The Best Beef Tenderloin Temperature for Perfectly Cooked Meat (2024)

Serving a beef tenderloin roast will turn any occasion into a true celebration. Here, you’ll learn how to cook beef tenderloin—think grilled beef tenderloin roasts and steaks—so it turns out perfectly, including beef tenderloin temperature for cooking, prep suggestions, and recipes. You’ll learn how to cook beef tenderloin in the oven, grill a tenderloin, and roast and grill tenderloin steaks, so there won’t be any recipe you can’t master.

How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Roasts

There’s more than one way to cook that whole beef tenderloin (beef loin or tenderloin roast). When handling the entire tenderloin, or at least multiple pounds of beef tenderloin, we suggest roasting it in the oven or grilling over indirect heat. Try it both ways, then decide which you like best.

How to Prepare Beef Tenderloin Roasts

1. Trim any fat and silver skin (the thin, pearlescent membrane running along the top of the tenderloin) from the tenderloin. For even easier prep, look for a tenderloin with the outside fat and connective tissue removed at the store, or ask the butcher to do it.
2. Season as desired—don’t skip this step! Seasoning beef tenderloin is essential because its lower fat content (compared to other cuts such as rib roasts) means less flavor.
3. Beef tenderloin can sometimes cook unevenly; to combat that, tie it up. For a whole tenderloin, fold under the tapered end (tail) and tie with cooking twine (or cut that end off for even cooking).
4. Browning first is optional, but it benefits the meat by caramelizing the outside and locking in the juices. Quickly brown the tenderloin on all sides in a large skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium-high.
5. Transfer the roast to a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert an oven-going thermometer ($20, Target) into the center of the tenderloin.
6. Roast, uncovered, until desired doneness according to the timings below. Transfer the tenderloin to a cutting board and cover with foil. Let stand 15 minutes before slicing. The beef tenderloin temperature will rise as it rests.

One of our favorite roasted beef tenderloin recipes is this simple recipe for oven-roasted tenderloin that needs only a handful of ingredients—plus your favorite dipping sauce!

How Long to Cook Beef Tenderloin Roasts

Knowing how long to cook and the right beef tenderloin temperature is key to any tenderloin recipe. Timings are based on meat removed directly from the refrigerator. For roasts that are 2 to 3 pounds, roast at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 45 to 50 minutes for medium (150°F) doneness. For roasts weighing 4 to 5 pounds, roast at 425°F for 50 to 60 minutes for medium rare (135°F) and 60 to 70 minutes for medium (150°F).

Keep in mind that these beef tenderloin temperatures and cooking times might vary slightly depending on your oven. Check the beef tenderloin temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it's cooked the way you like. Insert an oven-going meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. When the thermometer reads 135°F, your roast will be medium rare; when it reads 150°F, your tenderloin will be medium.

How to Grill Beef Tenderloin Roasts

Grilled beef tenderloin will be just as tender as roasted, with the added deliciousness of smoky flavors from the grill. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare your charcoal or gas grill for indirect heat using a drip pan.
2. Test for medium-high heat above the drip pan. Medium-high heat on your grill is 375°F to 400°F, or when you can hold your hand close to cooking level for 3 seconds or less.
3. Place the beef tenderloin, fat side up, on the grill rack over the drip pan ($10, Target).
4. Cover and grill 45 minutes to 1 hour for a 2- to 3-pound roast (135°F medium rare) or 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for a 4- to 5-pound roast (135°F medium rare).
5. Cover with foil and let stand 15 minutes before slicing. The temperature of the meat will rise 10°F during the standing time.

How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Steaks

One clear advantage of grilling or sautéing steaks instead of cooking whole beef tenderloin? A much quicker cooking time. When you want to enjoy all the tenderness of a roast without waiting for it to cook, turn to a beef tenderloin steak (filet mignon) recipe instead.

How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Steaks in a Skillet

1. Start with beef tenderloin steaks cut ¾-inch to 1-inch thick (1 inch for grilling). Trim fat from steaks. Season as desired. Timings are based on meat removed directly from the refrigerator.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high until hot. Add 1 Tbsp. butter; reduce heat to medium. (Or coat cool skillet with nonstick cooking spray before heating; continue as directed.)
3. Cook, uncovered, 7 to 9 minutes for ¾-inch steaks to desired doneness (145°F for medium rare, 160°F for medium) or 10 to 13 minutes for 1-inch steaks to desired doneness (145°F for medium rare, 160°F for medium)

How to Grill Beef Tenderloin Steaks

To grill beef tenderloin steaks by direct heat:

1. Prepare charcoal or gas grill for direct grilling over medium heat.
2. How long to grill beef tenderloin steaks is determined by the steak thickness. Grill, uncovered, turning steaks once halfway through grilling. For 1 inch thick: 10 to 12 minutes (145°F medium rare) or 12 to 15 minutes (160°F medium). For 1½ inches thick: 15 to 19 minutes (145°F medium rare) or 18 to 23 minutes (160°F medium)
3. Remove steaks from grill; cover and let stand 5 minutes.

To grill beef tenderloin steaks by indirect heat:

1. Prepare your charcoal or gas grill for indirect heat using a drip pan. Test for medium heat above the drip pan. Medium heat on your grill is 350°F to 375°F, or when you can hold your hand close to cooking level for 4 seconds or less.
2. How long to grill beef tenderloin steaks is determined by the steak thickness (see below). Grill, covered. For 1 inch thick: 16 to 20 minutes (145°F medium rare) or 20 to 24 minutes (160°F medium). For 1½ inches thick: 22 to 25 minutes (145°F medium rare) or 25 to 28 minutes (160°F medium)
3. Remove steaks from grill; cover and let stand 5 minutes.

How to Buy the Right Amount of Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin is popular—and costly—because it’s so tender and rich. The good news is the butcher trims the tenderloin, so only the most tender meat remains, which means you’ll only have to buy as much as you need. Plan on four servings per pound to determine how much tenderloin to purchase.

Beef Tenderloin Recipes and Side Dishes

Now that you know the best ways to cook beef tenderloin, keep these tips in mind whenever you get a hankering for a juicy roast or steak. And it doesn’t always have to be a special occasion. Enjoy a grilled beef tenderloin with chimichurri for a delicious dinner that only takes an hour. Or turn your salad into a meal with tender cuts of beef tenderloin steak.

Sides can elevate your meal, adding texture and flavor that enhance the tenderloin. Mashed potatoes made with garden-fresh herbs or added to a tasty veggie strada are always good choices. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts is an indulgent (but still vitamin-packed) way to round out your plate or whip up a kale gratin to add a creamy taste.

No matter which method of cooking tenderloin you choose, it will be a memorable feast.