How to Roast Beef Tenderloin (2024)

How to Roast Beef Tenderloin (aka filet of beef or Chateaubriand) ~I’ll give you easy instructions for the perfect roast, no muss no fuss ~ just juicy meat! Ideal for special occasions and holiday meals.

How to Roast Beef Tenderloin (1)

Roasting a beef tenderloin is simple, simple, simple

You don’t need a culinary degree, a video, complicated marinades, or lots of confusing instructions. Cooking a large cut of meat is easy and practically foolproof, just be sure you’ve got your instant read thermometer handy, it will be your best friend.

beef tenderloin (aka beef filet or Chateaubriand)

It’s probably the poshest cut of beef, incredibly tender and my personal favorite. Filet mignon steak is sliced from the whole tenderloin, so you know it’s special.

Beef tenderloin is from the loin portion of the cow, and is a long piece of meat that can range from 2-6 pounds. It’s low in fat, and very tender. It should be tied with butcher’s twine to help it cook evenly.

(Pssssst: this is a lot easier than roasting a turkey, and everybody will appreciate the break from the bird.)

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How to buy a beef tenderloin

Many butchers will stock tenderloins, and you can find them at stores like Costco. If you shop at a regular supermarket you’ll want to order one ahead of time from the meat counter.

For a holiday meal you’ll want a whole tenderloin, and that will feed approximately 8 – 10 people. Allow at least 1/2 pound per person in your calculation. For more people you can cook multiple tenderloins. For a family meal, you can purchase a smaller piece, the butcher can cut it down for you.

Be sure to ask for your meat trimmed and tied. Trimming removes any tough ‘silverskin’ and excess fat, and tying insures that the meat is at an even thickness so it will cook evenly.

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What you’ll need

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For the optional garlic butter sauce (you know you want it)

  • 1 stick butter
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • salt

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Why I don’t marinate my meat

In my opinion marinating is an unnecessary step. A quality cut of meat like the tenderloin is fabulous in itself, and doesn’t need extraneous flavors to disguise it. A simple salt and pepper rub ads subtle flavor and lets the meat itself shine through.

The whole concept of marinating meat has been challenged in recent years, I discuss it in my Sauerbraten post. The gist is that studies have shown that flavor does not actually penetrate the meat, even after lengthy marinades, and many marinades can actually make meat mushy. This jibes with what I’ve observed over the years. If you’re interested in the subject you can read more about the myths of marinating,here.

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Important tips for cooking beef tenderloin

  • Take the beef out of the refrigerator and leave on the counter (covered) for an hour or 2 before cooking. This allows the meat to come closer to room temperature which in turn allows the meat to cook more evenly. If you put cold meat into the oven the center will not cook properly.
  • Season well. A tenderloin is a large cut of meat that does not have much fat in it. A generous amount of salt and pepper will help flavor every slice. Pat it on to make sure it sticks.
  • Make sure you preheat your oven and it is hot before you slide the meat in. You’re going to sear it first, then lower the heat to finish cooking.
  • Use an oven thermometer to check for the correct temperature, don’t rely on timing alone. See temperature chart below for exact temps.
  • Let the meat rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to settle back into the meat.

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Popular methods for roasting beef tenderloin

There’s no right or wrong way, and as you can see, there are multiple techniques for cooking this cut of meat.

Certified Angus Beef (the method I’m using) sears the meat in a 450F oven for 15 minutes and then turns down the heat to 325F to finish cooking.

Ina Garten slides the seasoned roast into a 500F oven and cooks for 25 minutes for medium rare.

The Pioneer Woman cooks her at 475F for 20-25 minutes.

America’s Test Kitchen grills the filet for 12 minutes on the hot side of a gas grill, then finishes on the cooler side (300F) for another hour or until it reaches 125F inside.

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Favorite sauces for tenderloin of beef

This is almost my favorite part ~ I love what a great sauce can bring to beef.

Browned butter garlic sauce ~ an easy peasy pan sauce that never disappoints, and what I used today.

Creamy horseradish sauce is a classic. Sour cream is blended with fresh grated horseradish and a touch of vinegar and salt. Simple and powerful, I love it.

Cranberry horseradish sauce would be spectacular for the holidays.

Chimichurri ~ nobody knows beef better than the Argentinians, and their signature herb sauce is epic with tenderloin.

