# Beef tenderloin cooking time, need answer fast **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 25, 2011, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beef-tenderloin-cooking-time-need-answer-fast/607379 "2011-12-25T21:26:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Finally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/67e7ee/32.png) [@Finally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finally)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2011, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beef-tenderloin-cooking-time-need-answer-fast/607379/1 "2011-12-25T21:26:49Z")
I bought what I thought was a 2.5 lb beef tenderloin and just learned it’s actually 3 separate .75lb loins. How long and what temp to cook it for medium rare? I’m thinking about 30 minutes at 350? Please help! ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2011, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beef-tenderloin-cooking-time-need-answer-fast/607379/2 "2011-12-25T21:32:48Z")
Probably a little longer than that, but it depends on the shape. You really need a meat thermometer. You could brown the pieces well in a large skillet, and then finish them in the oven. Since you have three pieces already, don’t be skittish, just slice into one and check when you think it’s ready. ---
**Author:** ![Finally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/67e7ee/32.png) [@Finally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finally)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2011, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beef-tenderloin-cooking-time-need-answer-fast/607379/3 "2011-12-25T21:39:26Z")
They look like long beef sausages, but bigger around. Oh and I do have a thermometer but wanted an approximate to work with. Thank you so much! My sister suggested grilling but this sounds easier. Merry Christmas!