By: Kim Peterson · Posted: · Updated: · This post may contain affiliate links.
Beef tenderloin is often heralded as the king of all cuts with its unrivaled tenderness and luxurious texture. As a pricey cut of meat, it’s usually reserved for the holiday season or other special occasions, and Christmas day will be here before we know it!
The culinary journey of savoring beef tenderloin is incomplete without the perfect accompaniments. The sides you choose play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall dining experience, transforming this elegant meal into a symphony of flavors and textures.
Here I pulled together 25 delicious side dishes for you to create the ultimate beef tenderloin dinner menu. From healthy vegetables and salads to irresistible potatoes and indulgent seafood mac and cheese to satisfying desserts for a sweet ending.
Jump to:
- Understanding the Cut
- How to Cook Beef Tenderloin
- How do I Know When the Beef is Done
- Cooking Tips
- What to Serve with Beef Tenderloin
- Vegetables to Serve with Beef Tenderloin
- Cider Glazed Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Green Beans and Broccoli
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Green Bean Casserole
- Potato Palooza!
- Au Gratin Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes
- Twice Baked Potatoes
- Homemade French Fries
- Roasted Red Potatoes
- French Onion Smashed Potatoes
- Gratin Dauphinois
- Comforting Sides for Beef Tenderloin
- Seafood Mac and Cheese
- Butternut Squash Risotto
- Yorkshire Pudding
- Easy Garlic Bread
- Sensational Salads
- Green Salad with Orange and Avocado
- Caesar Salad
- Watermelon Radish and Purple Daikon Salad
- Charred Broccolini Salad
- Classic Wedge Salad
- Must Make Sauces
- Horseradish Sauce
- Bearnaise Sauce
- Perfectly Sweet Endings
- Chocolate Fondue
- Mango Vanilla Panna Cotta
- Sides for Beef Tenderloin FAQs
- Related Posts
- 💬 Comments
Understanding the Cut
In the realm of beef, tenderloin reigns supreme for its impeccable lean-to-fat ratio. This absence of excess fat ensures a clean, pure meat flavor that tantalizes the taste buds!
Positioned in an area of the cattle that has minimal movement, the tenderloin boasts a luxurious texture. This prime placement contributes to the cut's high quality, resulting in a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
How to Cook Beef Tenderloin
Understanding we’re about to prepare the most tender cut of beef, and spent good money on it, there comes the pressure of not screwing it up. But because of its exceptional tenderness and subtle marbling, it is a canvas for culinary creativity we can embrace.
You’ll want to enhance the beef’s natural flavor first with either a savory marinade or an herb rub. To marinate, you can immerse the cut in a balsamic-based glaze with soy sauce and aromatics of your choice. This not only imparts layers of flavor but also ensures a juicy and tender result.
Alternatively, the use of fresh and dried herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary and oregano adds real depth of flavor as in this slow-roasted beef tenderloin recipe. I’ve found the low-and-slow method not only protects against overcooking, it ensures you'll have perfectly pink results from edge to edge every time.
And, if you’re in a grilling mood, you can always slice the tenderloin into filet mignon steaks, hit them with your favorite seasoning and grill to your desired doneness.
How do I Know When the Beef is Done
I encourage you to invest in a good instant-read meat thermometer so you know exactly when it’s done. These are internal temperature ranges depending on how you like your beef cooked:
- 125 – 130 degrees F for medium-rare
- 135 – 140 degrees for medium
- 145 - 150 degrees F for medium-well
- If you go over 150 degrees with a beef tenderloin, that’s an expensive oops.
Cooking Tips
Here are a few things to keep in mind when prepping and cooking beef tenderloin.
- This cut has a ‘rump’ end and a thinner end. Fold the thin end underneath to create uniform thickness as best you can and tie with kitchen twine every couple of inches to keep its shape.
- Let the beef come to room temperature before roasting so it cooks evenly.
- Be sure to let the meat rest 15 minutes under tented aluminum foil before slicing so the juices redistribute through the beef, and not end up all over the cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the beef easily then transfer to a large platter to serve.
What to Serve with Beef Tenderloin
Whether you’re planning Christmas dinner or another special occasion, these side dish recipes will fully enhance your beef tenderloin roast as the main course. May your menu creating juices flow!
