Cooking a beef tenderloin is one of the simplest and most impressive meals to make for a stunning holiday centerpiece. Whether grilled, roasted, or smoked, we take simple seasonings and precise temperature control to achieve a succulent, evenly cooked roast. This recipe for Beef Tenderloin combines the classic flavors of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the natural taste of the beef without overpowering it.
How To Make Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin, known for its tenderness and flavor, is a versatile choice for any cooking method, be it grilling, smoking, or roasting. When cut into steaks, it is known as the filet mignon, a favorite for special occasions or a weekend family meal. The key is to maintain a high initial cooking temperature to sear the outside, locking in flavors and then reducing the heat to allow the inside to cook evenly without overcooking or drying out.
Simple Seasonings, Maximum Flavor
The combination of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in this recipe is designed to complement the natural flavors of the beef without overwhelming it. This simple seasoning approach ensures that the tenderloin remains the star of the dish, with each spice playing a supporting role that enhances the overall taste.
If you have a favorite beef rub that you want to use, do it! There are many great options out there that would all be excellent for a beef tenderloin roast.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
Proper preparation is crucial for this recipe. Trimming excess fat and tying the tenderloin with baker’s twine helps ensure that the roast cooks evenly. Monitoring the internal temperature is critical for achieving the desired level of doneness, making a meat thermometer a required tool for this recipe.
We love the ThermoWorks line of thermometers. Whether it is the Signal, which is WiFi enabled and connects to an app on your phone, or the ThermoWorks Smoke, which has a portable temperature monitor with alarms, you’ll never have to worry about overcooking your meat if you always have an eye on the temperature.
Variations for Every Taste
This recipe is fully adaptable to various cooking devices like grills, pellet smokers, or ovens, so pick your favorite or what is most convenient for you. You’ll get more smoke flavor from the pellet smoker than a grill, which is a favorite of our when it comes to beef.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Versatility in Cooking Methods: Whether grilled, roasted, or smoked, this recipe delivers outstanding results.
- Easy and Straightforward Preparation: This recipe is ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: You don’t have to go out to a fancy restaurant to enjoy a delicious 5-star steak at home.
- Bold and Balanced Flavors: The seasoning blend enhances the beef’s natural taste without dominating the flavor profile.
More Easy Traeger Beef Recipes here!
Beef Tenderloin shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Beef Tenderloin
- Kosher Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Baker’s Twine (for tying)
Try our Traeger Smoked Beef Tenderloin too!
How to make Beef Tenderloin
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
1
Prep
Preheat your cooking device to 450°F and prepare the tenderloin.
2
Season
Coat the tenderloin evenly with the seasoning mix.
3
Cook
Follow the two-phase cooking process for optimal results.
4
Rest
Allow the roast to rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
5
Slice & Enjoy
Slice the roast and enjoy while hot!
Try with our Homemade Chimichurri!
Beef Tenderloin FAQ
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Beef Tenderloin is best served immediately after cooking and slicing. I wouldn’t recommend making this in advance on purpose. That’s not to say that any leftovers won’t be delicious.
What’s the best way to store and reheat the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop with butter to maintain tenderness.
How can I ensure my beef tenderloin is cooked to the perfect temperature?
Use a meat thermometer and follow the recommended internal temperature for your preferred level of doneness. We love the ThermoWorks Smoke!
| ROAST TEMPERATURE CHART | PULL | FINAL |
| RARE | 115° | 120° |
| MID-RARE | 125° | 130° |
| MEDIUM | 130° | 135° |
| MEDIUM-WELL | 135° | 140° |
| WELL | 140° | 145° |
Can I add other spices to the seasoning mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices like rosemary or thyme for a personalized flavor.
Use leftovers in this Beef Barley Soup Recipe!
Serve this with…
More great recipes to love!
- Butter-Basted Smoked Prime Rib
- Traeger Ribeye
- Tomahawk Steak
- Filet Mignon with Whiskey Garlic Shrimp
- Smoked Whole Sirloin Cap Roast
Beef Tenderloin
A tender, juicy beef tenderloin is simple to make, and is such an impressive main course! Invite your favorite beef-lovers over and pick up one of these massive roasts!
Ingredients
- 6 pound beef tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your grill, pellet smoker, or oven to 450°F.
- Trim excess fat from the tenderloin and cut it into evenly sized pieces if your tenderloin tapers significantly. Two or three are usually enough to ensure even cooking. (If your tenderloin is equal thickness throughout you can skip this part.)
- Tie some bakers twine around each piece to keep it compact.
- Coat the tenderloin in the seasonings and place it on a rack over a baking sheet. Place it into your desired cooking device.
- Close the lid and cook for 15 minutes. Flip the tenderloin and close the lid for another 10 minutes.
- Turn the temperature down to 225°F. Leave the grill lid or oven door open for a minute or two to drop the temperature down.
- Close and let cook until the internal temperature is 5°F under your desired finished temperature (use the chart in the post). For medium-rare, we pull at 125°F.
- Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes, tented in foil, until slicing.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1107Total Fat: 84gSaturated Fat: 33gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 38gCholesterol: 289mgSodium: 1138mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 82g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.
Henk Janssen
Friday 29th of December 2023
Do you have a recipe for pork tenderloin on my pellet grill? Thanks
Nicole Johnson
Saturday 30th of December 2023
Yup! I have lots of them. If you search for "pork tenderloin" using the search bar, you can find them all. Here are links to the two most popular: https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2022/07/grilled-pork-tenderloin.html https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2023/05/smoked-pork-tenderloin.html