Grilled Beef Tenderloin – Weekend at the Cottage

Introduction

Grilled Beef Tenderloin is the quintessential choice when you want to serve a meal that’s both elegant and effortless—perfect for a “Weekend at the Cottage.” Its succulent flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and striking presentation make it an ideal centerpiece for gatherings with friends and family. With just a few simple steps, you can deliver a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to amaze your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Beef Tenderloin

This recipe is a crowd pleaser because it transforms a premium cut of beef into something truly special without complex techniques or lengthy prep. The tenderloin, renowned for being the most tender cut, soaks up the smoky flavors from the grill while staying juicy on the inside. Minimal seasoning lets the natural flavor of the beef shine through, while a quick sear ensures an irresistible crust.

The Key to Perfect Grilled Beef Tenderloin

The secret is in its simplicity—a straightforward rub of olive oil, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and a hint of garlic. Searing the tenderloin over direct heat forms a savory crust, then a slow finish over indirect heat ensures the inside reaches your desired doneness without drying out. Letting the meat rest before slicing is crucial, locking in its luscious juices with every bite.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Weekend at the Cottage

For an elevated dining experience, serve the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with roasted seasonal vegetables, a fresh herb salad, and a side of creamy horseradish sauce. Pair with a bold red wine and rustic bread to soak up the juices—an effortless yet impressive spread that suits any celebration.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6–8 generous servings, depending on portion size. A 6-ounce serving of grilled beef tenderloin typically contains about 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, and 35 grams of protein—providing rich flavor and satisfying protein, perfect for a special meal.

Grilled Beef Tenderloin (Recap)

Grilled Beef Tenderloin showcases how a few quality ingredients and simple grilling can elevate a meal into something memorable—a showstopping main course that lets you spend more time enjoying your weekend at the cottage.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If possible, prepare for both direct and indirect grilling.
2. Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (or garlic cloves).
3. Place the tenderloin directly over the heat and sear for 2–3 minutes on all sides to develop a golden-brown crust.
4. Move the tenderloin to indirect heat, cover the grill, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare (about 25–35 minutes, depending on thickness). Rotate occasionally for even cooking.
5. Remove from grill, tent loosely with foil, and rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Grilled Beef Tenderloin recipe fits seamlessly into weekend or special occasion meal plans at your cottage getaway. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your entire menu, generate automatic shopping lists, and plan meals that take the stress out of entertaining.

Planning Benefits:

• Aggregates ingredients across all recipes for the week
• Sorts your shopping list by grocery store sections
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Helps streamline your meal prep for stress-free weekends

Pro tip: When planning a full weekend menu, schedule your favorite recipes together to see where ingredients can overlap and prevent unnecessary food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (including resting time)