Beef tenderloin is considered one of the most tender and delicious cuts of beef. When cooked properly, it practically melts in your mouth with rich, beefy flavor in every bite.
Cooking a beef tenderloin seems intimidating but it’s actually quite simple if you follow some basic guidelines. In this article we’ll provide a complete walk-through on how to cook a 6 pound beef tenderloin, from start to finish.
Overview of Beef Tenderloin
The tenderloin is a long, tapered muscle located along the back of the cow. It’s very tender because it doesn’t get much exercise, making it perfect for quick cooking methods like grilling or roasting.
Some key facts about beef tenderloin:
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Extremely tender due to lack of exercise by the muscle.
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Has very little fat marbled throughout
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Can be quite expensive compared to other cuts
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Popular cooking methods include grilling, roasting, sautéing and broiling.
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Common preparations are filet mignon or a full roasted tenderloin.
Determining Cook Time for a 6 Pound Tenderloin
The most important factor in achieving tender, juicy results is properly determining the cook time. Here are some general guidelines:
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For a 6 pound tenderloin, estimate 20-25 minutes per pound at an oven temperature of 425°F.
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This equals a total cook time of 2-2.5 hours for a 6 pound tenderloin.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and determine doneness.
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Cook to an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.
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Always let the tenderloin rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
The advantage of roasting at a higher oven temperature is you get a nice sear on the exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Slow roasting at lower temperatures can result in a less caramelized exterior.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for foolproof results when cooking a 6 pound beef tenderloin:
1. Prepare the Tenderloin
-Trim off any excess fat or silver skin. Tie with butcher’s twine to promote even cooking.
-Coat all over with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Can also use other dried herbs or spices.
-For extra flavor, consider marinating for a few hours or up to overnight.
2. Sear the Tenderloin
-Preheat oven to 425°F.
-Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over high heat.
-Sear tenderloin on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Roast the Tenderloin
-Transfer seared tenderloin to a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet.
-Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, until it reaches desired internal temperature.
-Baste occasionally with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
4. Rest and Slice the Tenderloin
-Remove tenderloin from oven and loosely tent with foil. Let rest 10-15 minutes.
-Slice into 1/2-inch thick slices. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
Implementing these simple tips will help ensure your 6 pound tenderloin turns out perfectly cooked:
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Bring meat to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
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Use a thermometer to monitor doneness instead of relying on cook time alone.
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Baste during cooking to prevent the lean tenderloin from drying out.
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Allow meat to rest before slicing to retain juices.
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Slice across the grain for the most tender bites.
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Avoid overcooking or the tenderloin will become tough.
Cooking Methods Beyond Roasting
While roasting in the oven is a foolproof cooking method, you can also prepare beef tenderloin using:
Grilling – Gets great charred flavor from the grill. Cook over direct high heat turning occasionally until desired doneness.
Sous Vide – Cooks the tenderloin gently in a water bath for ultimate moisture. Finish by searing.
Pan Searing – Quick weeknight preparation. Sear in a hot pan before finishing in the oven.
Slow Cooker – Allow meat to cook low and slow in a slow cooker for ultra-tender results.
Serving Suggestions
Beef tenderloin is very versatile and pairs nicely with a variety of sides:
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Roast potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes
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Sauteed mushrooms or grilled vegetables
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Fresh green beans or asparagus
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Spinach or kale salad
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Yorkshire puddings or dinner rolls
Don’t forget to make a pan sauce, compound butter or horseradish cream to serve alongside the tenderloin.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Like any meat, proper storage of leftovers is important:
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Allow cooked tenderloin to cool completely before refrigerating.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
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Freeze sliced tenderloin for longer storage. Thaw overnight in fridge before use.
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Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave just until warmed through.
With this complete guide, you can confidently tackle cooking the perfect 6 pound beef tenderloin. Just remember to calculate cook time based on weight, use a thermometer, and follow the simple roasting technique. In no time, you’ll be serving incredibly tender, delicious beef tenderloin to your lucky guests or family. Enjoy!
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Prepping the Tenderloin
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Although any tenderloin is going to be relatively expensive, you can save a few bucks by buying a PSMO tenderloin. Thats short for Peeled, Silver Skin, and Side Muscle Left On. Thisll save you a few bucks along with providing you with a few extra scraps for other cooking projects. Your butcher will most likely have these in vacuum packs.
Once you have the PSMO tenderloin in hand, its time to start breaking it down. Start by cutting loose the side muscle that runs almost the length of the entire cut. From there you can start cutting away the remaining fat and trimming off the silver skin by gently gliding your knife right underneath it, trying keep as much meat in place as possible.