Vegetables to Serve with Beef Tenderloin
Bright and colorful options that include a classic staple!😉
1
Cider Glazed Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash
Tender sweet potatoes and butternut squash coated in apple cider and maple syrup glaze infused with spices then topped with a fluffy meringue. A delicious fall side dish for beef tenderloin you'll enjoy right into winter!
2
Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Green Beans and Broccoli
This delicious medley of fresh vegetables roasted to caramelized perfection has something for everyone! An easy sheet pan recipe with a balsamic glaze that gives the colorful veggies extra flavor. A bright and healthy side dish to balance the richness of the beef.
3
Roasted Root Vegetables
An amazing array of caramelized root vegetables roasted in olive oil and coated in a balsamic vinegar-maple glaze. It’s healthy, vegan, gluten free and you can make it ahead. A simple side dish that’s elegant enough to serve for special occasions.
4
Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
If you love mushrooms, these overstuffed vegetarian portobellos are for you. They’re loaded with vegetables, garlic and herbs sauteed in cream and topped with feta cheese. Mushrooms and steak go so well together, and this craveable recipe will handily hold its own next to a luxurious beef tenderloin roast.
5
Green Bean Casserole
Photo Credit:sugarspunrun.com
A classic casserole we all grew up with, but this version skips the condensed soup. It’s made with fresh green beans and the creamy mushroom base is made from scratch. Then it’s topped with those crispy crunchy French fried onions we all love.
Potato Palooza!
Roasted, mashed, twice-baked, scalloped, fried and smashed. We have you covered.
6
Au Gratin Potatoes
Layered with parmesan and gruyere, these potatoes au gratin offer a crispy crust and a creamy interior, creating a textural contrast that complements the tender beef. Sliced leeks and fennel infuse added flavor to the scalloped potatoes that are baked until melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly golden brown on top.
7
Mashed Potatoes
Photo Credit:www.gimmesomeoven.com
A blend of starchy Russets and buttery Yukon golds result in the ultimate creamy mashed potatoes! And you can easily change up the flavors with everything from bacon, cheese and roasted garlic to Cajun, Old Bay and Italian seasonings. Go with whatever will complement your beef tenderloin best.
8
Twice Baked Potatoes
Photo Credit:www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com
One of our favorite comfort foods that will complement any cut of beef are these twice-baked potatoes. They’re filled with creamy, buttery mash and simply topped with bacon, cheese and green onions. Plus, you can make them ahead which is a game changer when entertaining or hosting a holiday meal.
9
Homemade French Fries
Photo Credit:www.fifteenspatulas.com
Steak and frites it is! Perfectly crisp yet tender French fries fit right in next to beef tenderloin and especially if you’re turning your leftover beef into the ultimate steak sandwich. You can always balance a fried meal with a light salad on the side.
10
Roasted Red Potatoes
Photo Credit:amindfullmom.com
Such a simple recipe of roasted red potatoes that packs a really satisfying punch. You can season them simply with kosher salt and black pepper or go with a variety of flavor profiles that will enhance your beef tenderloin.
11
French Onion Smashed Potatoes
Bite-size tender baby potatoes topped with jammy caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, fresh rosemary and thyme are a natural fit to complement roast beef tenderloin.
12
Gratin Dauphinois
Photo Credit:pinchandswirl.com
A deeply satisfying side dish of thinly sliced potatoes baked away in a thick, creamy sauce. Gratin dauphinois is a perfectly indulgent dish to go along side beef tenderloin and is worth the splurge for special occasions and the holiday.
Comforting Sides for Beef Tenderloin
This is where we get a happily indulgent.
13
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Just when you thought macaroni and cheese couldn’t get any better, add succulent lobster and shrimp with a creamy blend of fontina and cheddar cheese. It’s simply irresistible and if you add this to your tenderloin or filet mignon menu, you’ll have the ultimate surf n’ turf.
14
Butternut Squash Risotto
A fabulous combination of sweet butternut squash, crispy prosciutto, shallots, garlic, sage and thyme in a creamy risotto. Plus, it's gluten-free and can be made ahead, making it an excellent side dish for a dinner party or holidays.
