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๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป 101's Best Recipes

How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven (Pan-Seared & Oven-Finished)

Updated: Jul 5, 2025 ยท Published: Mar 9, 2024 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 170 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Time: 18 minutes mins

Cooking filet mignon in the oven doesnโ€™t need to be complicated. This easy pan-seared and oven-finished method shows you exactly how to cook filet mignon in the oven for tender, juicy resultsโ€”every time.

Just sear in a hot skillet (cast iron works best), then finish in the oven to your preferred donenessโ€”rare, medium-rare, or medium. Itโ€™s fast, foolproof, and steakhouse-quality at home.

filet with potatoes on a white plate.
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • โค๏ธ Why Youโ€™ll Love This Filet Mignon Recipe
  • ๐Ÿ„Ingredients for Oven Filet Mignon
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณQuick Overview: How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven
  • โฐ How Long to Cook Filet Mignon in the Oven
  • ๐Ÿ‘ Tips for Success
  • โ“FAQs
  • ๐Ÿ„Other Steak Recipes
  • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ What to Serve with Filet Mignon
  • โ„๏ธ Storing Leftover Filet Mignon
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

quote mark
Featured Comment by Gina:
โญโญโญโญโญ
"Perfect instructions, perfectly done, couldnโ€™t be easier! The timing chart was very helpful. Thankโ€™s doc."

โค๏ธ Why Youโ€™ll Love This Filet Mignon Recipe

  • Beginner-friendly: If youโ€™ve got a skillet, an oven, and a thermometer, you can cook filet mignon like a proโ€”no grill or fancy gear needed.
  • Juicy and reliable: This classic sear-and-bake method gives you consistent, tender resultsโ€”even on your first try.
  • Quick and impressive: From prep to plate in under 20 minutesโ€”perfect for date night or any weeknight upgrade.
  • Custom doneness: Learn exactly how long to cook filet mignon in oven for rare, medium-rare, or mediumโ€”no guessing.
  • Year-round method: Skip the grill. This filet mignon in oven recipe works indoors, any time of year.

๐Ÿ„Ingredients for Oven Filet Mignon

Filet mignon with seasoningsโ€”labeled.
  • Beef tenderloin filets โ€” About 6 to 8 ounces each and 1 to 1ยฝ inches thick. Choose prime or well-marbled choice grade for the most tender, juicy results when cooking filet mignon in the oven.
  • Butter or oil โ€” Butter adds rich flavor, but high-quality oil (like avocado or canola) works well if youโ€™re concerned about smoke while searing.
  • Seasoning โ€” Kosher salt and black pepper are all you need for great flavor. Or use a steak seasoning blendโ€”I often go with my All-Purpose Seasoning Salt (salt, pepper, and garlic powder).

๐Ÿง‚ Optional flavor boost: Add a pat of butter and a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top before the oven step. The herbs infuse extra flavor as the filet roasts.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณQuick Overview: How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven

1. Preheat, rest, and season

Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF. If you have time, let the filet mignon rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Pat dry and season all sides.

seasoning filets on a wooden board.

2. Searing the steaks

Heat butter in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until a crust forms.

raw filets in a skillet with melted butter.

3. Finish in the oven

Transfer the skillet to the oven. Cook until the internal temperature is about 3ยฐโ€“4ยฐF below your target. For medium-rare, roast for 5 to 7 minutes until it reaches 130ยฐโ€“135ยฐF.

Pan-seared filet mignon in a cast-iron skillet.

4. Rest and serve

Move the steaks to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 to 8 minutes. This locks in the juices for a perfectly tender filet.

cut medium rare filet mignon.

๐Ÿ‘‡For step-by-step photos and full instructions, scroll to the printable recipe cardโ€”or keep reading for tips and serving ideas.

โฐ How Long to Cook Filet Mignon in the Oven

For a 1-inch thick filet, medium-rare takes about 9 to 11 minutes totalโ€”thatโ€™s 2 to 3 minutes per side in a hot skillet, then 5 to 7 minutes in a 400ยฐF oven.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Filet Mignon Oven Time by Doneness

  • Rare (125ยฐโ€“130ยฐF): Quick sear, then 4 to 5 minutes in the oven. Be carefulโ€”rare is easy to overshoot. [See note below.]
  • Medium-Rare (130ยฐโ€“135ยฐF): 5 to 7 minutes in the oven after searing.
  • Medium (140ยฐโ€“150ยฐF): 8 to 10 minutes in the oven.
  • Medium-Well (150ยฐโ€“155ยฐF): 12 to 15 minutes. Not recommended.
  • Well Done (160ยฐF+): 15 minutes or more. Also not recommended.

โœ… Pro Tip: Always remove the filet from the oven 3ยฐ to 4ยฐF below your final target temp. It will finish cooking while it restsโ€”keeping the juices where they belong.


