How Much Beef Tenderloin Do You Need For 6 Adults? A Detailed Guide

Beef tenderloin is one of the most tender, delicious cuts of beef you can serve. Also known as filet mignon, this cut practically melts in your mouth with its soft, buttery texture. However, tenderloin is also one of the most expensive cuts per pound.

So how much should you buy for a dinner party with 6 adults? Here is a complete guide to help you figure out exactly how many pounds of tenderloin you need

What is Beef Tenderloin?

The tenderloin is a long, tapered muscle that runs along the back of the cow, under the spine Because this muscle doesn’t get much use, it contains very little connective tissue, making it incredibly tender.

Tenderloin is sometimes sold whole as a roast. More often, it is cut into individual filet mignon steaks, or into larger cuts like Chateaubriand or tournedos

No matter how it is cut, beef tenderloin should always be cooked to no more than medium doneness. Cooking it beyond that runs the risk of drying out this lean, delicate cut.

How Much Tenderloin Per Person?

For beef tenderloin, you’ll want to estimate about 4-6 ounces per person. This accounts for some loss during trimming and cooking.

While many protein recommendations are 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per serving, tenderloin is exceptionally pricey. Slightly smaller portions are appropriate.

A whole trimmed tenderloin averages 3-5 pounds. This provides between 6-10 servings of 4-6 ounces each.

Sample Serving Sizes

4 ounces raw = 3 ounces cooked
5 ounces raw = 4 ounces cooked
6 ounces raw = 5 ounces cooked

These serving sizes account for about 20% loss during cooking.

How Many Pounds for 6 Adults?

For 6 adults, plan for 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of trimmed tenderloin. This allows for 4-6 ounce portions per person.

Here are some specific recommendations:

1.5 pounds = 4 ounces each (smaller portions)
2 pounds = 5 ounces each
2.5 pounds = 6 ounces each (larger portions)

Ideally, have your tenderloin trimmed and tied at the grocery store or butcher shop. This removes excess fat and silverskin for more accurate weighing.

If purchasing untrimmed, add about 0.5 pound extra to account for waste.

Cooking Times for Tenderloin

To cook tenderloin perfectly medium-rare, use these guidelines:

1.5 lb roast = 20-25 minutes at 425°F then 325°F
2 lb roast = 25-30 minutes at 425°F then 325°F
2.5 lb roast = 30-35 minutes at 425°F then 325°F

Always let the meat rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing for serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness of 130°F for medium-rare.

Should You Buy Individual Steaks or a Whole Roast?

Buying a whole tenderloin roast and slicing it yourself is almost always cheaper per pound than purchasing individual filet mignon steaks.

However, a whole roast requires some work to trim, tie, and portion yourself. Steaks eliminate this extra effort for a premium price.

Either way can work well for 6 people. Just watch costs and preparation time as you make your decision.

More Tips for Perfect Tenderloin

Here are a few extra pointers as you plan your tenderloin dinner party:

Always trim silverskin and excess fat before cooking
Tie the roast evenly for better consistency
Season well with salt, pepper, and herbs
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy
Let rest before slicing to retain juices
Slice across the grain for tenderness
Pair with rich sauces like béarnaise or au poivre

An Elegant Meal for 6 Adults

Serving tenderloin for dinner guests is sure to impress. Follow these guidelines to select the perfect roast size and cook it to perfection. Pair with side dishes like roasted potatoes and green beans or asparagus for an elegant meal.

For 6 adults, plan for a 1.5 to 2.5 pound trimmed tenderloin roast. This will provide generous 4-6 ounce portions of this melt-in-your-mouth luxurious cut of beef.

How to Cook a Beef Tenderloin Roast

FAQ

How many does a 5 pound beef tenderloin serve?

The tenderloin itself, once trimmed and cooked, serves about 2-3 people per pound as part of a larger meal, so often anywhere from 12-16 people for a whole one.

How big of a beef tenderloin do I need for 6 adults?

Since beef tenderloin is a relatively lean, boneless cut of beef and tends to be quite expensive, you can easily cut down that recommendation to 6 ounces of beef per person, especially if your dinner menu includes a few hearty sides. For feeding four to six guests, you’ll want a roast between 1 1/2 to 2 pounds.

How many servings in a 4 lb beef tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin comes from the loin—under the backbone and tucked between the rib and sirloin. Since this area doesn’t get much of a workout, the meat is the most tender cut of beef available. Because it’s lean and boneless, it’s a cinch to work with. Plan on four servings per pound.

How much beef tenderloin to feed 7?

To get started, you might wonder how much beef tenderloin per person to plan your dinner party. In general, I recommend 8 ounces of beef tenderloin per person.

How much beef tenderloin for 6 adults?

Generally, you would want to plan for about 8 ounces of beef tenderloin per person when serving 6 adults. This will give everyone enough to enjoy and have a few leftovers. If you are looking for a heartier meal, up the servings to 10-12 ounces per person.

How many servings of lean meats should one have per day?

Ideally, each person consumes between 300 and 500 g of meat per week, which means a very small steak per day. This includes red and white meats such as chicken and fish, although they are less fatty.

How many people can a whole beef tenderloin feed?

Depending on how it is sliced and what sides are served with it, a whole tenderloin that weighs between 5 and 8 pounds can feed six and twelve people. I typically prepare the center cut of a beef tenderloin for a small gathering of 2 to 6 people. For a larger dinner that serves more than six people, a whole tenderloin is preferable.

How much Tenderloin to serve per person?

The size of the tenderloin is a crucial factor in determining how much to serve per person. A whole tenderloin typically weighs between 4 and 6 pounds, depending on the size of the cow. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can opt for a smaller piece, or you can freeze any leftovers for later.