15
Yorkshire Pudding
Photo Credit:preppykitchen.com
Five simple ingredients are all you need to make this traditional Yorkshire pudding recipe. Perfectly light and crisp outside and soft and dreamy inside. An easy side dish that goes well with everything and especially if there’s some sauce or gravy to soak up.
16
Easy Garlic Bread
Photo Credit:www.jocooks.com
When looking for bread to serve with beef tenderloin, you can’t go wrong with buttery, cheesy garlic bread! Slathered in seasoned garlic butter, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and baked until gooey and crisp. It will make sopping up those beefy juices with a sauce or gravy even better!
Sensational Salads
This is where we balance out the indulgences.😉
17
Green Salad with Orange and Avocado
This citrus themed baby green salad showcases a variety of oranges, avocado and goat cheese coated in an orange honey vinaigrette. The salad’s crunchy n’ creamy textures and sweet n’ tangy flavors offer a light balance to the heartiness of the beef.
18
Caesar Salad
Photo Credit:www.feastingathome.com
Nothing like the fresh, crisp crunch of chopped romaine in a classic Caesar salad with that notable creamy dressing. Add some sliced tenderloin to put your delicious salad over the top and remember those toasty croutons and parmesan cheese.
19
Watermelon Radish and Purple Daikon Salad
A bright and beautiful combination of heirloom radishes dressed in a citrus vinaigrette. Crumbled feta cheese, shallots, walnuts, pomegranate arils and fresh herbs add even more pops of flavor and crunch. This light and refreshing side dish is a great option to pair with the richness of beef tenderloin.
20
Charred Broccolini Salad
Another complementary side to beef tenderloin is this broccolini salad topped with cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes and burrata. Broccoli florets can certainly be substituted. It’s simply finished with parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice and olive oil.
21
Classic Wedge Salad
Photo Credit:themodernproper.com
You’d be hard pressed to find a fine steakhouse without a wedge salad on the menu and with good reason. This nostalgic wedge of iceberg lettuce, crispy bacon, and cherry tomatoes with creamy blue cheese dressing is always a welcome accompaniment to a steak dinner.
Must Make Sauces
22
Horseradish Sauce
A creamy, tangy complement to beef and a delicious spread for sandwiches if you have leftovers. It has a base of cream cheese, but you could use sour cream or creme fraiche as well. In addition to horseradish, there’s a bit of milk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and fresh herbs for added flavor. Such a divine sauce for beef.
23
Bearnaise Sauce
Photo Credit:www.platingsandpairings.com
A classic sauce that can go on just about anything but is especially delicious on steak. The smooth richness of bearnaise sauce and its velvety texture will accentuate the tender beef without being overpowering.
Perfectly Sweet Endings
24
Chocolate Fondue
Wrap up your tenderloin feast on a sweet note with a decadent dark chocolate fondue. The richness of the chocolate matches the luxuriousness of the beef, providing a satisfying and indulgent conclusion to the culinary journey.
25
Mango Vanilla Panna Cotta
Photo Credit:tatyanaseverydayfood.com
For a lighter option, go with a fruit-infused panna cotta. The refreshing and sweet flavors provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the beef, leaving a lingering sweetness on the palate and ensuring a memorable conclusion to your gastronomic adventure. Enjoy!
Sides for Beef Tenderloin FAQs
What wine pairs well with beef tenderloin?
This is an incredibly tender and lean cut, giving it a delicate flavor compared to a juicy, hearty ribeye. Dry, red wine like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Syrah are great choices. Also, a smoky Pinot Noir or even a rich, buttery Chardonnay will pair nicely with the beef.
What to serve with filet mignon in the summer?
While this recipe roundup has year-round dishes, it leans a bit more toward cozy sides. But if you’ve sliced your beef tenderloin into nice filets for the grill, consider adding these to your bbq menu: charred asparagus, blistered tomato and grape galette, and grilled potato salad.
How much beef tenderloin do I need per person?
On average, plan on serving six ounces of beef per person. Depending on the number of side dishes you serve and their heartiness, you may get away with a little less than six ounces or need closer to eight ounces per person if there are few sides that are rather light.
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