Baked Ranch Pork Tenderloin with Herb Butter Gravy
Juicy pork tenderloin seared to perfection then baked in foil with a rich ranch-seasoned butter gravy. The tangy herb coating keeps the meat incredibly moist while infusing it with savory ranch flavors and bright lemon notes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this one-pan method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal cleanup. The foil pouch technique ensures even cooking and creates its own flavorful gravy that's perfect for drizzling over the sliced meat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- 2
Season pork tenderloin generously with salt and pepper unless pre-brined
- 3
Heat olive oil in large heavy pan until shimmery
- 4
Brown pork tenderloin on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side
- 5
Combine melted butter, ranch dressing mix, and lemon juice to make gravy
- 6
Place pork on foil-lined baking sheet and form pouch
- 7
Drizzle ranch gravy over pork tenderloin
- 8
Close foil pouch and bake for 30 minutes
- 9
Check internal temperature at 25 minutes with digital thermometer
- 10
Remove when pork reaches 145 degrees internal temperature
- 11
Rest in closed foil pouch for 10 minutes to reach 150 degrees
- 12
Garnish with cilantro or parsley
- 13
Slice into thin slices and serve immediately
Tips
Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness - pork should reach 145°F internal temperature.
Let the pork rest in the closed foil pouch to allow carryover cooking to bring it to the safe 150°F temperature.
Save time by making extra ranch gravy to use as a sauce for vegetables or potatoes.
Good to Know
Refrigerate sliced pork in airtight container for up to 4 days
Can sear pork and prepare gravy up to 1 day ahead, then bake when ready
Serve immediately while warm, or store for meal prep
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the searing step to avoid bland exterior
Don't open foil pouch during cooking to avoid moisture loss
Don't skip resting time to avoid dry, tough meat
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
similar savory flavor
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes, cook on a 375°F grill in the foil pouch for the same time, checking temperature regularly.
What if I don't have ranch dressing mix?
Make your own with dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley mixed together.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored sliced pork will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.