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.
Sponsored by Iowa Corn
How to Cook the Best Filet Mignon
A filet mignon is one of my favorite cuts of meat. It’s also one of the most expensive steaks to order at a restaurant. Learning how to cook a great filet mignon at home is game changer and saves you money! I’ve been making this easy filet mignon steak recipe for years and happy to share it with you today! This beef recipe was inspired by a trip I recently took with Iowa Corn.
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.
Iowa Beef
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. Until touring Iowa farms on the Iowa Corn Quest and talking with a rep from the Iowa Beef Industry Council, I didn’t realize how big beef was in Iowa!
Did you know 99% of corn grown in the U.S grown in the United States is field corn that’s used for animal feed and ethanol?
Iowa corn farmers are feeding our livestock and after visiting both corn and cattle farms around Iowa, this makes me feel even better about the safety of our food.
Farmers work with a lot of experts such as nutritionists, agronomists and vets so their products can be the absolute best.
We got to visit two 100 year old family farms that raise cattle. I left feeling very grateful for hard working farmers who are able to provide food and fuel to people all over the world.
It was great learning all about the Blair Farm from Kellie Blair (pictured below) and Justin and Corinne (pictured above with one of her tame pet cows) from the Rowe Family Farm owners of Rowe’s Red Cows.
Both families work hard to provide the best care for their livestock to help ensure everyone has healthy beef. I loved meeting the women who are a huge part of their family farms!
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.
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Medium rare: 130-135°. Cook about 5-6 minutes
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Medium: 135-145°. Cook about 7-8 minutes
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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.
I hope you enjoy this steak as much as we do! Thanks to Iowa Corn for the great information about Iowa farms. To learn more about GMO’s and the affects of farming on our environment, click here to read more about what I learned on my trip.
Best Filet Mignon
Equipment
- cast iron skillet
Materials
- 4 6 oz filet mignon steaks
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 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
Nutrition
Have leftover steak? Try this amazing Beef Tenderloin Salad recipe.
Absolutely delicious, full of flavor and melt in your mouth goodness.
Thanks! Glad you like it.
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!