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.
Table of Contents
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 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.
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
Print Recipe
| Course | Main Dish |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | people |
Ingredients
- 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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Instructions
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!
Recipe Notes
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.
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Oven Cooking Filet Mignon FAQs
How long does it take to cook filet mignon in the oven?
Filet mignon may need anywhere between 10-30 minutes to cook in the oven after searing in a pan for 2-3 minutes per side. The cook time varies depending on how thick the filet mignon is and the doneness level you prefer. For example, filet mignon generally needs 15-20 minutes for medium doneness or 10-15 minutes for medium rare.
What temperature should I cook filet mignon in the oven?
Set your oven to 425 degrees to cook filet mignon after searing. If you’d rather broil filet mignon, set the broiler to 500 degrees to broil for 2-3 minutes per side. Then, lower the temperature to 425 degrees to continue cooking.
What temp is filet mignon medium rare?
Filet mignon’s internal temperature should reach 130-135 degrees with a meat thermometer when it’s cooked to medium rare. Remove it from the oven when it reaches 125-130 degrees. As it rests, the temperature will rise to its final medium-rare temperature.