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What goes with filet of beef

  • French Potato Onion Gratin
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Roasted Apple and Radicchio Salad
  • Creamed Brussels Sprouts
  • Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart
  • Buttered Rutabagas
  • Butter Pecan Pumpkin Souffle
  • Sweet Corn Spoonbread Casserole
  • Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

How to serve beef tenderloin

  • Beef tenderloin can be served whole, and sliced at the table, or sliced ahead of time. Just be sure to have a large platter handy.
  • For holidays and special occasions I like to frame the meat with sprigs of mixed herbs.
  • This dish is perfect for Christmas because the green and red peppercorns fit right into the holiday color scheme.

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Forget all about those carving lessons you got from your uncle

This tenderloin is a cinch to slice up. Just grab your sharpest knife and cut into thick or thin slices (after it has rested for 10 minutes, of course.) It’ll slice like butter! Arrange them on a platter and surround with a few fresh herbs for looks.

This is an ideal main course for any holiday, when I think you’ll really appreciate the ease of prep. While your friends and family are enjoying their appetizers you can slide it in the oven and know it will be done to perfection in under an hour.

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How to Roast a Whole Beef Tenderloin

5 from 12 votes

How to Roast Beef Tenderloin (aka filet of beef or Chateaubriand) ~I'll give you easy instructions for the perfect roast, no muss no fuss ~ just juicy meat! Ideal for special occasions and holiday meals.

Print RecipePin RecipeRate Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes

Cook Time:45 minutes

Servings: 8 -10 servings

Equipment

  • Instant read meat thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 4-5 pound beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied
  • olive oil
  • coarse salt
  • 3 Tbsp multicolored peppercorns

Garlic browned butter sauce

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • salt

Instructions

  • Remove the meat from the refrigerator and let rest on the counter for 1-2 hours, covered.

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  • Preheat the oven to 450F

  • Crush the peppercorns either in a small food processor, a spice grinder, or with a rolling pin. Crush them to a rough cracked stage, it's fine if a few are still whole.

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  • Rub the meat all over with olive oil. Then salt it generously, all over.

  • Press the crushed peppercorns onto the surface of the meat, all around the tenderloin. Arrange the meat in your roasting pan or on your baking sheet.

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  • Roast at 450F for 15 minutes, then, without opening the door, turn the heat down to 325F and continue roasting until an instant read thermometor inserted in the thickest part reads 125F for mediun rare. (the internal temp will rise a bit as it rests.) The exact time will depend on your particular roast, mine took about 30 minutes.

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  • Let the meat rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10 minutes before slicing.

  • In the meantime make the sauce: melt the butter over medium heat in a small heavy bottomed saucepan and add the smashed garlic cloves. Cook the butter until it turns a golden nutty brown, stirring or swirling the pan almost constantly. Watch carefully because the butter can go from golden to burnt very quickly. If your butter isn't turning brown, just keep cooking, it will. It should only take a few minutes. I like to use a silicone spoonula to scrape the bottom of the pan so nothing scorches. Remove the garlic cloves and add salt to taste.

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  • Use a sharp carving knife to slice the meat. You can do 1/2 inch slices, or go for larger, filet sized slices, it's up to you.

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  • Arrange the sliced beef on a platter, surround with herbs, if you like, and drizzle with the sauce. Serve extra sauce on the side.

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Notes

Internal temperature chart for cooking beef

Rare120-130 °FRed
Medium Rare130-135 °FPink
Medium135-145 °FSome Pink
Well145-155 °FSliver of Light Pink

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Sue Moran

Keyword: beef, beef tenderloin, Christmas, holidays, roast, Thanksgiving

Did You Make This?We love seeing what you've made! Tag us on social media at @theviewfromgreatisland for a chance to be featured.

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How to Roast Beef Tenderloin (2024)

FAQs

What temperature should I roast beef tenderloin? ›

For a 2-1/2-pound beef tenderloin, roast the meat uncovered for 20 minutes at 250°F. Then turn up the heat to 425°F. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of meat registers 135°F (about 30 to 40 minutes).

Which cooking method is best for beef tenderloin? ›

By roasting the meat on low heat for a few hours, you allow it to cook to the same temperature all the way through, instead of having it be more done on the outside than in the middle. Searing the tenderloin at the end adds beautiful color and the most delicious crispy crust.

