What Sauce Goes with Beef Tenderloin? (11 Best Sauces)

If you’re looking for what sauce to serve with beef tenderloin, you’re in luck!

I’ve rounded up 11 of the best sauces to serve with this delicious cut of meat.

Whether you are looking for a classic red wine sauce, a creamy horseradish sauce, or something a little more unique, there is sure to be a sauce on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these sauces a try the next time you make beef tenderloin!

What Sauce Goes with Beef Tenderloin?

The best sauces for beef tenderloin are classic, simple sauces that do not overpower the delicate flavor of the meat. Try a simple pan sauce made with beef broth, red wine, and shallots. Another great option is a horseradish cream sauce made with beef broth, heavy cream, and prepared horseradish.

Looking for more ideas?

Well, then keep reading!

Here are 11 sauces you can serve with beef tenderloin:

1. Easy Red Wine Jus

A rich sauce that pairs well with most meats, this jus is made with only a few ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

I like to serve it with beef tenderloin, but it would also be good with pork chops or chicken.

The key to making a good jus is to cook the wine down until it’s reduced by half, which concentrates the flavors and gives the sauce a nice thickness.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have time to reduce the wine, you can add a little beef broth or water to thin it out.

2. Horseradish Cream Sauce

How about a little horseradish cream sauce with that beef tenderloin?

I love the way the sharp, tangy flavor of horseradish pairs with the rich, juicy beef.

It’s a classic flavor combination that never gets old.

Plus, it’s so easy to make!

Just mix together some sour cream, mayo, prepared horseradish, and a little salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: If you want a little more zing in your sauce, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.

3. Mushroom Sauce

I’ve loved mushroom sauce ever since I was a kid and my mom would make it to top our beef tenderloins.

The rich, earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs so well with the juicy, tender beef.

And now that I’m an adult and can appreciate a good wine, I love that mushroom sauce also goes great with a glass of red wine.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use canned mushrooms or even just mushroom broth to make a quick and easy mushroom sauce.

4. Béarnaise Sauce

Butter wine and eggs are the base of this sauce and they give it a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for coating a piece of meat.

The acidity from the vinegar helps to cut through the fat in the sauce and it also pairs well with the beef.

I like to use fresh tarragon in my Béarnaise Sauce because it has a slightly anise flavor that goes well with the other ingredients.

Pro Tip: If you find that your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by whisking in a little bit of water or beef broth.

5. Au Poivre Peppercorn Sauce

Don’t worry, I’m not going to get all technical on you.

In short, the reason I like to serve Au Poivre Peppercorn Sauce with beef tenderloin is because it’s a classic flavor pairing that just works.

The sauce itself is made with green peppercorns, Cognac, and cream, and it’s the perfect finishing touch for a perfectly cooked piece of beef.

The rich creaminess of the sauce complements the beefy flavor of the meat, and the green peppercorns add a nice pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of green peppercorns, you can substitute black peppercorns in this recipe.

6. Chimichurri Sauce

Why not add some beautiful color to your plate with a simple chimichurri sauce?

This Argentinean classic is traditionally made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes and it’s the perfect accompaniment to beef tenderloin.

The acidity in the vinegar helps to cut through the richness of the meat while the herbs add a bright freshness.

Plus, it’s so quick and easy to make!

Pro Tip: If you want a little more depth of flavor, try adding some chopped shallots or green onions to your chimichurri sauce.

7. Gorgonzola Sauce

Don’t be scared of the strong flavor of Gorgonzola sauce, it’s actually a perfect pairing for beef tenderloin.

The rich creaminess of the sauce helps to cut through the richness of the meat, and the sharpness of the cheese pairs well with the beefy flavor.

I like to serve it with a simple side of roasted vegetables, or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

Pro Tip: If you’re worried about the sauce being too strong, start by adding just a small amount and then build up from there. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s added.

8. Cheese Sauce

As a cheese lover, I can’t help but love cheese sauce.

It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

When served with beef tenderloin, it takes the dish to a whole new level.

The tenderloin is already a delicious and elegant cut of meat, but when paired with cheese sauce, it becomes truly special.

The sauce enhances the flavor of the beef and makes it even more tender and juicy.

Plus, it’s just so darn good!

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an extra-special touch, try serving your cheese sauce with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley on top.

9. Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce

This spicy barbecue sauce is made with fresh cherries and Bourbon whiskey, and it’s the perfect finishing touch for grilled beef tenderloin.

The sweetness of the cherries pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavor of the beef, and the Bourbon adds a deep, smoky note that takes this dish to the next level.

Plus, it looks beautiful when served!

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use frozen cherries in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the sauce.

10. Red Pepper Jelly

This one is one of my favorite holiday party appetizers!

I like to serve red pepper jelly with beef tenderloin because it is a festive and elegant way to start a meal.

The rich flavor of the beef pairs well with the sweetness of the jelly, and the colorful presentation is sure to impress your guests.

Pro Tip: If you are short on time, you can use store-bought red pepper jelly.

11. Cranberry Sauce

This sauce needs no introduction—its popularity is well earned.

The sweet-tart flavor of cranberries pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavor of beef tenderloin.

And while cranberry sauce is traditionally served with turkey, I think it’s even better with beef.

The acidity in the sauce helps to cut through the fat in the meat, and the sweetness complements the umami flavors in the beef.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought cranberry sauce. But if you have a little bit of extra time, I highly recommend making your own. It’s really not that difficult, and it tastes so much better than anything you can buy at the store.

Conclusion

So, what sauce goes well with beef tenderloin?

Some common sauces that go with beef tenderloin are béarnaise, horseradish cream, peppercorn, and red wine sauces. When choosing a sauce, consider the type of beef tenderloin you are serving as well as the other ingredients in your dish. For example, a peppercorn sauce goes well with a grilled or roasted beef tenderloin, while a béarnaise sauce pairs nicely with a pan-seared beef tenderloin.