Ina Garten’s Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce is an elegant and flavorful dish, perfect for special occasions or entertaining. This recipe pairs a perfectly roasted beef tenderloin with a rich and creamy Gorgonzola sauce, creating a meal that’s both sophisticated and simple to prepare.
What is Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce?
This dish features a tender and juicy beef tenderloin roasted to perfection, served with a luxurious Gorgonzola sauce made with heavy cream, cheese, and a hint of nutmeg. It’s a classic combination of savory flavors that elevate the dining experience.

Other Popular Recipes
- Ina Garten Blueberry Ricotta Breakfast Cake
- Ina Garten Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Ina Garten Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Ina Garten Pizza Dough
Reasons to Try Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
- Perfect for special occasions: A show-stopping dish for holidays, anniversaries, or dinner parties.
- Rich and flavorful: Combines tender beef with a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Easy to prepare: Straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of side dishes and wines.
- Restaurant-quality meal: Impress your guests with a dish that feels gourmet.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 2–3 pounds beef tenderloin, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Gorgonzola Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tenderloin
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Season the beef: Rub the beef tenderloin with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast the tenderloin: Place the beef on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes for medium-rare (125°F internal temperature).
- Rest the beef: Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 2: Make the Gorgonzola Sauce
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Add the cheese and seasonings: Stir in the Gorgonzola cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Serve the Dish
- Slice the tenderloin: Slice the rested beef tenderloin into thick slices.
- Plate with sauce: Arrange the slices on a platter and drizzle with the warm Gorgonzola sauce. Serve additional sauce on the side.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
- Serve with roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts complement the dish beautifully.
- Pair with mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Add a fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness of the meal.
- Include crusty bread: Serve with bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with wine: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the flavors.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the beef is cooked to your desired doneness by checking the internal temperature.
- Let the beef rest: Resting the meat after roasting helps retain its juices.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: Simmer the Gorgonzola sauce longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Season to taste: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Make ahead: The Gorgonzola sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can be added to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
- Include garlic: Roast garlic alongside the beef and mix it into the sauce for added depth.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Try different cheeses: Substitute Gorgonzola with blue cheese or Roquefort for a unique twist.
- Use herb crust: Coat the tenderloin with a mixture of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley before roasting.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store the beef and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Freeze the beef slices and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
- Reheat the beef gently: Warm the beef in a low oven (300°F/150°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.
- Reheat the sauce over low heat: Stir the sauce frequently while reheating to maintain its smooth texture. Add a splash of cream if it thickens too much.
FAQs
What is the ideal internal temperature for beef tenderloin?
For medium-rare beef tenderloin, the ideal internal temperature is 125°F (51°C). For medium, aim for 135°F (57°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate results.
Can I make the Gorgonzola sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Gorgonzola sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of cream if it thickens.
What’s the best way to reheat beef tenderloin without drying it out?
To reheat beef tenderloin, place it in a low-temperature oven (300°F/150°C) covered with foil to retain moisture. Heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Gorgonzola for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute Gorgonzola with blue cheese, Roquefort, or even Brie for a milder flavor while maintaining the creamy texture of the sauce.
Other Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Ina Garten Salmon Tartare
- Ina Garten Hamantaschen
- Barefoot Contessa Onion Rings
- Ina Garten Cherry Clafoutis
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce is an elegant and indulgent dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a memorable family dinner. The tender, perfectly roasted beef, and creamy, flavorful sauce create a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.
Try this recipe for a dish that will impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more!
PrintIna Garten Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce Recipe
This dish features a tender and juicy beef tenderloin roasted to perfection, served with a luxurious Gorgonzola sauce made with heavy cream, cheese, and a hint of nutmeg. It’s a classic combination of savory flavors that elevate the dining experience.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Beef Tenderloin:
- 2–3 pounds beef tenderloin, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Gorgonzola Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tenderloin
-
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
-
- Season the beef: Rub the beef tenderloin with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
-
- Roast the tenderloin: Place the beef on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes for medium-rare (125°F internal temperature).
-
- Rest the beef: Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 2: Make the Gorgonzola Sauce
-
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
-
- Add the cheese and seasonings: Stir in the Gorgonzola cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
-
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Serve the Dish
-
- Slice the tenderloin: Slice the rested beef tenderloin into thick slices.
-
- Plate with sauce: Arrange the slices on a platter and drizzle with the warm Gorgonzola sauce. Serve additional sauce on the side.