Learn how to cook the best filet mignon using a cast iron skillet and oven. This easy recipe will give you a perfect steak every time.
How to Cook Filet Mignon
Are you looking to cook the perfect filet mignon? Look no further, because I’m going to show you how. In this post, learn everything you need to know about preparing this delicious cut of beef.
I’ve been making this easy steak recipe for years and happy to share tips and tricks that will help you make your filet taste amazing.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for the best ways to cook a filet mignon at home!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Steak Recipe
- Filet mignon is one of the best cuts of meat, therefore lean and healthy to eat.
- A filet mignon is the most expensive steaks to order at a restaurant, so learning how to cook a great filet mignon at home is game changer and will save you money.
Why is it Called Filet Mignon?
The filet mignon steak is cut from the small end of the tenderloin area of the animal, which is extremely tender meat. Filet mignon is basically beef tenderloin that has been sliced into thick individual steaks.
The name is French for “cute filet”. “Filet” meaning a thick, boneless slice and “mignon” meaning dainty.
I grew up in Oklahoma and even lived on a cattle ranch for a while. Beef was something we always had on our dinner table and knowing how to cook a good steak was essential.
How to Cook the Best Filet Mignon Steak
Cooking steak is one of the easiest things to do. Not only is steak fast and easy to cook, it’s low in carbs and provides a great source of protein.
A filet is a very lean tender piece of meat and one my family always looks forward to me making for dinner.
Do you Cook Filet Mignon Steaks with the String on?
Yes, cook your steak with the string on. It’s there to hold everything together while cooking. Remove the string before eating.
Make sure to let the steaks get to room temperature before cooking.
How Do You Make Homemade Steak Seasoning?
You don’t always need steak seasoning for filet mignon. It’s great with nothing added, but for the BEST filets, you’ll want to add seasonings.
I use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme and fresh rosemary in this recipe. Make sure to cover each steak side generously with the seasonings and press into the steaks with your fingers.
What Kind of Skillet Should You Use?
If you have a cast iron skillet, you’ll want to use it for this recipe. If not, use a regular skillet and transfer to a baking dish before cooking in the oven.
What Temperature Do You Cook Steak At?
For this recipe, you’ll want to cook your steak in the oven at 400 degrees. Most of the time, filet mignon is cooked to medium with a little pink in the middle. Here’s a temperature chart for you if using a meat thermometer.
Medium rare: 130-135°. Cook about 5-6 minutes
Medium: 135-145°. Cook about 7-8 minutes
- Medium well: 145-155°. Cook about 8-10 minutes
What can you pair with Filet Mignon?
Homemade mashed potatoes are a must! But if you want to try some new side dishes, try one of these 10 quick recipe ideas for Brussels sprouts.
Here are a few more side dishes for your steak:
I hope you enjoy this delicious filet mignon as much as my family and I do!
Best Filet Mignon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz filet mignon steaks
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tablespoons diced fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Set the filet mignon steaks out for them to get to room temperature. (will take about 15 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder and thyme.
- Cover each steak side generously with the mixed seasonings. Sprinkle fresh rosemary onto each side as well. Press the seasonings into the steaks with your fingers.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet, before it begins to smoke, add your steaks.
- Cook steaks without moving for 5 minutes on each side.
- Immediately transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 7-8 minutes for medium. The amount of time depends on how well done you like your steaks. See cook time chart below.
- Remove from oven and transfer steaks to a plate and cover with foil. Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Medium rare: 130-135° 5-6 minutes
- Medium: 135-145° 7-8 minutes
- Medium well: 145-155° 8-10 minutes
Recipe Video
Nutrition
Have leftover steak? Try this amazing Beef Tenderloin Salad recipe.
Looks good!
AWESOME ! I have to adjust all seasonings to comply with hubbys advanced kidney disease, but I followed your prep and cooking instructions to the letter. This was perfection. Thank you !
DELICIOUS! I have to adjust all seasonings to comply with hubbys advanced kidney disease, but I followed your prep and cooking instructions to the letter. Even tho my hubby tells everyone I’m THE BEST cook around, LOL, even he was impressed how exceptionally this turned out. Thank you !
That’s great! Meal prepping on Sunday is one of the best ways to ensure you have healthy, nutritious meals throughout the week! Luckily, all the recipes in your roundup are both Paleo and Whole30 friendly, and they’re sure to make prep and cooking during the week easier. Thank you for your great recommendation!
This recipe is so delicious. My family really enjoyed it and I will be making it again for sure!
Love all your tips! It’s my son and husband’s favorite meal!
I love a perfectly cooked piece of meat (for me that is medium rare) and this method worked great! The meat was melt in your mouth delicious and packed with flavor. Thank you for a great recipe!
Ok, we need to give this a try! I always thought I would ruin filets but you make it sound so easy!
Absolute perfection!!! Made this on a rainy day when we couldn’t grill—nothing but rave reviews!
Set recipe. Everyone loved the seasoning, especially the earthy rosemary. Great to make restaurant quality food at home!
I am definitely going to try this! I had no idea that it could be this easy. I am always battling with a bbq and sometimes it gets too hot and burns them and it also takes far longer. This is simple and quick! Thanks for sharing
My filet’s finally came out absolutely perfect, thank you!! No more high priced steakhouse’s for us!!
This was fantastic and I just made it. Ahh, Ahh, Ahh!
Medium-High heat on the stovetop is good.
At what temperature for the stovetop cooking of five minutes per side?
I just made this, and it was fabulous!!!! Yum, Yum, Yum! This savory treat saved me on my low-carb diet.
Awesome! So glad you loved the steaks Naomi. This is definitely a family favorite of ours too.
I made this for my family for Valentine’s Day. It was easy and delicious, and even my husband (who was quite skeptical about the notion of frying a steak in a skillet instead of grilling it) said it was amazing! This seasoning combination is outstanding! I did substitute dried parsley for the dried thyme (which I didn’t have). Also, my filets were larger than 6 oz, so I ended up baking them for an extra 4 minutes to achieve 135 degrees. I used a meat thermometer to check doneness. This recipe will become part of my “favorites” treasury! Thanks for sharing it online. 🙂
This is awesome thank you for sharing this! Only question I have is when you cook meat on the stove, should it be cook on medium (5-6) or high (7-9)? Thanks so much!
Thanks! Glad you like it.
Absolutely delicious, full of flavor and melt in your mouth goodness.
We love filet mignon and this is an AMAZING recipe!
Great tips! I’m not terribly confident cooking this meat so I appreciate your helpful tips!
I can’t wait to try this with all these wonderful spices! Why have I never thought of this!
This looks spectacular!!!
Oh man, this looks so yummy!!
OMG this looks AMAZING. Thanks for the recipe!
This is going to be PERFECT for Father’s Day!