As you approach the kitchen to make the Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce, the air will soon fill with the warm, savory aroma of perfectly seasoned beef gently smoking away. When you slice into that tenderloin, it reveals a beautifully pink interior, with a crust that’s as inviting as a hug after a long day. The creamy horseradish sauce, with its tangy kick, will be the perfect complement—making every bite melt away like a cloud on your tongue.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

I still remember the first time my parents served smoked beef tenderloin at a family gathering. The reactions were unforgettable. Each guest’s eyes widened with delight as they took their first bites, and laughter and joy filled the room. Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a special holiday dinner, this dish promises to create more cherished moments around the table. I can’t wait for you to try this mouthwatering recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This impressive meal comes together in just about an hour, with 20 minutes of prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!
Irresistible Flavor: Each slice offers a smoky flavor paired with creamy, spicy horseradish that dances on your palate.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The stunning presentation of the beef tenderloin, with its golden crust and vibrant horseradish sauce, will wow your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—family gatherings, weekend BBQs, or even a fancy dinner for two.
Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is gluten-free and can easily be adapted to suit other dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 whole beef tenderloin (about 4 pounds): This cut offers tenderness and flavor. Look for a well-marbled piece for the best results.
2 tablespoons seasoning blend: Customize with your favorite spices. A mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder works beautifully.
1 cup full-fat sour cream: Adds creaminess to the horseradish sauce. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for a tangy twist.
½ cup full-fat mayonnaise: Provides richness and smoothness. If looking for a lighter version, use reduced-fat mayo.
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish: This ingredient gives the sauce its zesty kick. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar: Balances the flavors in the horseradish sauce. Lemon juice can be an excellent alternative.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust based on your taste.
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for rubbing on the tenderloin to help the seasoning stick. Vegetable oil can also work.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds flavor and helps achieve a beautiful sear on the tenderloin.

How to Make Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Make the Horseradish Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream, ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish, 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir until you achieve a smooth mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This chill time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a delightful tang that’s the perfect contrast to the rich beef.

Prepare Beef Tenderloin On Smoker: Place your whole beef tenderloin on a sheet pan fitted with a wire rack. Rub the entire surface of the tenderloin with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of your seasoning blend over the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. For optimal flavor development, refrigerate the seasoned tenderloin uncovered for at least 12 hours or overnight. This rest period lets the flavors seep deep into the meat.

Bring to Room Temperature: About 30 minutes before smoking, remove the tenderloin from the fridge. This helps the meat cook evenly. Fold the thin tail end under the main body of the roast, and secure it with kitchen twine. Bind the tenderloin at 2-inch intervals with additional twine to maintain its shape during cooking.

Preheat Smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F and add your favorite wood chips for a smoky flavor. Once it reaches the desired temperature, insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin. This will ensure perfect doneness.

Smoke the Tenderloin: Carefully place the seasoned tenderloin on the smoker grates and close the lid. Allow it to smoke gently for about one hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 115 to 120°F for medium-rare. Maintain a watchful eye here; the aroma wafting through your space is undeniably enticing.

Sear the Tenderloin: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, letting it melt and foam up. Place the smoked tenderloin in the skillet, searing it for 60 to 90 seconds on each side. Rotate to achieve an even golden-brown crust, which is where all those complex, rich flavors come together.

Rest and Slice: After searing, remove the tenderloin from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Once rested, carefully remove the kitchen twine and slice the tenderloin into ½ to ¾-inch thick medallions. This thickness ensures a perfect presentation and ideal bite size.

Serve with Sauce: Platter the slices immediately and serve with your chilled creamy horseradish sauce on the side. This combination of rich, smoky beef with zesty sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the tenderloin cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about two hours but should be refrigerated if held longer, where it’ll stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to do some meal prep, you can freeze the sliced beef by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a covered skillet on low heat, checking that the meat doesn’t overcook.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid common pitfalls by ensuring your beef is prepped correctly. Resting it before cooking and properly tying it helps maintain the desired shape and doneness.
Always use a meat thermometer to gauge the perfect internal temperature rather than relying on timing alone.
For an even deeper flavor, consider brining your tenderloin overnight with a simple saltwater mix.
Feel free to play with the spice blend—add cayenne for extra heat or herbs for a fresh touch.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the smoking part and simply grill or roast the tenderloin, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

This Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce is not just a dish; it’s a beautiful centerpiece that brings people together. The tender beef pairs perfectly with the zesty horseradish sauce, making every bite a delightful experience. Remember, cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination—don’t hesitate to try new things and make this recipe your own. Enjoy the warmth it brings to your home and the smiles it creates!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While beef tenderloin provides the best texture and flavor for this dish, cuts like ribeye or sirloin can work well too. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose.

How do I know when the tenderloin is done?

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method! For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 115 to 120°F when you take it off the smoker, and allow carryover cooking to bring it up to 125°F.

Can I make the horseradish sauce ahead of time?

Yes, indeed! The creamy horseradish sauce can be made up to a day ahead. In fact, this allows the flavors to meld even more. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What should I serve with the smoked beef tenderloin?

A rich beef tenderloin pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You could also serve crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce!