Beef Tenderloin vs. Filet Mignon | Aspen Ridge (2024)

Whether you’re a beef connoisseur or preparing steak for a special occasion, chances are you’ve wondered about the differences between various cuts of beef, including Tenderloin and Filet Mignon. With the multiple cuts and names, the differences between them—or which cuts work for which dishes—aren’t always clear. Fortunately, beef is a flavorful, versatile ingredient that is easy to prepare—and fun to experiment with in new recipes, especially once you know the basics of beef cuts.

Two of the most common cuts that are often questioned are Filet Mignon and Beef Tenderloin. Since they come from the same area of the animal and have similar properties (like tenderness and leanness), Tenderloin and Filet Mignon are commonly confused as being the same cut.

So, is Filet Mignon a Tenderloin? Is Tenderloin Filet Mignon? The short answer: kind of, but there are some differences.

Are Beef Tenderloin and Filet Mignon the Same Thing? The Difference Between Tenderloin and Filet Mignon

It’s helpful to know some beef basics before we get into the differences between Tenderloin and Filet Mignon. The cuts we see at the meat counter (like steak, roasts, or stew meat) are subprimal cuts. They come from larger areas of the animal, known as primal cuts (i.e., Chuck, Loin, Round).

The Tenderloin comes from the back half of the animal and is cut from the loin and sirloin primals. Beef Tenderloin is a long cut of beef that you can use for a roast, Beef Wellington, or slice into small portions of steak known as “Filet Mignon”. Tenderloin is particularly useful for entertaining guests and special occasions, as you can cut several extremely tender, perfectly portioned, mouthwatering steaks from it.

Beef Tenderloin vs. Filet Mignon | Aspen Ridge (1)

Filet Mignon is part of the Tenderloin, which is why some see Tenderloin and Filet Mignon as one in the same. Filet Mignon is cut from the tip of the Tenderloin, a delicate and tender area of the loin primal. It’s also an incredibly lean part of the animal, which means you’ll enjoy a fork-tender steak without much fat or connective tissue. These qualities have made Filet Mignon one of the most prized cuts of beef.

What Does “Filet Mignon” Mean?

Now that we know the difference between Tenderloin and Filet Mignon, let’s break down the terminology. Filet Mignon means “small cut,” as it is only one to two-and-a-half inches thick. For this reason, many see Filet Mignon as a luxury cut to be served with fine sides on special occasions. (But there are plenty of delicious, affordable, and easy-to-prepare sides to go along with it. Check out these ideas for sides to pair with Natural Angus Beef.)

Filet Mignon is also referred to as “Tenderloin filet,” “Tenderloin steak,” “tournedos (Tenderloin tips),” or simply “filet.”

How to Prepare Beef Tenderloin

As a longer piece of beef, Beef Tenderloin is excellent for oven roasting or cooking sous vide. To prepare Beef Tenderloin in the oven, preheat your oven to 425°F and cook for 35-65 minutes (cooking times depend on desired doneness and size of roast). For medium-rare, cook to an internal temperature of 135 °F; for medium, 145 °F.

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You can also portion the Tenderloin into steaks and grill, broil, or cook sous vide.

Beef Tenderloin Dishes and Recipes

Regardless of the preparation method, Beef Tenderloin will take your meal up a notch. Top a salad with sliced Tenderloin or make Tenderloin the hero with this recipe for Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce. View other exclusive Aspen Ridge recipes for Beef Tenderloin.

Preparing Filet Mignon: How to Cut Filet Mignon from Beef Tenderloin, Recipes, and More

While some see Filet Mignon as a luxury item, it doesn’t take a chef to prepare it (or even cut it from the Tenderloin yourself). In fact, like other steaks, preparing Filet Mignon is simple. If you have pre-portioned filets, you can use classic methods like grilling or pan-frying and finishing in the oven. Or you could elect for a more “set-and-forget” method like sous vide or even air frying.

Watch this video to learn how to prepare Filet Mignon in the air fryer:


If you need to cut Filet Mignon from a Tenderloin, use a sharp butcher’s knife to trim the Tenderloin and cut it into two-inch steaks. The tapered end of the Tenderloin is most tender and will result in the steaks closest to pre-cut Filet Mignon (though preparation should be the same for all the filets).

Once you’ve portioned the Tenderloin, you can prepare it using any method above. In addition to Air Fryer Filet Mignon, we recommend these recipes for Tenderloin steaks:

  • Tenderloin Steak with Olive and Artichoke Tapenade
  • Beef Cobb Salad

Aspen Ridge® Natural Angus Beef Tenderloin: Unbeatable Tenderness and Flavor for Your Next Dish

Whether you’re cooking Filet Mignon for the first time or serving Beef Tenderloin for guests, choosing Aspen Ridge Natural Angus Tenderloin offers an excellent eating experience. Raised without antibiotics or added hormones and sourced from Angus cattle raised under Certified Humane® standards, Aspen Ridge offers Tenderloin and Filet Mignon that are a cut above. Learn more about our story, Beef Tenderloin products, and why Natural Angus beef delivers unmatched flavors, every time.

