What to Serve with Beef Tenderloin: 35+ Easy side Dishes
I remember when I first threw a dinner party and was unsure about what to serve with beef tenderloin.
So, I’ve done a lot of experimenting and found so many easy side dish recipes that go well with beef. Now I want to please your taste buds!
Today I’d like to show you a couple of personal favorites and some secrets I have learned. It’s got a shine to each dish and your table will feel so welcoming.
So, let’s get into the best side dishes you can pair with a beef tenderloin dinner menu!
What is Beef Tenderloin?
The beef tenderloin is the most tender cut of meat you can get. It’s like the fancy cousin of normal steak – it’s super soft and smooth without hardly any fat. That’s why it’s so good for special dinners — it will really impress your guests.
What to Serve with Beef Tenderloin?
If you are serving beef tenderloin, try potatoes, roasted vegetables, salads, pasta, or bread for variety. It’s not just about meat alone. It’s about picking out tasty side dishes to round out your meal.
Potato Side Dishes
Sometimes, I feel potatoes made with brown butter or thyme are irresistible. You’ll want these hearty sides if you’re aiming for that ultimate beef tenderloin dinner. Each style brings its own comfort!
Creamy and Layered Potatoes
Yes, potatoes bring joy with every forkful of thinly sliced or smashed layering like an extremely soft filling for your body. But brown butter, sour cream, or cheddar cheese might make your heart skip.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Leaning over a steaming bowl of fluffiness that tastes like home is one of my best memories. Butter swirl, garlic hint, and comfort dash.
- Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce baked up warm and shiny at any dinner party. The texture of each forkful cuddles up with every mouthful of steak.
- Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise): It feels special to have tender rounds hidden under a cheesy blanket. It’s that browned top that gives you a crunchy edge, and sprinkles of thyme to give you a light herbal note that lifts your spirits.
- Sweet Potato Puree: A little maple syrup-sweetened silky orange goodness can bring smiles. A pat of butter finishes it, but a pinch of salt prevents it from being too sugary.
- Twice Baked Potato: It’s a celebration, and you roast first, mix the insides with cheddar cheese, sour cream and crispy bacon pieces. The second bake makes it develop a golden cap that you can’t resist.
Crispy and Chunky Potatoes
Eaten fried or roasted, these are crunchy morsels, everyone’s invited. With every savory mouthful, the starchy goodness is released by a coating of garlic or a splash of olive oil.
- French Fries: Simple sticks of starchy heaven that soak up just enough beef juice on the plate. A drizzle of brown gravy or a sprinkle of cheese elevates the experience.
- Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Herbs, garlic and grated cheese go into the mix to coat cubed spuds. When they’re done, there’s a nutty smell in the air, and that crunchy outside is so good with juicy beef.
- Potato Salad: Creamy dressing wraps around boiled chunks, sometimes with crunchy celery or crispy bacon. It’s a cool companion that balances the rich flavors of a beef tenderloin roast.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Baked until caramelized, these bring a natural sweetness that contrasts savory steak. Sometimes I toss them with maple and walnuts for a special twist.
Vegetable Side Dishes
When you want freshness on the table, nothing beats vegetables to go with beef tenderloin. They’re colorful, nutritious, and work to lighten up heavier cuts like filet mignon. Perfect for any dinner party!
Light and Fresh Vegetable Sides
These always feel like a breath of fresh air on my plate.
- Glazed Carrots: Tender bites you can sauté them if they’re blanched or roast them with a dash of maple syrup. They’re sweet, bright, and kid-friendly.
- Roasted Broccolini: Stalks become crispy at the tips and maintain a slight bite. A sprinkle of sea salt and fresh lemon juice can wake up each piece.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These become crunchy outside and soft inside with a quick roast. Toss them in brown butter for a seriously addictive side dish.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy flavors shine when cooked in a little beef broth or red wine. Pair them with juicy slices of tenderloin to complete that restaurant vibe.
- Green Beans Almondine: Crisp beans get an upgrade with toasted almonds, melted butter, and a gentle pinch of salt. It’s a bright contrast to a rich main dish.
- Lemon Roasted Asparagus: Fresh spears roast quickly, keeping a light snap. A lemony drizzle and a shake of pepper bring out a springtime flavor in every bite.
Rich and Creamy Vegetable Sides
Butter and cheese can be used to blanket veggies, which feels indulgent on festive nights. That spoonful next to your main turns the meal into a comforting memory.
- Creamed Spinach: The creamy blend soaks into soft leaves that swirl across your tongue. But it’s rich enough to make beef tenderloin shine when you need to satisfy that decadent craving.
