How Long to Cook Beef Tenderloin
Depending on the level of doneness you prefer, your beef tenderloin could take between 20 and 45 minutes to cook. Beef tenderloin is sure to impress your friends and family whenever you serve it: It's a high-quality cut of meat that can be as tender as butter while also being easy to cook in your oven. For the best results, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place the meat on a roasting pan with the fat side up, then cook it until it reaches your desired level of doneness:
- Rare: 20 to 25 minutes (internal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Medium-Rare: 25 to 30 minutes (internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Medium: 30 to 35 minutes (internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Medium-Well: 35 to 40 minutes (internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Well Done: 40 to 45 minutes (internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit)
You can also use these times and internal temperatures to cook your meat on the grill if you choose to grill your beef tenderloin instead of putting it in the oven. Whether you have a charcoal grill or a gas grill, you should be able to perfectly cook your beef tenderloin on it.
No matter which method you choose, always allow your beef tenderloin to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before you cut into it; the temperature of the meat will continue to rise after removing it from the oven.