Beef Tenderloin vs. Filet Mignon | Aspen Ridge (2024)

FAQs

Beef Tenderloin vs. Filet Mignon | Aspen Ridge? ›

Filet Mignon is part of the Tenderloin, which is why some see Tenderloin and Filet Mignon as one in the same. Filet Mignon is cut from the tip of the Tenderloin, a delicate and tender area of the loin primal.

Which is better, beef tenderloin or filet mignon? ›

A trimmed tenderloin features only the tenderloin portion, which has a similar flavor to filet mignon. However, an untrimmed tenderloin will include parts of the short loin, too, which tends to have a richer flavor than the tenderloin. There's no wrong choice when it comes to beef tenderloin vs. filet mignon.

Why is beef tenderloin more expensive than filet mignon? ›

Beef tenderloin is where you'll find filet mignon. But because filet mignon is just a portion of the full tenderloin, it's more expensive per pound than the beef tenderloin itself. However, that doesn't make the beef tenderloin a cheap piece of meat.

What is the closest cut to beef tenderloin? ›

There isn't really anything that fits the bill as a perfect substitute as tenderloin is both very tender and very mildly flavored. But there are some good options. I often recommend sirloin filet as an option as it looks similar and has similar leanness; but you sacrifice some tenderness (but pick up bigger flavor).

What is the best cut of beef tenderloin? ›

Though the most desirable and sought-after part of the beef tenderloin is the centre-cut, there is by no means any reason why you can't use the tail and fat end for roasting too simply by tying them up and making smaller roasts.

What steak is better than filet mignon? ›

These cuts—ribeye, New York strip loin, and filet mignon—can certainly be dubbed the best, and few will disagree. “Filet is the most tender cut, but has the least amount of flavor. Ribeye is the most flavorful, but the least tender of the three, and New York is in the middle.” Flannery explains.

Is beef tenderloin a cheap cut? ›

It has a reputation as an expensive cut reserved for the fanciest of occasions. One trick we use to make this luxurious cut more affordable is to purchase a whole tenderloin roast and cut it into steaks. It's easy to do and is a satisfying way to hone your home butcher skills.

Why do people like filet mignon so much? ›

This steak comes from the short loin of the animal and is just about the best steak cut if tenderness is what you're after. There's a reason people describe its texture as “melt-in-your-mouth,” because it just about does.

Why do they call beef tenderloin filet mignon? ›

The name filet mignon is French. Filet comes from the French word for a strip or thread and is now used in English to refer to steak. Mignon is the French for cute, pretty, or small. The words came together to mean a small cut of tender steak.

What is the highest quality steak? ›

Prime. U.S. Prime is the highest quality available and makes up only 2 to 3% of the available beef on the market. This generally is sold to high-quality hotels and restaurants and is the most expensive, if you are purchasing for personal use.

What do butchers call filet mignon? ›

Filet Mignon steaks are cut from the beef tenderloin, which comes from the middle of the steer's back. This muscle spans into two beef primal cuts, the short loin and sirloin. It starts just past the last rib of the steer and ends in the sirloin right before the rear leg.

What is a fancy name for beef tenderloin? ›

Filet Mignon is also referred to as “Tenderloin filet,” “Tenderloin steak,” “tournedos (Tenderloin tips),” or simply “filet.”

Is beef tenderloin better than ribeye? ›

The Tenderloin comes from a muscle that is used very little, which guarantees superior tenderness. And a very soft texture not found on any other cut of beef. For soft texture, no other cut can beat the Tenderloin! The Ribeye is more marbly, stringy texture but still quite tender.

How much will a 5 lb beef tenderloin feed? ›

The tenderloin itself, once trimmed and cooked, serves about 2-3 people per pound as part of a larger meal, so often anywhere from 12-16 people for a whole one.

Which cooking method is best for beef tenderloin? ›

Slow Oven-Roasting Method

Slow cooking in the oven requires a lower cooking temperature but a longer cooking time, resulting in a juicy, slightly pink center. Even if you like well-done beef, this is the method to use. Follow these steps to slow-roast your tenderloin: Preheat the oven to 225 degrees.

Should you sear tenderloin before cooking? ›

Should you sear beef tenderloin before cooking it? If roasting a tenderloin in the oven, you'll definitely want to sear it to get a golden brown crust. It doesn't take very long, and is so worth the effort.

What is the most tender steak? ›

The most tender of all cuts of beef, tenderloin steaks are lean and known for their delicate, butter-like texture and thick cut. These mouthwatering steaks are so tender they can be “cut with a butter knife.” Tenderloin steaks are commonly known as filets or filet mignon.

Is filet mignon high end? ›

While filet mignon is often associated with luxury and expensive restaurants, this cut of steak is actually quite affordable and easy to cook at home. With a little bit of know-how, you can easily create a delicious filet mignon that rivals any restaurant steak.

Is beef tenderloin the most tender? ›

Tenderloin, Boneless | Lean

A long, narrow, and lean muscle located within the Loin, this is the most tender cut of beef available. The Tenderloin is the source of Tenderloin Steak or Filet Mignon, and is a component of T-Bone and Porterhouse Steaks.

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