Beef tenderloin is a popular and expensive cut of meat that is known for its tender and juicy texture. Cooking beef tenderloin can be a bit intimidating, especially when it comes to determining the cooking time. However, by following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that your beef tenderloin is cooked to perfection.

The cooking time for beef tenderloin depends on a few factors, including the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness. A general rule of thumb is to cook beef tenderloin for 15-20 minutes per pound at a temperature of 425°F (220°C). However, it’s important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the type of oven and the thickness of the meat.

To ensure that your beef tenderloin is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s recommended to use a meat thermometer. For rare beef tenderloin, the internal temperature should read 120-125°F (49-52°C). For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (55-57°C). For medium, the internal temperature should be 140-145°F (60-63°C).

Tip: It’s important to let your beef tenderloin rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more flavorful and tender meat.

Remember, cooking times can vary, so it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your beef tenderloin is cooked to perfection. Enjoy your delicious and tender beef tenderloin!

Beef Tenderloin Cooking Instructions

To cook beef tenderloin, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

First, season the beef tenderloin with salt, black pepper, and any additional herbs or spices of your choice. Rub the seasonings all over the surface of the meat.

Next, place the seasoned beef tenderloin on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly around the meat.

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone or fat. This will help you monitor the internal temperature of the meat.

Place the roasting pan with the beef tenderloin in the preheated oven. Cook the meat for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.

For medium-rare beef tenderloin, cook until the thermometer reads 135°F (57°C). For medium, cook until it reads 145°F (63°C). Remember that the temperature will continue to rise slightly as the meat rests.

Once the beef tenderloin is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the meat to reabsorb its juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

Slice the beef tenderloin into thick or thin slices, depending on your preference. Serve it warm and enjoy!

Note: These cooking instructions are a general guideline, so adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your specific recipe or desired outcome. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef tenderloin is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

Preheating the Oven

Before you start cooking your beef tenderloin, it’s important to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. Preheating the oven ensures that the meat cooks evenly and thoroughly, resulting in a delicious and tender final product.

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To preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius), follow these steps:

  1. Remove any racks or cookware from the oven. The oven should be empty.
  2. Turn the oven’s temperature dial or press the appropriate buttons to set the temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius).
  3. Press the “Start” or “Preheat” button on your oven to begin preheating. The oven will display the current temperature as it heats up.
  4. Depending on your oven, preheating may take approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the oven’s display to ensure that it reaches the desired temperature.
  5. Once the oven has reached 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius), it is fully preheated and ready for you to cook your beef tenderloin.

Remember, preheating the oven is an essential step in cooking beef tenderloin to ensure that it turns out perfectly cooked every time. So be patient and allow the oven to reach the proper temperature before proceeding with the cooking process.

Determining Cooking Time

When cooking beef tenderloin, it is important to determine the appropriate cooking time based on the weight of the meat. This ensures that the tenderloin is cooked to perfection, with a juicy and tender center.

Weight Matters

The weight of the beef tenderloin plays a crucial role in determining the cooking time. For a tenderloin cooked at 425°F, the general rule of thumb is to cook it for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound. However, it is important to remember that this is just an estimate and the actual cooking time may vary depending on various factors.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

Several factors can affect the cooking time of a beef tenderloin. These include:

1. Thickness: The thickness of the tenderloin will impact the cooking time. Thicker cuts will generally require more time to cook to the desired doneness.

2. Initial Temperature: The starting temperature of the beef tenderloin can also affect the cooking time. If the meat is taken straight from the refrigerator, it will take longer to cook than if it is brought to room temperature beforehand.

3. Desired Doneness: The level of doneness you prefer will also influence the cooking time. For example, if you prefer your beef tenderloin rare, it will take less time to cook compared to if you want it medium or well-done.

4. Oven Variations: Oven performance can vary, so it’s important to keep an eye on the tenderloin during cooking and adjust the time accordingly. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure that the tenderloin reaches the desired internal temperature.

It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to accurately determine the internal temperature of the beef tenderloin. The USDA recommends cooking beef to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F.