How long does it take to cook a tenderloin in the oven? ›

How Long To Cook Beef Tenderloin? Searing the outside of the beef tenderloin should take about 12 to 15 minutes (about 3 to 5 minutes per side), followed by 20 to 25 minutes in the oven for a total of about 40 to 45 minutes.

How long does it take to cook beef tenderloin per pound? ›

Place the tenderloin on a rack over a roasting pan and place into an oven that is preheated to 500ºF. Roast for 15 minutes at 500F. After the first 15 minutes, reduce heat to 325F and roast for about 10 minutes per pound until the meat reaches 130ºF for medium rare and 155F for medium doneness.

Is it better to cook beef tenderloin fast or slow? ›

This Beef Tenderloin is roasted at a low temperature and, using the reverse-sear technique, then finished under the broiler. Slow cooking the beef first allows for even cooking from the edge to center of the beef. Broiling and basting the tenderloin, at the end of cooking, will add color and flavor.

Should you sear beef tenderloin before roasting? ›

The best way to cook beef tenderloin is a two-step process: sear, then roast. The tenderloin gets a nice crusty brown exterior, which adds delicious flavor and texture to an otherwise lean cut. Begin by seasoning the beef with kosher salt and pepper.

How do I keep my tenderloin from drying out? ›

Brush the pork tenderloin with additional marinade, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the pork reaches a temperature of 145°F, then remove it from the oven. Cooking the pork tenderloin at the high temperature of 425 degrees F helps it cook quickly and prevents it from drying out.

How do you not overcook beef tenderloin? ›

Thinner pieces will overcook, while thicker pieces will end up too rare. When cooking a whole beef tenderloin, tuck its end under itself and then tie the whole thing up so that it is the same thickness all the way around.

How do I make my tenderloin tender? ›

8 Simple Ways to Make Tough Meat Tender
  1. Physically tenderize the meat. ...
  2. Use a marinade. ...
  3. Don't forget the salt. ...
  4. Let it come up to room temperature. ...
  5. Cook it low-and-slow. ...
  6. Hit the right internal temperature. ...
  7. Rest your meat. ...
  8. Slice against the grain.
26 Jan 2018

Do I cover my pork tenderloin when I put it in the oven? ›

Do you cook a pork tenderloin covered or uncovered? A baked pork tenderloin recipe needs to be covered if you want to keep it from drying out. This will ensure you get juicy and delicious meat when you're ready to serve dinner!

How long does a 2 pound beef tenderloin take to cook? ›

Salt and pepper the roast liberally. Place the roast on a rack on top of a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes per pound for rare, and about 30 to 35 minutes per pound for medium rare.

Should I wrap my beef tenderloin in foil? ›

Cook beef wrapped in foil for superior flavor and texture. The Cook's Thesaurus names beef loin, especially filet mignon, as the tenderest cut of beef but not necessarily the most flavorful. Cooking beef in foil adds flavor while preserving the natural texture of the meat.

Can you overcook beef tenderloin? ›

Tenderloin is lean and one of the most tender cuts around, but the lack of fat means that overcooking it will result in dry, tough meat. Follow this tip: Tenderloin is best served rare or medium-rare, so use a thermometer to make sure it doesn't get cooked past 140°F in the center.

What temperature should a beef tenderloin be for medium? ›

The USDA recommends steaks and roasts be cooked to 145°F (medium) and then rested for at least 3 minutes.

How many does a 5 pound tenderloin feed? ›

If you're feeding four people, you will need 1 pound (16 ounces) of raw, trimmed beef tenderloin, which will yield 3 ounces cooked beef per person. A five-pound trimmed tenderloin will feed 20 people, and so on.

Is better to cook beef tenderloin in high temperature or low temperature? ›

Low-Temperature Roasting

Low-heat roasting— 225°F to 300°F, or 200°F to 275°F in a convection oven—will produce a roast with rosy interior that's evenly cooked all the way through, but you won't get much in the way of a well-seared crust.

Should I Season beef tenderloin overnight? ›

Beef tenderloin cooks quickly. You can rub it down with salt, garlic and herbs and let it rest in the fridge overnight — or not. Even a couple of hours ahead will bring out its deep, mineral, beefy flavor.

Do you cook beef tenderloin fat side up or down? ›

Place the beef tenderloin, fat side up, on the grill rack over the drip pan ($8, Target). Cover and grill: 45 minutes to 1 hour for a 2- to 3-pound roast (135°F medium rare). 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for a 4- to 5-pound roast (135°F medium rare).

