How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven

Learn How to Cook Filet Mignon in the Oven using a cast iron skillet to sear the crust and then bake until perfectly cooked and tender! Using the temperature guide and this foolproof method you’ll get the most juicy and flavor-packed steak to impress on date night for a fraction of the price you’d pay at a restaurant!

What is Filet Mignon?

Filet mignon is a cut of beef that comes from the small end of the tenderloin. This is located along the rib cage on the backside of the animal.

Since this area of the animal is not weight-bearing, there is minimal connective tissue coursing throughout which lends to a more tender cut of meat.

Perfect Cast Iron Filet Mignon Recipe

The first time I saw the price tag on a pound of tender, grass-fed cuts of filet mignon I was pretty terrified I’d mess them up.

But after years and years of perfecting my cast-iron skillet-to-oven method, I’m able to get perfectly cooked steak every time that would rival any high-end restaurant’s.

The secret?… It’s actually three-fold.

• First, the preparation. Pulling the steak out to come to room temperature and salting while it sits is key to getting a ton of flavor.
• Two, you MUST use a cast-iron skillet in order to create that perfectly seared crust.
• Lastly, a combo technique of pan-searing and then transferring the filet mignon into the oven to finish cooking is key to a steak that is not overly cooked or underdone.

This is the BEST filet mignon recipe. It’s the most tender cut of beef, and it’s perfect for a special occasion, like a romantic date night or Valentine’s Day.

(You can read more below about what temperature to cook your filet mignon or explore this steak temperature guide for even more information!)

Ingredients

• Filet Mignon. You need two 6-ounce filet mignon steaks that are about 2-inches thick and 3- to 4-inches wide. USDA prime cuts have more marbling (i.e., fat) and are found with a higher price tag. USDA choice from the grocery store is still an excellent pick if you would like to find a good balance between tenderness and price. Grass-fed offers more nutrition, has great flavor, but is a little less tender.
• Oil. You will be cooking the steaks at a very high heat. While olive oil has a smoke point close to 400 degrees, avocado oil’s smoke point is over 500 degrees. The latter is also mildly flavored and allows the steak to really shine, so I would recommend using this if you can!
• Seasonings. A sprinkle of each is all you need. Freshly ground black pepper and coarse salt add a lovely crunch and are best to use if available.

How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven

Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

1. Season Steak and Let It Rest

Sprinkle salt and pepper liberally all over both sides of the steak. This will create the perfect crusty sear!  

Let them sit on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking. You want them to come to room temperature before adding them to the hot skillet to get the most predictable cooking time.

2. Sear Steaks in a Cast-Iron

It is heavily recommended to use a cast-iron skillet when cooking filet mignon. Cooking in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet will also impart an extra bit of flavor that other skillets will not be able to do. 

Place the skillet in the oven and preheat it to 450°F.

When the oven is heated, place the cast-iron on the stove top over medium-high heat. Carefully place the steaks in the dry and hot pan, and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the steaks and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. You want to get a good sear.

It’s ok if the skillet is smoking a little!

3. Bake Filet Mignon in Oven

Place the skillet with the steaks back in the oven. The cooking times will vary based on desired doneness: 3-4 minutes for a rare steak, 5-6 minutes for a medium steak, and 7-8 minutes for medium-well.

When cooking your perfect filet mignon, it is best to serve it medium-rare, or medium at the most. The best way to check for the level of doneness is to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature.

• Medium-rare: 125°F
• Medium: 130°F

The meat will continue cooking for an additional 3-5 degrees to the final temperature once removed from the oven, so be sure to keep this in mind. Let the steak rest before cutting. Remember, you can always pop it back in the oven, but you can’t un-cook it!

Learn more from this steak temperature guide.

What to Serve with Filet Mignon

There are so many ways to serve this juicy steak recipe, but a few of my favorites include:

• With a tablespoon or two of homemade garlic butter.
• Covered in caramelized onions.
• Over a bed of sautéed spinach or sautéed mushrooms.
• With a side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Loaded Bacon Mashed Potatoes.
• Add some nutrition with Air Fryer Asparagus, Roasted Broccoli, Green Beans with Vinegar, or Air Fryer Cauliflower.
• All on its own — because it is THAT good!

FAQs

More Delicious Steak Recipes

Steak is a fancy treat no matter how you enjoy it. Try any of these recipes next.

• Air Fryer Steak
• Steak Fajitas
• Sautéed Onion for Steak
• Learn about Steak Temperature and Doneness and How to Reheat Steak.