Holiday French Chateaubriand

Name: Holiday French Chateaubriand
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tenderloin; 2 tsp coarse salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup red wine; 1 cup low-sodium beef broth; 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Published: December 3, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Holiday French Chateaubriand

This incredible Holiday French Chateaubriand transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Holiday French Chateaubriand:

Beef Tenderloin: Aim for a good quality piece, around 2 pounds is ideal for serving 4-6 people.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the meat; use coarse salt for better crust formation.
Olive Oil: For searing the beef and adding richness; extra virgin gives a lovely flavor.
Fresh Thyme: Adds aromatic notes; fresh is always better than dried in this case.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings depth of flavor; use fresh cloves for maximum impact.
Red Wine: A splash enhances the sauce beautifully; choose something you’d enjoy drinking too!

For the Sauce:

Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness in your sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and gloss to your sauce; unsalted is best so you can adjust seasoning.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Holiday French Chateaubriand:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, grab a large oven-safe skillet and place it on medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sear That Beef

Season your beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Add olive oil to the hot skillet and sear the beef on all sides until golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Once seared, remove from heat briefly. Sprinkle minced garlic and fresh thyme over the top of your beef. Return it to the stovetop for another minute so those aromas get cozy.

Step 4: Pour in Some Wine

Carefully pour in red wine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of that skillet. This is where magic happens as flavors combine! Let it simmer for about two minutes.

Step 5: Create Your Sauce

Add beef broth to the pan along with a pat of butter. Stir well and season with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes or until desired doneness (medium rare is recommended!). Use a meat thermometer if you’re feeling fancy—aim for around 130°F (54°C).

Finally: Serve Up Those Slices

Once out of the oven, allow your Holiday French Chateaubriand to rest for about ten minutes before slicing it up like a pro! Transfer slices onto plates and drizzle with that luscious sauce you’ve created—trust me, they won’t be able to resist!

So there you have it! With each bite of this Holiday French Chateaubriand, you’re not just tasting food; you’re savoring memories while creating new ones around your table! Enjoy every succulent morsel as laughter fills the room—because let’s face it, food tastes better when shared!

You Must Know About Holiday French Chateaubriand

This showstopping Holiday French Chateaubriand delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Holiday French Chateaubriand, start by searing the beef in a hot skillet to lock in those delicious juices. While it rests, prepare your sides and sauces to ensure everything is ready to serve together.

Flavor Your Way

Get creative with your Holiday French Chateaubriand! Swap out herbs or use different types of mustard to suit your taste. You can also add garlic or shallots for a flavor boost or experiment with a red wine reduction for an extra punch.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers of your Holiday French Chateaubriand in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature to keep it juicy and tender without drying it out.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Holiday French Chateaubriand

This professional-quality Holiday French Chateaubriand relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

The first time I made Holiday French Chateaubriand, my friends couldn’t stop talking about it! They insisted I should open a restaurant just so they could eat this dish every weekend.

FAQs

What is Holiday French Chateaubriand?

Holiday French Chateaubriand is a classic dish that features a thick cut of beef tenderloin, typically served as the centerpiece of a festive meal. This method of preparation involves seasoning the meat with herbs and garlic, then roasting it to perfection. Often accompanied by rich sauces and seasonal sides, Holiday French Chateaubriand embodies elegance and flavor, making it a popular choice for holiday celebrations. It is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

How do you prepare Holiday French Chateaubriand?

To prepare Holiday French Chateaubriand, start with a high-quality beef tenderloin. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Sear the meat in a hot skillet to develop a crust, then transfer it to the oven to roast until it reaches the desired doneness. The key is to let it rest before slicing, which allows the juices to redistribute and results in tender slices. Pairing this dish with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes enhances its festive appeal.

What sides pair well with Holiday French Chateaubriand?

When serving Holiday French Chateaubriand, consider pairing it with elegant side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Classic choices include garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or creamy gratin. For a fresh touch, add a seasonal salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette. You can also serve sauces such as Béarnaise or red wine reduction on the side to elevate the meal further. These accompaniments create a well-rounded dining experience that will impress your guests.

Can I make Holiday French Chateaubriand ahead of time?

While Holiday French Chateaubriand is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. You can season the beef and let it marinate overnight for enhanced flavor. Additionally, you can prepare sauces and side dishes in advance; just reheat them before serving. However, it’s advisable to cook the beef just before your meal for optimal tenderness and flavor. This strategy helps you manage your time effectively while still delivering an impressive dish.

Conclusion

In summary, preparing Holiday French Chateaubriand offers a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions with loved ones. Its succulent beef tenderloin paired with flavorful sides creates an unforgettable dining experience. By following simple preparation steps and choosing complementary dishes, you can impress your guests effortlessly. Remember that while timing is essential for cooking meat perfectly, planning ahead makes everything easier on the day of your celebration. Enjoy making this delightful centerpiece for your next holiday gathering!

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