๐Ÿ”ฅ Quick Tips for Oven Filet Mignon

  • Use an instant-read thermometer. Itโ€™s the only way to know exactly when youโ€™re done.
  • Check early. You can always cook it more, but you canโ€™t uncook it.
  • Rest for 5 to 8 minutes. This is how you get juicy, tender results. Donโ€™t skip it.

โš ๏ธ Note for Rare Steak Lovers

Rare filet mignon is tricky. If the steak is thinner than 1 inch or well-rested before cooking, it might need only 1โ€“2 minutes in the oven. Check the internal temperature before it goes in, and again just a few minutes later. Youโ€™ve got thisโ€”just use your thermometer and cook with confidence.

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๐Ÿ‘ Tips for Success

  • Use quality beef: Prime is best, but well-marbled choice filet mignon will still deliver great results.
  • Rest before cooking: Let the steak sit at room temp for 30 to 60 minutes. It helps cook more evenly and hit your target temperature.
  • No cast iron? No problem: Any oven-safe skillet worksโ€”just be sure itโ€™s rated for at least 400ยฐF.
  • Time your salt: Season right before cooking, or at least an hour ahead. Salting in between can dry out the surface without time to recover.
  • Rest after cooking: This step matters. Rest filet mignon for 5 to 8 minutes so the juices reabsorb and the temperature finishes rising.

โ“FAQs

Why use cast iron for sear-and-bake recipes?

Cast iron holds and distributes heat evenly, giving filet mignon a consistent, deep sear without hot spots. Itโ€™s inexpensive, durable, and made for high-heat cooking.

Can I cook a filet without a thermometer?

Not reliably. Time alone isnโ€™t accurateโ€”an instant-read thermometer is the only way to avoid overcooking an expensive cut.

Why rest the filet before and after cooking?

Resting before helps the steak cook evenly and hit your target temperature. Resting after lets the juices reabsorb for a tender, juicy result. Both are worth it.

Can I use this method for steaks over 2 inches thick?

Not this one. For very thick steaks, use the reverse sear methodโ€”it cooks more gently and evenly.

Whatโ€™s the best oven temperature for filet mignon?

400ยฐF is ideal for finishing filet mignon after searing. Itโ€™s hot enough to roast quickly without drying it out. You can use 375ยฐF if neededโ€”just add a couple minutes to oven time.

๐Ÿ„Other Steak Recipes

Want more ways to cook a perfect steak? Try one of these easy, foolproof favorites:

  • Grilled Porterhouse Steak
  • Grilled New York Strip Steaks
  • Seared and Baked Strip Steak

Each recipe uses a reliable methodโ€”grilling or pan-searing and oven-finishingโ€”to help you get moist, tender, flavorful steak at home.

Grilled Filet Mignon

Grilling filet mignon is easier than you think. With a gas grill, simple seasoning, and a meat thermometer, you can cook a juicy, tender filet better than most steakhouses.

grilled filet mignon on a white plate.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ What to Serve with Filet Mignon

While your filet mignon rests, top it with a pat of butter or compound butter for extra flavor. I recommend my Steak Butter with Garlic and Blue Cheeseโ€”it melts right in and adds a rich, savory finish.

This filet mignon in oven recipe pairs well with classic sides like:

  • Oven Roasted Baby Red Potatoes or Parmesan Baked Potatoes
  • A fresh salad or hot vegetables like Green Beans with Almonds or Roasted Asparagus
  • Crusty bread to soak up any juices left on the plate

For wine, go with a medium to full-bodied red like Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon.

โ„๏ธ Storing Leftover Filet Mignon

Cooked filet mignon will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or slice cold for sandwiches or steak salads.

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

seared filet on a white plate with potatoes

How to Cook Filet Mignon in the Oven (Pan-Seared & Oven-Finished)

4.97 from 26 votes
From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
Juicy, tender filet mignon cooked at home with the classic pan-sear and oven-finish method. Ready in under 20 minutesโ€”perfect for any special meal.
Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjustable :2 servings
Print | Pin | Email share | Like and save for later Saved!

Video Slideshow

Ingredients

US Customary - Convert to Metric
  • 2 filet mignon - about 1-1ยฝ inch thick and about 6-8 oz
  • 1 tablespoon butter - or oil
  • salt and pepper or other steak seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

1. Preheat, rest, and season

  • Preheat oven to 400ยฐF. Trim filets if needed. Let them rest at room temperature for 30โ€“60 minutes.
    Filet mignon with seasoningsโ€”labeled.
  • Pat dry well with paper towels. Season all sides to taste with the seasoning of your choice. Just kosher salt and black pepper or All-Purpose Seasoning, which adds garlic powder, is enough.
    seasoning filets on a wooden board.

