This Crock Pot Beef Tenderloin is a juicy and elegant recipe, which uses center-cut beef tenderloin and a homemade shortcut Béarnaise sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Crock Pot Beef Tenderloin Ingredients
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 3 pounds center cut beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (1/2 stick)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced rosemary
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
For the Shortcut “Béarnaise” Sauce:
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, minced (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced (optional)
How To Make Crock Pot Beef Tenderloin
- Season the beef: Generously season the tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- Apply herb butter: Mix butter, garlic, and rosemary in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the beef.
- Sear the meat: Heat a skillet over medium-high and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Slow cook the beef: Place the seared beef into the crock pot and pour the beef broth over it. Cook on low for 1.5 to 4 hours, checking the internal temperature every 30 minutes after the first 90 minutes. Remove at 135°F for medium-rare.
- Rest and slice: Let the beef rest under foil for 10 minutes, then remove the strings and slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Make the sauce: Simmer vinegar, shallots, and garlic until reduced by half. Whisk in Dijon and egg yolks, then slowly whisk in melted butter. Cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish and serve: Stir in tarragon and lemon juice. Season to taste and serve warm over the sliced tenderloin.

Recipe Tips
- What temp should I cook beef tenderloin to?
For rare: 125–130°F. For medium-rare: 130–140°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy. - Why is my Béarnaise sauce not thickening?
Try beating a small portion with lemon juice in a warm bowl, then whisk it back into the sauce. - Can I make the beef in the oven instead?
Yes. Roast at 285°F for 50–60 minutes or until it reaches 115°F internally, then rest. - What to do if the sauce curdles?
Use the same fix as for thin sauce: whisk a small portion with lemon juice until creamy. - How to adjust sauce consistency:
If it’s too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of hot water until smooth.
What To Serve With Beef Tenderloin
This elegant entrée pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Horseradish cream sauce
- Buttery dinner rolls
- Green beans almondine
How To Store Beef Tenderloin
Refrigerate: Store slices and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap sliced beef tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Beef Tenderloin Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 858
- Protein: 44g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 74g
- Saturated Fat: 36g
- Cholesterol: 285mg
- Sodium: 608mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make the Béarnaise sauce ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can keep it warm for up to an hour in a thermos or warm bowl.
Do I have to tie the beef tenderloin?
Tying helps it cook evenly and hold its shape. It’s highly recommended.
Can I skip searing the beef?
Searing adds flavor, but you can skip it if in a rush—just expect less browning.
Is there a substitute for tarragon?
Use a mix of parsley and chervil or a small amount of fennel for a similar flavor.
What wine pairs with this dish?
A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a smooth Merlot complements the richness perfectly.
Try More Recipes:
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff With Golden Mushroom Soup
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff With Chuck Roast
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
Crock Pot Beef Tenderloin
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes4
hours858
kcalA tender, slow-cooked beef tenderloin with rich Béarnaise sauce—perfect for holidays or special dinners.
Ingredients
3 lb center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp fresh rosemary
1 cup low sodium beef broth
- Shortcut Béarnaise Sauce:
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 tbsp minced shallot
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tbsp fresh tarragon
1/2 lemon, juiced (optional)
Directions
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Rub with garlic-rosemary butter.
- Sear on all sides in a hot skillet.
- Place in crock pot, add broth, and cook on low for 1.5–4 hours (target 135°F internal temp).
- Let rest 10 minutes, slice, and serve.
- For sauce, simmer vinegar, shallot, and garlic. Whisk in mustard and yolks. Slowly whisk in butter.
- Stir in tarragon and lemon. Season to taste and serve warm.
