How Much Does a Whole Beef Tenderloin Cost at Costco?

Beef tenderloin is considered one of the most tender, delicious and expensive cuts of beef. Often saved for special occasions, beef tenderloin delivers incredibly tender, buttery texture with a mild, subtle flavor. While tenderloin can be pricey at some grocery stores, Costco offers high quality whole tenderloins for an affordable price. But just how much can you expect to pay for a whole beef tenderloin at Costco? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Beef Tenderloin?

Before getting into Costco’s pricing, let’s discuss exactly what beef tenderloin is. Beef tenderloin refers to a large, full muscle that runs along the underside of a cow.

Some key facts about beef tenderloin:

• It’s an oblong, tapered shape muscle

• It sits beneath the ribs, next to the backbone

• It’s very tender due to minimal connective tissue.

• It’s one whole, continuous muscle with no separations.

• It weighs between 3-6 lbs untrimmed

• It’s sometimes called filet mignon when cut into individual steaks.

• It’s one of the most tender cuts due to very little fat marbling.

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Beef Tenderloin

Costco sells whole beef tenderloin under its Kirkland Signature house brand. Here are some key details on Costco’s offering:

• It is USDA Choice grade beef tenderloin.

• They are vacuum-packed for freshness.

• The tenderloins average 3-4 lbs in size.

• They are trimmed and ready for cooking.

• Sold individually, not in pairs.

• Ships and sold frozen to maintain quality.

• Qualifies for free shipping on orders $75+

So Costco provides high quality, pre-trimmed whole beef tenderloins in the 3-4 lb range under its premium private label Kirkland Signature.

How Much Does Beef Tenderloin Cost at Costco?

So what can you expect to pay for a whole beef tenderloin at Costco?

• The current price is $99.99 for a single beef tenderloin.

• This equates to $24.99 per pound based on an average 4 lb tenderloin.

• With free shipping on $75+ orders, no extra charges beyond tax.

• Significantly cheaper than other grocery stores charging $30-40+ per pound.

• Equal or better quality as premium steakhouses and butcher shops.

• Price fluctuates slightly based on weight and seasonal availability.

So Costco offers exceptional savings compared to other outlets, with whole tenderloins available for around $25/lb with free shipping. This is an incredible deal considering the ultra-premium quality tenderloin.

Estimated Prices of Other Cuts

To give an idea of the value, here are approximate prices per pound at Costco for other common cuts:

• Ground beef: $3 to $4 per lb

• Sirloin steak: $7 to $9 per lb

• Ribeye steak: $13 to $15 per lb

• NY Strip: $15 to $18 per lb

• Filet mignon: $25 to $27 per lb

Compared to premium steaks like ribeye or NY strip, the tenderloin is only a couple dollars more per pound thanks to Costco’s pricing. And far cheaper than pre-cut filet mignon steaks.

Benefits of Ordering from Costco

There are many benefits to purchasing your beef tenderloin through Costco:

• Huge savings – $25/lb vs. $30-40+ elsewhere

• Free shipping – No extra charge on orders over $75

• Private label quality – Kirkland Signature guarantees quality

• Prime grading – Graded Choice or higher for tenderness

• Portion flexibility – Buy one large roast vs. 2 steaks

• Vacuum sealed – Ensures freshness and locks in flavor

• Frozen – Allows longer storage to stock up

Costco takes all the guesswork out of finding top quality tenderloin at a fair price.

Is Beef Tenderloin Worth the Price?

At around $100 for a whole tenderloin, you may be wondering if beef tenderloin is worth the price tag. The answer depends on your budget and preferences:

Worth it for…

• Special occasions – Anniversary, birthday, holiday meals

• Date nights – For an elegant restaurant meal at home

• Gift giving – Makes a luxurious food gift

• Splurging – To treat yourself to the best of the best

Maybe not worth it for…

• Weekly family dinners – Due to the steep price tag

• Events with lots of guests – Since tenderloin is smaller

• Budget shopping – Can find cheaper cuts for daily cooking

For the ultimate indulgence, beef tenderloin is worth the splurge now and then. But opt for cheaper cuts if you need to feed a crowd or want regular weeknight beef.

How Much Tenderloin Should I Buy?

Beef tenderloin serves approximately 3-4 people per pound. A whole 4 lb tenderloin would serve about 12-16 guests. Here are some buying guidelines:

• For 2 people – Order 1 lb tenderloin filet

• For 4 people – Order 1.5 to 2 lb tenderloin roast

• For 6-8 people – Order 3 lb whole tenderloin

• For 10-12 people – Order 4 lb whole tenderloin

• For 14-16 people – Order 5-6 lb whole tenderloin

Plan for 3-4 servings per pound, and order your tenderloin accordingly based on your guest count. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches or beef stir fry.

Cooking Methods for Whole Tenderloin

There are several excellent cooking methods to try for your Costco beef tenderloin:

• Roast – Season and roast uncovered at 400°F until desired doneness.

• Grill – Quick grill over high heat, about 4 minutes per side.

• Sous vide – Cook to perfect doneness in a water bath. Sear before serving.

• Smoke – Impart smoky flavor by smoking on low heat for 1-2 hours.

• Braise – Brown then braise in wine, broth and herbs until tender.

Aim for medium rare doneness between 130°F-140°F to prevent overcooking this lean, delicate cut. Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicy results.

Should I Buy Beef Tenderloin at Costco?

At the end of the day, should you buy your beef tenderloin from Costco? If you are looking for high quality tenderloin on a budget, Costco is tough to beat. Their exceptional pricing makes tenderloin more accessible for home cooks.

Buying whole lets you portion for multiple meals. And the Kirkland brand guarantees consistent quality and flavor. For premium beef at wholesale prices, opt for Costco’s beef tenderloin. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you.