Filet Mignon (Foolproof Recipe) - Downshiftology (2024)

This foolproof filet mignon recipe makes dinner at home extra special. The results are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and comparable to any expensive steakhouse out there.

I love a good fine dining experience. But sometimes, cooking up a splurge-worthy steak dinner at home is far more rewarding (and let’s be honest, cheaper and tastier). The question we’re all here for though is “how do we not screw up a pricey cut of meat?”

After mastering cuts of meats like beef tenderloin and prime rib for the holidays, cooking filet mignon is actually quite simple! Just follow a sear, baste, and bake process with precise timing for each step to get the filets to the ideal temperature you want. And to give you extra guidance, I’ve got several tips and a step-by-step video below!

Filet Mignon Ingredients

For some context — filet mignon is the smaller part of the tenderloin, which makes it an extra tender piece of meat. That’s why you’ll find them to cost around $30 to $45 per pound. That’s why cooking it perfectly is key! So here’s what you’ll need:

• Filet Mignon Steaks: When purchasing filet mignon steaks (about 8-ounces each) from the butcher, keep your eyes peeled for a deep red color that’s free of any silver skin (connective tissue). And check to see if the steaks are soft to the touch when the butcher handles them!
• Steak Seasoning: All you need is a generous amount of salt and pepper. The basting butter is what’s going to give your filets enormous amounts of flavor.
• Basting Butter: This is a simple combination of unsalted butter, fresh rosemary, and fresh garlic cloves.

Helpful tip: I say go the extra step and make a compound butter or béarnaise sauce for serving. They can easily elevate your dinner the the next level!

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How To Cook Filet Mignon

For this recipe, I use a cast iron pan as it helps to get a really good sear on the steaks. If you don’t have cast iron you can use an oven-safe stainless steel pan. Just don’t use a non-stick pan for this recipe!

Prep the steaks. Remove the steaks from the fridge about 30 to 40 minutes before cooking so that they come to room temperature. Then generously season all sides with salt and pepper. Pat it in good!

Sear the steaks. Heat your pan on the stove over high heat. Once the pan is very hot add the oil and wait for it to shimmer before adding the steaks. Sear the steaks on one side for exactly 2 minutes, until they have a nice golden crust. Then roll them on their sides for another minute, to get the edges browned.

Helpful Tip: Set a kitchen timer to ensure you cook each side for the exact amount of time. Timing is key with this recipe!

Add the butter baste. Flip the steaks onto their final side and while they’re searing, add the butter, garlic, and rosemary to the pan. Quickly butter baste the steaks with a spoon for exactly 1 minute.

Bake the steaks. Transfer the hot pan to the oven and bake for an additional 4 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on your desired level of doneness (see chart below). Make sure to use an instant-read thermometer to check in on your steaks!

Cover the steaks. Remove the cooked filet mignon steaks to a plate, and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The resting period will ensure your steaks are cooked through to the proper serving temperature.

What to Serve with Filet Mignon?

Complete your dinner plate with any of these classic steakhouse options! Just like this filet mignon recipe, these side dishes are foolproof.

• Vegetables: Some of the classics are roasted asparagus, sauteed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, or steamed broccoli.
• Starches: My all-time favorite is a side of creamy mashed potatoes. But you can’t go wrong with these garlic herb roasted potatoes either.

Filet Mignon Recipe Video

Need some visual guidance on how to cook the best filet mignon? Follow along in the video below!

More Fancy-Ish Dinner Ideas

• Roast Chicken
• Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
• Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
• Apple Cider Sage Pork Chops
• Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Whether you make this filet mignon for yourself, a partner or other loved one, I hope it turns out perfectly with this method! Let me know your thoughts on this recipe in the comment box below.