Do I season my roast before or after searing? ›

Season. Just before cooking, sprinkle with salt and pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend. The seasoning will stick to the surface of your meat and help create that amazing crust.

Do you use oil when searing a roast? ›

Use a thin coating of oil

When searing, the oil is less of a cooking medium and more of a way to get uniform surface contact between the meat and the pan. This will give you a nice, even caramelization and prevent some spots from burning while other spots are still pale.

How do you prep beef tenderloin? ›

Here's how you do it.
  1. Step 1: Remove the Chain. ...
  2. Step 2: Slide the Knife Tip Under the Connective Tissue. ...
  3. Step 3: Slide the Blade Through. ...
  4. Step 4: Slide Knife in Reverse. ...
  5. Step 5: Trim Excess Fat. ...
  6. Step 6: Trim the Fat End. ...
  7. Step 7: Ready to Tie. ...
  8. Step 8: Fold the Narrow End Back.

Should beef tenderloin be cooked covered or uncovered? ›

Bake uncovered 40 to 50 minutes or until thermometer reads at least 140°F. Cover beef with tent of aluminum foil and let stand about 15 minutes or until thermometer reads 145°F. (Temperature will continue to rise about 5°, and beef will be easier to carve.)

Should I salt my beef tenderloin before cooking? ›

Why It Works. Salting the roast and letting it rest uncovered overnight makes for deeper seasoning, plus a drier surface for more efficient browning. Slow-roasting in a low oven cooks the tenderloin evenly from edge to center.

Should you rinse beef tenderloin? ›

However, washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination.

What does baking soda do to a beef tenderloin? ›

Baking soda applied to the tenderloin increases the surface pH, accelerating the Maillard browning reaction for added flavor before the direct heat overcooks the meat.

Why do you tie a beef tenderloin before cooking? ›

Tying beef tenderloin not only keeps the meat about even from edge to edge, which allows for even cooking time, but also limits the amount the meat spreads while cooking.

Why is my beef tenderloin mushy? ›

The “mush” comes from the meat being pushed by the feedscrew through the plate holes but not being cut clean by the knife. This is caused if the knife and/or plate are dull or the tension between the plate and knife is not sufficient to allow the knife to clean cut the meat.

Should you baste a tenderloin? ›

While cooking, baste the tenderloin regularly with the butter sage sauce. Let the meat rest for 3-4 minutes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Is it better to cook a pork tenderloin at 350 or 400? ›

Pork tenderloin can be cooked at a variety of different temperatures but cooking it at a high temperature like 400 degrees, will give you great color and flavor on the outside.

Should you sear pork tenderloin before baking? ›

For the best, juiciest pork tenderloin, sear the pork on all sides in a skillet before finishing in the oven. The spice blend you use is up to you; we love using a spicy steak spice blend or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked at in the oven? ›

Pre-heat oven to 325F (165C). Bake pork tenderloin in the oven UNCOVERED for approximately 20-25 MINUTES *PER POUND*. Or until internal temperature reaches 155F (68C), rested to a final 160F (71C).

How many does a 2 pound beef tenderloin feed? ›

Since beef tenderloin is a relatively lean, boneless cut of beef and tends to be quite expensive, you can easily cut down that recommendation to 6 ounces of beef per person, especially if your dinner menu includes a few hearty sides. For feeding four to six guests, you'll want a roast between 1 1/2 to 2 pounds.

How long does a 2 pound roast take at 350? ›

A good rule of thumb is 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for rare, 30 minutes per pound for medium, and 40 minutes per pound for well done. Of course, these are only estimates and you should always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your roast is cooked to the desired level of doneness. 1.

How long and at what temperature do you cook a 2 lb beef roast? ›

Regardless of the size of your roast, aim for cooking at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), for 20 minutes per pound. After resting for 15 to 20 minutes your roast should reach its final internal temperature, which could be 5 to 15 degrees higher than when removed from the oven.

How long should beef tenderloin sit out before cooking? ›

Once thawed, remove your roast from the refrigerator at least one hour (but not more than two hours) before cooking to allow the roast to come to room temperature. Season your Beef Tenderloin Roast well.

Should you turn beef with foil when roasting? ›

When cooking a roast in the oven, keep it uncovered until roasted to the desired doneness. After removing from the oven, tent with foil and let stand 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing them from draining out during carving—and preventing dry, disappointing meat.

