Can You Cook a Beef Tenderloin in an Electric Roaster?

This simple recipe for Roast Beef Tenderloin is seared until golden brown, seasoned just right, and then baked in the oven.

Roast beef tenderloin steaks will be the star of any special event or fancy dinner party because they are soft and full of flavor.

Beef tenderloin is a premium cut of beef that is tender, flavorful and versatile. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, including roasting it whole in an oven or slicing it into steaks for grilling or sautéing. Many people wonder if you can also cook a whole beef tenderloin in an electric roaster. The short answer is yes! Read on to learn why an electric roaster is a great option for cooking beef tenderloin and how to do it right.

Why Use an Electric Roaster for Beef Tenderloin?

Electric roasters provide even, consistent heat that effectively cooks large cuts of meat like beef tenderloin. Here are some of the benefits of using an electric roaster:

Large capacity Electric roasters have ample room to accommodate a full tenderloin roast typically 5-7 pounds. A whole tenderloin won’t fit in a slow cooker and is difficult to maneuver in a standard oven.
Surrounds with heat Electric roasters use heating coils or elements that surround the food, promoting even cooking and browning on all sides This prevents over or undercooking
Self-contained: Electric roasters have a removable cooking pot with a lid, so juices and aromas are sealed in. This keeps the meat extra moist and flavorful.
Temperature control: Electric roasters allow you to precisely control the temperature and cooking time. This enables perfect results every time.
Hands-off: Once the tenderloin is in the roaster, it cooks unattended. You don’t have to worry about basting, turning, or monitoring it like in the oven.

How to Cook a Beef Tenderloin in an Electric Roaster

Follow these simple steps for foolproof beef tenderloin cooked to tender, rosy perfection in an electric roaster:

Ingredients:

1 whole beef tenderloin roast, 5-7 lbs, silver skin removed
Olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper
Herbs and spices (like garlic, rosemary, thyme)

Directions:

Prep the tenderloin: Pat the roast dry and rub lightly with olive oil. Generously season all over with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs/spices.
Preheat the roaster: Heat the roaster to 425°F. Place the cooking rack inside.
** Brown the meat:** Sear the tenderloin on all sides in a skillet on the stovetop until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Roast: Place seared tenderloin on the cooking rack in the preheated roaster. Cook uncovered for 25-35 minutes for medium rare doneness (145°F internal temperature).
Rest: Transfer roast to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing into medallions.

Tips for Success:

For best results, choose a roaster that can accommodate a large roast, at least 18 quarts. Look for one with adjustable temperature controls.
Browning the meat before roasting enhances flavor and appearance.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; avoid overcooking.
Letting the meat rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute for juicier results.
For easy slicing, place tenderloin in freezer about 30 minutes before cutting.

Sample Recipes and Cooking Times

Here are estimated cooking times and recipes for common ways to prepare beef tenderloin in an electric roaster:

Simple Roast: Seasoned with S&P, garlic, and rosemary. Roast at 425°F to desired doneness, about 25-35 minutes for medium rare.

Teriyaki Tenderloin: Marinated 4-6 hours in teriyaki sauce. Roast at 425°F for 30-40 minutes.

Herb-Crusted: Coated with Dijon, herbs, and panko. Roast at 425°F for 35-45 minutes.

Bacon-Wrapped: Wrapped in bacon and roasted at 350°F for 60-75 minutes.

Wellington: Wrapped in puff pastry and roasted at 425°F for 30-40 minutes.

The Verdict

Yes, you can definitely cook a whole beef tenderloin roast in an electric roaster! The consistent, surround heat gently roasts the meat to fork-tender perfection. An electric roaster provides the ideal environment for cooking this special cut of beef. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality beef tenderloin cooked just the way you like it.

can you cook a beef tenderloin in an electric roaster

HOW TO SEAR BEEF TENDERLOIN

To get a deep, rich flavor and a good crust on the beef tenderloin, you must sear the outside before roasting it in the oven.

If you sear the roast when it’s not ice cold from being in the fridge, the outside will caramelize differently. Once the meat is at room temperature, it doesn’t cool off on the pan (or grill) when it hits it. This allows the meat to brown and caramelize much better.

IS BEEF TENDERLOIN CONSIDERED A ROAST?

Beef tenderloin is considered a roast due to its size.

An average beef tenderloin weighs 4-6 pounds. As a comparison, an average chuck roast weighs 3-4 pounds.

PanSaver Electric Roaster Liner Instructions

FAQ

Which cooking method is best for beef tenderloin?

Accepted methods for cooking beef tenderloin The food web and a great many cookbooks (very many of them highly reputable) recommend blasting a tenderloin in a hot oven, 450–500°F (232–260°C), for a relatively short time to cook it, followed by a counter rest.

Does an electric roaster cook faster than an oven?

Electric Roasters Reduce Cook Time Because electric roasters are smaller than a traditional oven, they’re able to heat up faster and retain heat longer, which helps cut down on cook time — a huge win if you’re juggling preparing multiple menu items the day of Thanksgiving.

Is it better to roast a beef tenderloin at a high or low temperature?

If you’re in a hurry (and you’re a confident cook), high heat roasting—400°F and up, or 375°F and up in a convection oven—gives you a gorgeously browned crust with a distinct eye of rare to medium-rare meat in the center.