Quick Answer
A 7 pound beef tenderloin can feed approximately 10-14 people, depending on appetites and whether it is served as the main course or part of a larger meal. Plan for around 1/2 pound of tenderloin per adult as a main course.
Serving Size per Person
When serving beef tenderloin as the main protein for a meal, plan on approximately 1/2 pound of meat per adult. Here are some general serving size guidelines:
- Main course (protein only): 1/2 pound per person
- Main course with sides: 1/3 to 1/4 pound per person
- Part of a larger meal: 1/4 pound per person
So for a 7 pound tenderloin, this would feed:
| Serving Style | Serving Size | Number of Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Main course (protein only) | 1/2 pound per person | 14 people |
| Main course with sides | 1/3 pound per person | 21 people |
| Part of a larger meal | 1/4 pound per person | 28 people |
So if serving the 7 pound tenderloin as the main protein course, it will feed approximately 10-14 people. Plan for the lower end if you have heartier appetites to feed.
Factors That Affect Serving Size
Here are some factors that can affect how far a tenderloin will feed:
- Appetites – Those with heartier appetites may want larger servings closer to 1/2 pound each.
- Other food – If served as part of a larger meal with lots of sides, a smaller tenderloin serving size may suffice.
- Leftovers – If you want leftovers, go for the lower end of the serving size range.
- Other Proteins – If serving other proteins like chicken or fish, a smaller tenderloin portion may be adequate.
- Age of guests – Younger guests like teenagers may want larger portions than older guests.
So taking appetites and other menu plans into account will help determine how far a 7 pound tenderloin will go for your particular meal.
Purchasing Guidelines
As a general rule of thumb when buying beef tenderloin for a crowd, plan on purchasing 1/2 to 3/4 pounds per person if serving as the main course. So for 10-14 people, a 7 pound tenderloin is the perfect size. Purchase slightly more if you want ample leftovers.
Here are some purchasing guidelines for tenderloin:
- Main course: 1/2 to 3/4 pounds per person
- With sides: 1/3 to 1/2 pounds per person
- Part of a larger meal: 1/4 to 1/3 pounds per person
Following these serving guidelines will help ensure you buy the right amount of tenderloin for your gathering.
Carving and Serving a Tenderloin
To serve a whole tenderloin for a crowd:
- Trim excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloin.
- Lightly season the tenderloin with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices if desired.
- Roast the tenderloin in the oven at 400°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, about 40-60 minutes depending on size.
- Remove tenderloin from oven, tent loosely with foil and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
- To serve, carve the tenderloin into 1/2 inch thick slices. Arrange slices on a platter for guests to serve themselves.
Be sure your knife is sharp to neatly carve the tenderloin. Serve with any pan juices drizzled over the top or on the side.
Conclusion
A 7 pound beef tenderloin will feed 10-14 people as a main course, depending on serving sizes and appetites. Plan for around 1/2 pound per adult if serving the tenderloin as the main protein dish. Purchase 1/2 to 3/4 pounds per person if cooking tenderloin for a crowd, and carve into slices to serve. With a properly sized tenderloin and careful carving, you can easily feed a crowd with this tender and delicious cut of beef.