Beef Tenderloin Temperature (Best Cooking Temp and Internal Temp)
on Mar 23, 2023
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Cooking beef tenderloin at the right temperature will help you score perfectly cooked beef tenderloin that’s flavorful and moist each and every time. Here you’ll learn how to cook beef tenderloin all the ways—think grilled beef tenderloin roasts and tenderloin steaks—so it turns out perfectly, just like a pro would.
Beef tenderloin is pricier than other options you’ll find at the meat counter, but don’t let its higher price point intimidate you. Serving a beef tenderloin roast will turn any occasion into a true celebration. Don’t worry, we won’t let you overcook it.
Internal Temp for Beef Tenderloin (Doneness Chart for Beef Tenderloin)
Whether you’re cooking beef tenderloin, strip, or ribeye, use the chart below to achieve your ideal doneness when preparing steak at home. These temperatures can be used for the grill, oven, broiler or skillet.
| Beef Doneness | Description | Beef Internal Temp |
| Extra-rare (bleu) | Deep red color | 115°F (46°C) |
| Rare | Cool red center | 120 to 125°F (49 to 52°C) |
| Medium-rare | Warm red center | 130 to 135°F (54 to 57°C) |
| Medium | Warm pink center | 140 to 145°F (60 to 63°C) |
| Medium-well | Cool pink center | 145 to 150°F (63 to 66°C) |
| Well Done | Little or no pink | 155 to 165°F (68 to 74°C) |
Pro tip: always remove the steak from its heat source when it’s at the lower end of the temperature range. For example, you’ll want to remove the steak at 130°F rather than 135°F for a medium-rare steak. After you remove the steak from the heat, allow it to rest for a few minutes, which will allow the temperature to rise.
How Long to Roast Beef Tenderloin
2 – 3 pounds Tenderloin
| Doneness | Temperature | Cooking Time |
| Medium-Rare | 425°F | 35 to 40 minutes |
| Medium | 425°F | 45 to 50 minutes |
4 to 5 pounds Tenderloin
| Doneness | Temperature | Cooking Time |
| Medium-Rare | 425°F | 50 to 60 minutes |
| Medium | 425°F | 60 to 70 minutes |
Cooking times may vary based on different ovens. For a 2 to 3 pound beef tenderloin, it takes about 35 to 40 minutes to cook it to medium-rare at 425°F. For a 4-5 pound tenderloin, it will take about 50 to 60 minutes.
How to Tell When Beef Tenderloin is Done Cooking
The USDA advises that beef is safe to eat once it’s reached a minimum internal temp of 145°F, which is considered a medium-well steak. Regardless of this recommendation, many people enjoy having steak at lower temperatures, with medium-rare considered by many to be the best level of doneness.
To ensure your meat reaches the doneness you like best, check it with an instant-read thermometer. Beef tenderloin is medium rare at 135°F and medium at 150°F.
How to Cook Beef Tenderloin in a Slow Cooker
Beef tenderloin can cook very well in a slow cooker. Try following the foolproof guide for perfectly tender and juicy beef. These instructions are ideal for a 2-lb tenderloin. If you have a larger one, add 45 minutes of cooking time for each additional pound of meat.
- Preheat your skillet over high heat for 5 minutes, until hot. This will ensure meat is seared well.
- Grease the skillet with a high smoke point oil like avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Place your seasoned beef on the skillet and sear on all sides.
- Place the seared meat in your slow cooker along with the pan drippings, some beef stock, and additional seasonings.
- Cook on low heat for at least 2 to 4 hours. Start checking the doneness of your meat after 1-1/2 hours and again every 30 minutes until your desired doneness is reached.
- When your tenderloin is 5°F below the desired internal temperature, remove it from the heat and allow it to rest. It will continue to cook for a few more minutes while resting.
- Wrap tightly in foil or butcher paper once removed from the slow cooker. Allow meat to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
FAQ
What Temperature Do You Pull Beef Tenderloin Off the Gill?
Cook meat until an instant-read thermometer shows the internal temperature of the doneness you want. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat for the most accurate reading.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Beef Tenderloin at 225°F?
Slow-roasted beef tenderloin will cook for about 50 minutes and 225°F, assuming you like it medium-rare. The internal temperature will be 135°F at that stage. A larger roast of about 3 pounds will take 2.5 hours to reach that temperature. You will also have to add cooking time if you prefer your meat medium-well or well-done.
How to Avoid Overcooking Beef Tenderloin
Thicker pieces of meat cook well but thinner slices can overcook easily. To prevent the tips from burning, tuck them under the whole beef tenderloin. Check the internal temperature about 10 minutes before you expect the meat to be done in case it is cooking quicker.
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How to Grill Beef Tenderloin Roasts
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef tenderloin
- oil
Instructions
- Preheat your grill and use a drip pan for indirect cooking.
- Heat your grill until it reaches medium-high heat, 375°F to 400°F.
- Brush oil onto the drip pan and place the beef on the pan, fat side up. Cover the meat and cook.
- Remove from heat once desired internal temperature is reached.
- Cover the meat with foil and allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing into it. The temperature can increase by as much as 10°F, so keep that in mind when deciding when to remove your meat from the grill.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