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Now you have a completely trimmed tenderloin, but youll notice that one end is thicker than the other. For even cooking, we want an even thickness. To create this, take the smaller end of the tenderloin and fold it under by about 2 inches. Tie this in place with a couple pieces of butcher twine, along with any other loose meat created by trimming the fat, and youre done.
How to Select the Best Beef Tenderloin
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In prepping to grill one myself, I first talked to the Sultan of Steak himself, Mark Pastore, President of Pat LaFrieda Meat. His number one piece of advice: Dont skimp on quality—this isnt the place to go cheap.
As muscles work, they produce myoglobin and fat, where most of the flavor we associate with beef comes from. The tenderloin is a relatively unused muscle that is cut from the loin section of the cow, just inside the rib cage along the spinal column, and since it doesnt see much action, it contains less myoglobin and fat than other cuts. This makes for incredibly tender meat, but without that big, beefy flavor. So while any tenderloin will be tender, Choice or Prime grade roasts from an Angus or heritage breed steer will have comparatively more marbled fat, and thus, more flavor to speak of. Ask your butcher for the best theyve got.
Mark graciously provided me with a 6 and 1/3-pound Choice Premium Black Angus whole beef tenderloin from Creekstone Farms to demonstrate grill-roasting. It was a perfect example of what a great tenderloin should be.
The PERFECT tenderloin Roast #steak
FAQ
What is the cooking time chart for beef tenderloin?
| Type of roast | Oven temperature | Cooking time |
|---|---|---|
| Beef tenderloin Whole (5-7 lbs) | 425°F | 40-55 mins |
| Beef tenderloin Half (2-3 lbs) | 425°F | 30-40 mins |
| Prime rib (boneless) Whole | 350°F | 10-15 mins / lb |
| Prime rib (boneless) Half | 350°F | 15-18 mins / lb |
How long to cook 6 pounds of beef?
| beef cut | Strip Roast, Boneless |
|---|---|
| weight (pounds) | 3 to 4 4 to 6 6 to 8 |
| Approximate Total Cooking TIme | Medium Rare: 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours Medium: 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours Medium Rare: 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours Medium: 1-3/4 to 2 hours Medium Rare: 1-3/4 to 2 hours Medium: 2 to 2-1/4 hours |
How long does it take to cook a 6 pound roast beef?
Regardless of the size of your roast, aim to cook at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 minutes per pound.Jan 28, 2025
How many people will a 6 lb tenderloin feed?
It’s actually fairly easy to figure out how much beef tenderloin per person you need to buy: Simply purchase 8 ounces (1/2 pound) of meat for each guest. If you’re feeding six people, you’ll need 3 pounds of meat. For a larger crowd, say 12 people, you’ll need closer to 6 pounds of meat.
How long does a 6 lb beef tenderloin take to cook?
Calculate the cook time: Based on the general guideline of 20-25 minutes per pound, calculate the total cooking time for your 6 lb beef tenderloin. For example, a 6 lb tenderloin would take approximately 2-2.5 hours to cook.
How do you cook a 2-3 pound beef tenderloin?
For a 2- to 3-pound tenderloin roast, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Season the beef, then sear it in a hot oven-safe skillet. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until desired doneness. Remove the meat from the oven, tent with foil, and let stand 15 minutes before carving. The beef tenderloin temperature will rise to medium-rare (145°F) or medium (160°F) while it stands.
How long to roast beef tenderloin?
Here’s how long to roast beef tenderloin in the oven, depending on the size of your roast and your preferred doneness: For a 2- to 3-pound tenderloin roast, roast for 20 to 30 minutes. For a 4- to 5-pound tenderloin roast, roast for 35 to 45 minutes. After roasting, remove the meat from the oven, tent with foil, and let it stand for 15 minutes before carving.
How long to cook beef tenderloin in oven?
For a 4-pound beef tenderloin, roast in the oven for 25-35 minutes after searing on the stovetop. For a different size beef tenderloin, a good rule of thumb is 5-8 minutes per pound for rare, 6-9 minutes per pound for medium-rare, 7-10 minutes per pound for medium, or 8-11 minutes per pound for medium well.
Can you cook a 6 lb beef tenderloin at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can cook a 6 lb beef tenderloin at a lower temperature, such as 275-300°F (135-150°C), for a longer time for more even cooking and tenderness. 2. Can I cook a beef tenderloin without searing it first?
How do you preheat a 6lb beef tenderloin?
Before you start cooking your 6lb beef tenderloin, it’s important to preheat the oven. Preheating the oven ensures that it reaches the desired temperature before you place the beef inside, resulting in even cooking throughout. To preheat the oven: Start by setting the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).