Should I leave beef tenderloin uncovered in fridge? ›

Salt the meat with sea salt and leave uncovered in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Take the meat out at least one hour (two hours is better) prior to roasting. Sear the meat, a few minutes on each side (sides meaning all four sides).

How many people will a 7 lb beef tenderloin feed? ›

A whole tenderloin can range from 5 to 8 lbs and can feed 6 to 12 people, depending on slices cut and sides served with it. If I am making a beef tenderloin for an intimate celebration of 2 to 6 people, I usually choose to make the center cut.

How long does tenderloin take at 225? ›

on rimmed baking sheet elevated on a cooling rack, Bake at 225 degrees for 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hrs or until center reaches 125* (rare) or 130* (med rare). Since this is a low temp cook there will be almost no carryover cooking so take beef out when desired temp is reached.

What is the best temperature for roasting beef? ›

Preheat your oven to the correct temperature to ensure your cooking time is accurate: 220C/Gas 7/fan 200C. Cook larger roasting joints on a high heat for the first 20 minutes to let the heat really penetrate the meat and give it a good crust on the outside.

What is the best thickness for beef tenderloin? ›

DON'T cut steaks that are less than 1 1/2 inches or it will cook too fast and you are very likely to over-cook it. The best thickness for a filet mignon is 1 1/2 or 2 inches. Use a sharp knife to cut the tenderloin center into steaks. You now have the steaks that are ready to be cooked.

What temp is beef most tender? ›

160 to 180 Degrees Fahrenheit

Collagen starts to dissolve at 160 degrees and is fully dissolved at 180 degrees, with fall-off-the-bone tenderness. At this point, the meat is dryer, from losing a lot of moisture, but is as tender as meat can get.

How many minutes per pound should you cook a beef tenderloin? ›

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly brush roast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a roasting pan approximately 15 minutes per pound for medium-rare (a 3.5 pound roast will take about 45 minutes to cook) or to desired internal temperature.

How big of a beef tenderloin do I need for 6 adults? ›

For feeding four to six guests, you'll want a roast between 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. This will give each of your guests three to four (1/2-inch) slices on the plate, as well as a small portion of seconds or leftovers.

How long does it take to cook a 5.5 lb beef tenderloin? ›

Place the tenderloin on a rack over a roasting pan and place into an oven that is preheated to 500ºF. Roast for 15 minutes at 500F. After the first 15 minutes, reduce heat to 325F and roast for about 10 minutes per pound until the meat reaches 130ºF for medium rare and 155F for medium doneness.

How long does it take to cook a beef tenderloin at 350? ›

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly brush roast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a roasting pan approximately 15 minutes per pound for medium-rare (a 3.5 pound roast will take about 45 minutes to cook) or to desired internal temperature.

Do you cook a roast at 325 or 350? ›

The perfect temperature to roast at (after searing) is 325 °F. Refer to the Roast Perfect App for specific times for your roast cut.

How long does it take to cook tenderloin at 400? ›

A pork tenderloin will take about 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven at 400 degrees F.

Should you cover beef with foil when roasting? ›

When cooking a roast in the oven, keep it uncovered until roasted to the desired doneness. After removing from the oven, tent with foil and let stand 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing them from draining out during carving—and preventing dry, disappointing meat.

What oven setting is best for roasting? ›

Roasting is typically used for foods with a solid structure such as vegetables and meats, roasting uses the bake setting at 400ºF (204ºC) or higher to brown the surface and develop flavor.

Is it better to cook a roast on low heat or high heat? ›

Turn the heat down, way down, and cook it for a long time. Roasting beef at 225 degrees, about 100 degrees lower than most recipes call for, produces a much better roast than one cooked at higher temperatures.

Can you overcook tenderloin? ›

As noted above, pork tenderloin is very lean—much like a chicken breast. Fat contributes to the feeling of juiciness in cooked meat, as well as contributing greatly to flavor. Lean meats easily become very dry when overcooked by even a couple of degrees.

How long does it take to cook a 4 lb tenderloin? ›

Beef Tenderloin Recipe Temps
  1. 3 lb. roast: 30 minutes.
  2. 4 lb. roast: 40 minutes.
  3. 5 lb. roast: 50 minutes.
  4. 6 lb. roast: 1 hour.

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