Since the filet mignon is one of the most popular steak cuts all over the world, it’s not surprising that steak enthusiasts want to know the best way to cook it. One of the most-asked questions we get, in fact, is “How do you cook filet mignon in the oven without it drying out?” Although some will disagree, the oven can actually be the perfect place for this (and just about any other type of steak!) if you know the right methods to use.
This guide will help you learn how to cook filet mignon in the oven using the best methods and times so that your steaks come out just as tender and tasty as they would on a grill or stovetop.
Choosing and Preparing Filet Mignon
When it comes to cooking filet mignon, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial. Look for a filet mignon that is at least 1.5 to 2 inches thick, as this will ensure that it cooks evenly and remains juicy. It’s also important to choose a filet mignon that is fresh and of high quality. Opt for cuts with a bright red color and a fine texture, which are indicators of freshness and tenderness.
Before cooking, make sure to bring the filet mignon to room temperature by taking it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will help the steak cook more evenly and prevent it from cooking too quickly on the outside.
Season the filet mignon liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or thyme to give the steak extra flavor. A well-seasoned steak is the foundation of a delicious filet mignon recipe, so don’t be shy with the salt and pepper.
Cooking Filet Mignon in the Oven: The Options
You basically have two options for cooking filet mignon in the oven: Broil or sear-and-bake. You can, of course, opt for sticking them in a pan and just baking them, but you’ll wind up with crisp-less filets that just won’t have the texture or taste these pieces of meat are known for. Instead, choose one of the below methods for getting the crave-worthy crust that works so well with filet mignon while leaving the insides perfectly pink and tender.
Broil
Are you looking to avoid the pan altogether? Then learn how to cook filet mignon in the oven without searing it by broiling it instead. The broiler is like an indoor grill, letting you get a nice, crisp crust on your steak just by using your oven.
Depending on the thickness of your steaks, you may need to adjust your oven rack. Keep steaks between 1 ½ to 2 inches closer to the heat, while thinner cuts should be moved further away. Then, follow these steps for a delicious, broiled filet mignon:
- Preheat your broiler for at least 15 minutes until it comes to full temperature.
- Brush filets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings.
- Place steaks under the broiler in an oven-safe pan or a cast iron skillet.
- Turn steaks halfway through the cooking time to brown evenly on both sides. You’ll need a total of between 8 to 14 minutes of cook time depending on the thickness of your filets.
Pan-Sear and Bake
The sear-and-bake method is the one we recommend most for cooking filet mignon in the oven. Searing them first not only helps the edges crisp up, but it also locks in the juices within the meat to keep them tender while they bake. That’s why top steakhouses even stick with this method the most. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 425-degrees.
- Season filets with salt and pepper, rubbing the spices into the steaks.
- Heat up an oven-safe skillet, such as a cast iron skillet, with a couple of tablespoons of butter.
- Sear filets for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until you see a golden-brown crust form.
- Place the full skillet with filets onto the center oven rack to finish cooking.
How long to cook filet mignon in the oven with the sear-and-bake method also depends on the thickness of the steaks. 1 ½ to 2-inch thick cuts may need between 15 and 20 minutes, while thinner cuts will need between 10 and 15 minutes.
The best cook for a filet mignon is, generally, medium-rare, which will give them a light pinkness in the center. To cook to this temperature, your steaks should read 130-degrees with a meat thermometer before removing them from the oven. Shoot for 120-degrees for rare and 140-degrees for medium. After they’ve finished cooking, place the steaks on a plate and cover loosely with foil for about 10 minutes to rest. We recommend using a Thermoworks thermometer in order to cook your steaks to the perfect temperature.
For a perfect medium rare filet mignon, aim for an internal temperature of 130-degrees before removing the steaks from the oven.
Cooking Filet Mignon to the Right Temperature
Cooking filet mignon to the right temperature is essential to achieve the perfect level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the steak reaches a safe minimum of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done.
To cook filet mignon to medium-rare, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Sear the steak in a hot cast iron skillet with a small amount of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
For medium, cook the steak for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C). For well-done, cook the steak for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your filet mignon is cooked to perfection.
Resting and Serving Filet Mignon
Once the filet mignon is cooked to the desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to retain its tenderness. Resting is a crucial step in achieving a perfect filet mignon, so resist the urge to cut into it right away.
During the resting period, you can prepare a delicious sauce to serve with the filet mignon. Try making a garlic butter sauce by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple yet flavorful sauce complements the rich taste of the steak beautifully.
To serve, slice the filet mignon against the grain and serve with the garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. You can also serve with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the filet mignon is cooked to a safe internal temperature. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to cook a perfect filet mignon every time.
Conclusion: Cooking Filet Mignon in the Oven
Knowing how to broil and bake aged filet mignon can give you some more ways to experiment with cooking these juicy chunks of steak to find your preferred method. Using the oven to cook filets is quick and requires minimal clean-up, making for a convenient, simple, no-fuss way to have a delicious steak dinner. Check out our selection of Premium Angus Beef Filet Mignon and order a batch to be delivered straight to your door.
Delicious Filet Mignon Recipe
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings |
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- 2 6 oz Filet Mignons
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Chopped Onion
- 12 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup red wine Merlot or Cabernet works best
- 2 cloves Minced garlic
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp Basil
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch Plus 1 tsbp water (optional)
Ingredients
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- Remove steak from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Over medium heat melt 2 tbsp. butter. Sauté onions for about 2 minutes until slightly tender, and then add mushrooms. Continue cooking until mushrooms and onions are tender. Set mushrooms and onions aside.
- Add 2 more tbsp. of butter to the same pan and allow to melt. Turn heat up to medium-high. Sear the filets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Then, turn heat to low, cover the pan, and continue cooking to your desired internal temperature. Set filets on a cutting board to rest.
- Turn the heat to medium-low. Using the same pan, slowly add the wine and heavy cream, scraping the leftover cooking bits into the sauce. Add paprika, basil, and garlic to the sauce and stir together. Bring to a slight boil. Add the mushrooms and onions. Stir, and turn the heat to low. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes (the sauce should thicken), stirring occasionally.
- If desired, you can stir in a mixture of cornstarch and water to the sauce to thicken.
- Serve filets with a generous amount of mushroom wine sauce on top. Enjoy!
This filet recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or an elevated meal for a dinner party. And, with only about 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s far from complicated and time-consuming. Be sure to visit Chicago Steak Company to browse our selection of premium Angus beef, dry-aged steak, and American Wagyu that you can have shipped to your door.