Smoked Beef Tenderloin on a Pit Boss (5 Simple Steps)

Want to smoke a beef tenderloin?

This can be an expensive cut!

So you want to get it right!

See our tried and tested recipe below!

Follow this and you’ll have pitmaster status at your next cookout!

What Exactly Is a Tenderloin?

The cut is taken from the inside of the loin running along with the spine of the animal.

The muscle is pure protein and not worked at all by the animal. If the muscle is not weight-bearing or worked then the proteins are soft, this makes for a texture like melted butter when cooked.

=When you smoke beef tenderloin, you lock in it succulent juices and delicious flavors. If you do it right he meat pretty much just melts in your mouth.

Is It Called Beef Tenderloin or Fillet Steak?

In the USA, we know it as the tenderloin.

Our French friends call it a filet mignon and Great Britain it’s referred to as a fillet steak. 

Taste or Texture?

Now I’m not going to pull the wool over your eyes as it’s not all champagne and roses.

I preach that fat equals flavor but told you a tenderloin doesn’t have any. 

Through the whispers of a seasoned pit master, it has been said that a tenderloin lacks a beefy flavor.

I would argue that the texture and plenty of kosher salt create a rich flavor we yearn for.

I do concede that if you don’t buy good quality beef and cook it, it can be on the bland side.

Our Pit Boss cooking process does wonders in response.

With an added and milder smoke flavor but we’ll get into that later. 

Why Are We Smoking on Pit Boss Pellet Grills? 

Why are we recommending smoking the tenderloin on indirect heat?

The main reason we are smoking with wood chips is to penetrate the meat with a smoky flavor and help create a bark formation.

The bark is a kind of crust created by chemical reactions between protein, fat, and sugars.

The Best Seasoning for a Beef Tenderloin? 

I recommend a traditional good ol’ fashioned beef rub with a balance of heat, aromatics, and a little bit of sugar.

The rub will protect, season, and help formate the delicious crust with little prep time.

How to Prepare a Beef Tenderloin

I recommend buying one whole from your butcher and asking them to trim it down and tie the thinner end.This is so it remains a consistent thickness and a constant internal temperature.

 Also ask them to remvoe thesilverskin which can be hard to remove, if your butcher hasn’t removed it make sure you use a filet knife to take it off.

TIP: Still ask the butcher for the trimmings to be used in other recipes. Here is some yummy things you can do with beef trimmings.

At What Temperature Are We Smoking a Beef Tenderloin?

The ideal temperature to smoke a beef tenderloin at is 230°F to 250°F.

What Internal Temperature Does the Meat Need to Be?

The ideal internal temperature of beef tenderloin in the thickest part is 130°F.

What Is the Average Cooking Time for a Smoked Beef Tenderloin?

The average cooking time for a 7-pound beef tenderloin is 60 minutes. 

What if You Don’t Have a Pit Boss Pellet Grill?

If you don’t have a pellet smoker you can also use a charcoal smoker, electric smoker or gas grill. If you plan to use a gas grill you will need a smoking tube.

 

How Long to Rest the Meat?

You should allow the beef tenderloin to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing it. You should cover the meat with foil well resting.

What You Need For Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Beef Tenderloin

Olive Oil

Salt

Ground Black Pepper

Spice Rub (or use store brought)

Black Pepper

Kosher Salt

Garlic Powder

Making the Spice Mix

Combine the above spices. If you want to heat it a little more then add some cayenne pepper or milder paprika.

I will say we don’t want more than 2 parts of sugar otherwise it will burn in the high heat we are smoking the tenderloin. 

What Equipment You Need to Smoke a Beef Tenderloin

• Pit Boss electric pellet smoker

• Hardwood chips (we recommend cherry as fruit woods go well with the mild flavor)

• Filet knife (if trimming yourself)

• Meat thermometer (a probe comes with the Pit Boss)

• Aluminum foil

• Paper towels

How to Smoke a Beef Tenderloin

Step 1: Preparing The Spice Mix & Pellet Grill

-Take the trimmed tenderloin out of the refrigerator 2 hours before cooking time.

– Cover with oil.

– Mix the spices and cover the whole piece liberally leaving no part uncovered. 

– Load the pellets, prime, and set the grill to a temperature of 230°F. 

– Wait for the Pit Boss to come to temperature. 

Step 2: Smoke The Seasoned Beef Tenderloin

– Put the meat directly on the grill grate in direct heat.

– Insert the temperature probe and check while cooking.

– Check after 30 minutes for the crust and rotate over to ensure even cooking and grill marks.

TIP: If the crust looks like it’s burning you can spray or add a water pan to provide moisture.

You can also move in away from the direct heat. 

Step 3: Rest & Enjoy

– Remove the loin when the remote thermometer reads 130°F.

– Cover with foil and rest for 20 minutes.

– Cut into steaks and enjoy!

What to Serve With Beef Tenderloin

Here is what to serve with beef tenderloin

Cheesy Potatoes

Smoked Zucchini

Smoked Carrots in Brown Butter

See what else to serve with beef tenderloin here.

Want to Try Grilled Beef Tenderloin?

Do you know what is as good as smoked beef tenderloin? Grilled beef tenderloin!

See the recipe for grilled beef tenderloin here.

Smoke On!

Charlie

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