.