2. Searing the steaks

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side for 2โ€“3 minutes until well-browned.
    melting butter in a cast iron skillet.
  • When hot, sear both sides of the filets for 2-3 minutesโ€”sear, flip, sear, and give them a final flip before putting them into the oven.
    raw filets in a skillet

3. Finish in the oven

  • Transfer skillet to the oven. Roast until the internal temperature is 3ยฐโ€“4ยฐF below your target. Medium-rare takes about 5โ€“7 minutes in the oven to reach 130ยฐโ€“135ยฐF.
    Pan-seared filet mignon in a cast-iron skillet.

4. Rest and serve

  • Remove from the pan, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5โ€“8 minutes before serving.
    cut medium rare filet mignon.

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips:

  • Use prime beef if possible, but well-marbled choice works too.
  • Season just before cooking or at least an hour ahead.ย Salting in between can dry the surface.
  • Donโ€™t cook by time alone.ย Always use an instant-read thermometer.
  • For rare filet or thinner steaks, check the temperature before and during oven roasting.
  • Remove from the oven a few degrees early.ย It will finish cooking as it rests.

Your Own Private Notes

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To adjust the recipe size:

You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.

Nutrition Estimate (may vary)

Calories : 347 kcal (17%)Protein : 22 g (44%)Fat : 28 g (43%)Saturated Fat : 9 g (45%)Polyunsaturated Fat : 2 gMonounsaturated Fat : 14 gCholesterol : 76 mg (25%)Sodium : 616 mg (26%)Potassium : 346 mg (10%)Calcium : 40 mg (4%)Iron : 1.4 mg (8%)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best way to cook filet mignon, how long to cook filet mignon in oven, how to cook filet mignon, how to cook filet mignon in oven

Editor's Note: Originally published March 10, 2012, updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

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  1. Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

    April 08, 2025 at 9:31 pm

    Hi Jacob,

    Sorry you had a problem. Could you be more specific? Searing time, oven temp, thickness, but most importantly, what temperature were you aiming for, and what is "vastly overdone" for you?

    Dan

    Reply
  2. Gail says

    March 17, 2025 at 5:24 pm

    Iโ€™d like to make this for a party of 25. Can I sear the filet and store in fridge and bake it in oven later?

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      March 17, 2025 at 5:48 pm

      Hi Gail,

      Welcome to the blog.

      I don't think you will be happy with the results of searing, refrigerating, and baking. Not that I have done it, but I'm thinking of fluid shifts in the steak and the outside overcooking by the time you get the filets cooked in the oven.

      I donโ€™t have a plan for cooking 25 filets and having them ready at the same time with this recipe. I do cook filets frequently on my grill, which is large enough for 25 filets, so you may want to check out my grilled filet recipe if that sounds like a good option. If you choose to use the grill, let them rest at room temperature, and monitor your grill and meat temperatures closely. You should definitely practice cooking filets several times before trying mass cooking.

      Sorry, I was not more help.

      Dan

      PS Additional thought. While eating dinner, I did think of another solution. Use a large electric or stovetop griddle to sear, then move them to a preheated heavy sheet pan to finish.

  3. Randy Bowman says

    March 10, 2024 at 11:14 am

    When pan searing what do you use if you don't have a cast iron pan ?

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      March 10, 2024 at 11:26 am

      Hi Randy,

      Welcome to the blog.

      Any oven-safe skillet will do. Most stovetop skillets are oven-safe to a set temperature determined by the manufacturer. Mine are all over 400ยฐ, mostly 450ยฐ or 500ยฐ. It was on the paperwork when you bought it but we all toss that, so do a search for your skillet and be sure they are oven safe to 400ยฐ. I will add that 400ยฐ oven is arbitrary and you can use 350ยฐ if needed, it will take a bit longer.

      Now, it you just aren't sure. You can preheat an oven safe pan while searing and transfer the filets after searing on the stovetop to the oven pan to finish to temperature.

      Hope that helps.

      Dan

  4. Gina says

    December 15, 2023 at 5:15 pm

    5 stars
    Perfect instructions, perfectly done, couldnโ€™t be easier! The timing chart was very helpful. Thankโ€™s doc.

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      December 15, 2023 at 5:38 pm

      Hi Gina,

      Welcome to the blog. When I was rewriting I felt the frame around the timing chart was a good idea... it is what most people are looking for, so just highlight it.

      Thanks for the note and rating.

      Dan

  5. Deborah L says

    October 31, 2023 at 5:10 pm

    5 stars
    Dr Dan, This is an easy recipe and great taste! I'm thinking of making it as filet au poivre next time. Your sauce recipe says to add minced scallops. Really? Should that read scallions? or shallots? That seems an indignity to the scallops.

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      October 31, 2023 at 6:43 pm

      Hi Deborah,

      Thanks for the note and proof read. That paragraph was copied from a 2010 post that I deleted, so you are the first to find it in 13 years.

      I changed it to green onions that I think most home cooks will understand better. I also gave the post a fast cosmetic buff-up but do not rewrite anything else. (opps, I did change the weight and thickness range to 1 -1/2 inches and 6-8 oz. I have been doing a lot of 6 oz filets over the summer.

      Dan

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