Calculating Cooking Time per Pound

Cooking beef tenderloin to perfection requires following the proper cooking time guidelines. It is recommended to cook the beef tenderloin at a temperature of 425°F. The cooking time can vary depending on the weight of the meat. To calculate the cooking time per pound, follow these steps:

  1. First, preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Next, determine the weight of the beef tenderloin. Use a kitchen scale to accurately measure the weight in pounds.
  3. Once you have the weight, multiply it by the recommended cooking time per pound. The recommended cooking time for beef tenderloin is approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.
  4. After multiplying the weight by the cooking time per pound, you will get the total cooking time.
  5. Set a timer based on the calculated cooking time and place the beef tenderloin in the preheated oven.
  6. During cooking, it is essential to monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The beef tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium doneness.
  7. Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the beef tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
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By following these simple steps and calculating the cooking time per pound, you can ensure that your beef tenderloin turns out perfectly cooked and delicious every time.

Preparing the Beef Tenderloin

Before cooking your beef tenderloin, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure a delicious and tender result.

1. Trim the Tenderloin

Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the beef tenderloin. This can be done using a sharp knife, being careful not to remove too much of the valuable meat.

2. Season the Tenderloin

Next, season the beef tenderloin with your desired seasonings. Popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Rub the seasonings onto the meat, ensuring that all sides are evenly coated.

3. Let it Sit at Room Temperature

Allow the seasoned beef tenderloin to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the meat cook more evenly and result in a juicier end product.

4. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the beef tenderloin is resting at room temperature. This high heat will help sear the meat and lock in the juices.

5. Sear the Tenderloin

In a hot skillet, sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until browned. This will create a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat.

6. Transfer to the Oven

Once the beef tenderloin is seared, transfer it to a roasting pan or baking dish. Place the pan in the preheated oven and cook according to the recommended cooking time per pound. The internal temperature should reach 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare.

Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef tenderloin reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the beef tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Roasting the Beef Tenderloin

Roasting beef tenderloin is a simple and delicious way to prepare this tender and flavorful cut of meat. Here’s how you can achieve a perfect roast:

1. Preparing the Tenderloin

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). While the oven is preheating, trim any excess fat or silver skin from the beef tenderloin using a sharp knife. Season the tenderloin with salt and pepper, or your choice of herbs and spices. For additional flavor, you can also rub the tenderloin with minced garlic or drizzle it with olive oil.

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2. Roasting Time

The cooking time for beef tenderloin depends on its weight. In general, you should roast the tenderloin for about 20 minutes per pound (454 grams) for medium-rare. This means that if your tenderloin weighs 2 pounds, you should roast it for approximately 40 minutes.

However, it’s always recommended to use a meat thermometer to accurately determine the internal temperature of the tenderloin. For medium-rare, the thermometer should read around 135°F (57°C). Keep in mind that the internal temperature will continue to rise a few degrees after you remove the tenderloin from the oven, so it’s best to take it out a few degrees before it reaches the desired doneness.

3. Resting the Tenderloin

Once the tenderloin reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast. Cover the tenderloin loosely with foil to keep it warm.

After the resting period, you can proceed to slice and serve the beef tenderloin. It pairs well with a variety of sauces, such as a creamy horseradish sauce or a red wine reduction.

Enjoy your perfectly roasted beef tenderloin!

Q&A

How long should I cook a 4-pound beef tenderloin at 425 degrees?

To cook a 4-pound beef tenderloin at 425 degrees, you should cook it for about 45 minutes to 1 hour for medium-rare doneness. However, cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your beef tenderloin. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

What is the cooking time for a 2-pound beef tenderloin at 425 degrees?

For a 2-pound beef tenderloin cooked at 425 degrees, you should cook it for about 30 minutes to 40 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Remember to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

I have a beef tenderloin that weighs 3.5 pounds, how long should I cook it at 425 degrees?

If you have a beef tenderloin weighing 3.5 pounds, you should cook it for approximately 40 minutes to 50 minutes at 425 degrees for medium-rare doneness. Keep in mind that actual cooking time may vary, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

What should be the cooking time for a 6-pound beef tenderloin at 425 degrees?

For a 6-pound beef tenderloin cooked at 425 degrees, the estimated cooking time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes for medium-rare doneness. However, it’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature as cooking time can vary depending on the thickness and desired level of doneness.

If I have a 5-pound beef tenderloin, how long do I cook it in the oven at 425 degrees?

If you have a 5-pound beef tenderloin, you should cook it for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes at 425 degrees for medium-rare doneness. It’s always important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.