How Much Beef Tenderloin Per Person For a Crowd
The size of your group will determine how much beef tenderloin per person to serve.
If you have a small family, then it’s okay to cook one large tenderloin for all members of the family. However, if you have a larger crowd, then you should consider cooking two smaller tenderloins for each member of your party.
See below for our table of exact amounts of beef tenderloin to buy, cook and serve for a crowd of 4 to 100 people.
What is Beef Tenderloin?
Beef tenderloin is lean meat from the loin section of the steer. It has a mild flavor and is best served rare.
Whole or Complete beef tenderloins are divided into three parts or cuts of meat: the head (which really originates from the back end of the cow), the middle or center cut, and the end section, called the tail.
See how to reheat leftover beef tenderloin.
These three cuts are only available if you buy a complete or whole section of beef tenderloin from a butcher or a big supermarket, or maybe Costco. The head portion is usually cut into big slices of steak. Â However, the tail end is usually left on bigger tenderloins.
If you feed four to six people at a family dinner, a mid-cut tenderloin is perfectly shaped for roasting whole. An end portion of tenderloin is perfect for big dinner parties or even a large family Thanksgiving. Â However, due to the size, it should be tied with roasting string to guarantee equal cooking.
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Buying Beef Tenderloin
I recommend buying beef tenderloins from a local butcher. They should be trimmed of any excess fat, and if you want steaks, have the butcher cut them. Most butchers will know what they are doing, and you will get better-prepared meat.
Because tenderloin is one of the most expensive cuts of beef, having a professional butcher prepare the meat into the size or cuts you want is best.
How to Buy a Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloins are great for parties because they are so versatile. They can be grilled or roasted, served rare or medium-rare, and are delicious, either sliced thin or thick.
Beef tenderloins are usually sold whole or cut into steaks. They come in different sizes and cuts, so you need to know what size you need.
When buying a beef tenderloin, look for one that has been trimmed of any excess fat. It should also be firm and moist.
If you buy a whole tenderloin, ask the butcher how much to trim off. If you buy a steak, ask him how thick you want it.
How Much Beef Tenderloin Per Person
This will depend on the following
- Are your guests all adults, or are teenagers present? Is it all men or are some women attending also? As each of these types if guests will eat slightly different amounts.
- The average adult male eats about 5 ounces of beef tenderloin per sitting. This is because tenderloin is a premium cut of beef and it is usually served in a fine dining or refined recipe. If you are catering for a large group of big eaters, then I would probably increase that to 6 to 7 ounces per person.
- A good rule of thumb is 6 ounces per person, and that takes into account the mix of guests, big eaters and small eaters, and will often leave a small amount for seconds for some people so our table is based on that.
How Much is a Single Serving of Beef Tenderloin for an Adult
A single serving of beef tenderloin is typically around 5-6 ounces (170 grams). This amount is enough for a generous serving when served with a few side dishes. And possibly starters consisting of some garlic bread or salads like a garden salad initially.
How Many Pounds of Beef Tenderloin Per Person Should I Buy?
A pound of cooked beef tenderloin should serve 2.5 people, depending on appetite. However, remember this is cooked beef tenderloin, you will lose approximately twenty-five percent of the weight of a raw stake depending on the cooking method.
How Much Uncooked or Raw Beef Tenderloin Do I Need to Buy per Person for A Big Group
1 pound of uncooked beef tenderloin will feed two people when it is done. So you would need to buy approximately 8 ounces per person of raw beef tenderloin for a big group. This will give you sufficient state to account for a variety of guests and appetites.
A Table of How Much per Person of Beef Tenderloin You Need for A Big Group from 4 to 100 People in 2024
How Much Beef Tenderloin per Person for 4 People
- You will need to serve 1.5 lbs or 24 ozs of cooked beef tenderloin for a family of 4 people
- To serve 4 people you will need to buy 2 lbs of raw beef tenderloin
How Much Beef Tenderloin per Person for 10 People
- For 10 People You Will Need 6 Oz of Beef Tenderloin per Guest and 3.75 Lbs in Total.
- To serve 10 people you will need to buy 5 lbs of raw beef tenderloin
How Much Beef Tenderloin per Person for 20 People
- For 20 People You Will Need 6 Oz of Beef Tenderloin per Guest and 7.5 Lbs in Total.
- To serve 20 people you will need to buy 10 lbs of raw beef tenderloin
How Much Beef Tenderloin per Person for 50 People
- For 50 People, You Will Need 6 Oz of Beef Tenderloin per Guest and 19 Lbs in Total.
- To serve 50 people, you will need to buy 25 lbs of raw beef tenderloin
How Much Beef Tenderloin per Person for 100 People
- For 100 People You Will Need 6 Oz of Beef Tenderloin per Guest and 40 Lbs in Total.
- To serve 50 people you will need to buy 52 lbs of raw beef tenderloin
How to Cook Beef Tenderloin
To cook it right, I recommend using a meat thermometer. You are dealing with an expensive cut of meat and you want to cook it exactly to the right level of doneness. See here for our doneness table and how to choose the right temperature for every level of doneness.
Is It Better to Grill or Bake Beef Tenderloin
I prefer to bake beef tenderloin because you can cook it low and slow. This method gives a balanced cooking method, and you get very even doneness throughout the tender beef. However, you certainly should sear the outside to seal in the juices before you start your baking of beef tenderloin.
How to Store Leftover Beef Tenderloin
Refrigerate leftover beef tenderloin within two hours. Place chilled beef tenderloins into an airtight food-safe container with a cover.
It will keep for up to four days if stored correctly.
What Foods Pair Well Beef Tenderloin
A great way to serve this dish is by cutting it into thin slices and serving it on top of a bed of mixed greens. This is a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Other Foods that pair well with beef tenderloin are
- Yorkshire Pudding
- Garlic mushrooms with butter
- Grandmas Butter Carrots
- Green Bean Casserole
What is the Best Homemade Roast Beef Tenderloin Rub
The best rub for beef tenderloin has a lot of flavor without being too spicy. I like to make my own using a combination of dried rosemary, dried time, smoked paprika (in equal quantities), and some sea salt.
Should I Season My Beef Tenderloin Overnight when Cooking for A Big Group
Yes, you should season beef tenderloin overnight because it makes for a richer seasoning. Furthermore, the overnight seasoning produces a drier surface which helps produce a nice crust or bark on the outside.
What Can Be Made with Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloins are usually sold whole or cut into steaks.
Tenderloin steak is leaner than most cuts of meat. It has a mild flavor and is very tender. Tenderloin steaks are perfect for grilling or pan frying.
You can make a wonderful meal with just one beef tenderloin. Serve it sliced and topped with a simple green salad. Or try it as a main course with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Here are some fancy ideas of what you can do with beef tenderloin
- Beef Wellington
- Roasted Beef Tenderloin and Caramelized Onions
- Grilled Beef Tenderloin Steak Sandwich
- Baked Beef Tenderloin With Blue Cheese Sauce
Is Beef Tenderloin the Same as Filet Mignon?
Beef tenderloins are cut from the loin section of the steer, filet mignon is actually cut from the beef tenderloin so really a beef tenderloin in filet Mignon are the same.
Both types of steaks are very good choices for grilling or pan searing.
Is It Better to Cook Beef Tenderloin Fast or Slow?
The best way to cook beef tenderloin is fast using a hot oven with dry heat, however, you should sear the steak on the outside first so that the juices remain inside for the cooking process. Using a slow cooker will tend to produce a tender but pull apart type result not what beef tenderloin is known for. Furthermore using a slow cooker allows you to use much cheaper cuts of meat to basically get the same result.