- Green Bean Casserole: Classic form of fresh green beans hugging a creamy sauce, often topped with crunchy fried onions. It’s a must for big gatherings like Christmas dinner.
- Blooming Onion: Crisp petals that pull apart with a zesty dipping sauce. A fun appetizer or side when you want something playful.
- Broccoli Gratin: Thick cheese sauce coats each floret in this cozy dish. It’s easy to add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for extra richness.
- Butternut Squash: Soft, sweet cubes that I like to roast with thyme or drizzle with maple. They bring a comforting autumn twist to any beef tenderloin sides spread.
Easy Salads
Leafy bowls or bright veggie mixes help balance the heavier dishes. I often serve them in big bowls so guests can grab as much as they like.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine hearts under a tangy dressing with a sprinkle of parmesan shreds. Croutons bring a pleasant crunch that contrasts well with steak dinners.
- Apple Fennel Salad: Refreshing slices of fruit and bulb, plus a light vinaigrette. It’s perfect when you’re making a roast beef or tender filet for a day ahead-of-time gathering.
- Simple Tossed Green Salad: Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers—whatever’s fresh. A basic vinaigrette keeps it light and bright with your tender cut of beef.
- Caprese Salad: Juicy tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and watch the colors pop next to a sliced tenderloin centerpiece.
- Kale Salad: Sturdy leaves benefit from a quick massage with dressing. A bit of goat cheese or walnuts adds a little crunch plus a smooth tang.
- Pomegranate Arugula Salad: Peppery leaves with bursts of sweet pomegranate seeds. A splash of olive oil and lemon juice pairs nicely with big flavors like a beef tenderloin dinner menu.
Grain and Pasta
You’ll want hearty grains or noodles when you desire extra filling options. I like how they soak up sauces or juices from the meat.
- Classic Risotto: Creamy rice simmered with broth, white wine, and maybe a bit of cheese. Stirring gently makes everything velvety and complements a savory steak or prime beef tenderloin recipe.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty grains with vegetables like roasted red peppers and sautéed onions. It feels light yet filling, and it’s a quick fix on busy days.
- Classic Pasta Salad: This is my favorite choice for a summer picnic! Cheese or zesty, this chilled toss is flexible. It refreshes your palate in between bites of a beef tenderloin roast.
- Baked Mac and Cheese: A sea of cheesy noodles is covered in Gold crust. It’s gooey and comforting every scoop. If you like side dishes with both creamy and crispy textures, it’s a welcome addition.
- White or Brown Rice: Plain grains absorb the juice from your filet mignon or roast beef. Dress it up or keep it simple—it’s a versatile companion.
Bread and Rolls
There’s something comforting about tearing into warm bread while waiting for the main dish. It fills the kitchen with a cozy aroma too.
- Garlic Bread: An easy side dish that gets toasted with butter, garlic, and maybe a sprinkle of parsley. They don’t steal the spotlight from your meaty main, but add extra flavor.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft pillows of dough that practically beg for a pat of savory butter. I love serving them fresh from the oven so your guests can tear into them.
- Homemade French Bread: Crisp outside and fluffy middle. Perfect for dipping in any sauces that come from the skillet or pan drippings.
- Toasted Baguette (Crostini): Crisp rounds that are so versatile for bruschetta or simple butter. For a mini sandwich, pile sliced tenderloin on top, and you’ll meet a unique appetizer.
- Naan: Soft, slightly chewy flatbread that offers a gentle lift to your table spread. It’s lovely with a creamy sauce or a simple herbed oil dip.
Sauces for Beef Tenderloin
I found great sauces that can take side dishes that pair with steak to the next level. A smooth accent can make your meal stand out.
- Creamy Horseradish Sauce: Sharp but not overpowering. It enhances the flavor of a tender cut of beef and livens up each bite, especially during a fancy dinner party.
- Red Wine Sauce: A reduction that often includes pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon for depth. Rich, velvety texture coats every slice of your beef tenderloin sides.
- Bearnaise Sauce: Buttery and decadent with a hint of tarragon. If you need to make beef tenderloin feel extra luxurious, drizzle this sauce right over your sliced tenderloin.
- Pan Sauce: Quick mixture of beef broth and the drippings from a roast beef in the skillet. Scrape the browned bits to craft a mouthwatering gravy.
Final Thoughts
There is something celebratory about bringing sides with beef tenderloin to the table.
I love mixing crunchy and creamy elements into each dish and making each dish fun. If you love to unveil new recipes before guests, they will love the variety of flavors.
Side dishes for Beef Tenderloin are endless, just trust your taste buds and try out what you like.
