Cast Iron Filet Mignon

Impress your family and all your guests with this easy Cast Iron Filet Mignon recipe. Tender filet mignon is seasoned with simple spices and cooked to perfection in a cast iron pan.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is, in my opinion, the most tender cut of beef available. When cooked right, you can slice into a filet mignon with a fork and the texture is just incredible. Filet mignons can be a bit pricey because they are a little more rare to find, but they are perfect for a date night or other special occasion.

You are going to love this easy cast iron filet mignon recipe because it is really easy to make, only uses a few simple spices, and will save you money if you make it at home.

Why Cook with Cast Iron

Cooking a filet mignon in cast iron is really so easy and produces a restaurant quality steak right at home. Cast iron steaks have a beautiful crust that forms on the outside while cooking to perfection on the inside.

Cast iron is known for its heat retention characteristics which helps cook steaks evenly. I also love the fact that cast iron has a nonstick finish which helps make clean up a breeze.

With so many reasons to love a cast iron skillet, they are my go to for cooking up a delicious steak, like this cast iron ribeye.

Recommended Equipment

• 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet– this is the cast iron pan that I use in my kitchen. This recipe makes just 2 filet mignons, but you could fit up to 4 in a 12-inch cast iron skillet. This is the best cast iron skillet for steaks.
• Fish Spatula– or another spatula, I love how wide and thin this spatula is, it makes getting under everything so easy.

How to Make Cast Iron Steak

Let’s walk through the simple steps to make a perfect filet mignon in a cast iron skillet.

1. Prepare the Filet Mignon– take the filet out of the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and let it come up to room temperature before cooking. Season on all sides with sea salt and black pepper.

2. Preheat the Oven– get the oven heating up to 400º F
3. Heat the Cast Iron Skillet– place the cast iron on the stovetop over medium heat. Add in a small amount of oil and swirl it over the bottom of the pan. A lot of oil is not necessary in this recipe, just enough to coat the skillet.
4. Cook the Steaks– place the steaks into the cast iron skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side. They will get a beautiful crust on the outside. Add in the butter, thyme, and rosemary, and spoon it over the steaks. Check the internal temperature of the steaks to make sure they aren’t cooking too fast. Place the cast iron pan into the oven and cook for 4 minutes (or longer depending on the thickness of the steaks) until they reach 120º F, for medium rare.

5. Rest the Filet Mignon– the last, and most important step, is to rest the filet mignon for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it.

What Temperature is Steak Done

The best way to know if the Filet Migon steak is cooked perfectly is to measure the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. This will tell the temperature of the thickest part of the steak in just seconds.

• Rare– 120-130º F
• Medium Rare– 130-135º F
• Medium– 135-145º F
• Medium Well– 145-155º F
• Well– 155º F

I suggest cooking the filet mignon in cast iron to 125ºF and allowing it to rest before slicing.

What to Serve with Filet Mignon

We love to eat this filet mignon with these cast iron skillet potatoes, a cooked vegetable like green beans, a salad, and a simple berry crisp for dessert.

Other Cast Iron Skillet Recipes to Try

Tender filet mignon is seasoned with simple spices and cooked to perfection in a cast iron pan.