Pioneer Woman Beef Tenderloin Peppercorn is a show-stopping roast that combines buttery tenderness with the bold kick of crushed tri-color peppercorns. Finished with a rich garlic butter drizzle, it’s a restaurant-quality dish made simple—ideal for holidays, celebrations, or any night you want to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Tenderloin Peppercorn Recipe
- Elegant Yet Easy: A gourmet main dish in under 40 minutes.
- Big on Flavor: The peppercorn crust and garlic butter create a bold, savory punch.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Feeds 8 and looks as good as it tastes.
- Tender Every Time: Beef tenderloin stays juicy with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 whole beef tenderloin, trimmed of all visible fat
- Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ cup tri-color peppercorns, crushed with a rolling pin
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
How to Make Pioneer Woman Beef Tenderloin Peppercorn
- Slice and Serve: Carve into thick medallions and enjoy!
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 475°F.
- Prep the Beef: Place trimmed beef tenderloin on a roasting rack. Generously season all sides with kosher salt and sugar.
- Add the Peppercorns: Press the crushed peppercorns onto the surface of the beef.
- Roast: Insert a meat thermometer and roast until internal temperature reaches 120–125°F for rare to medium-rare, about 20–25 minutes.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small skillet, melt the butter with garlic until slightly browned. Remove garlic.
- Rest the Beef: Pour garlic butter over the roast as soon as it’s out of the oven. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.

Expert Tips
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness—tenderloin overcooks quickly.
- Don’t skip the rest period—it locks in juices and makes slicing easier.
- Crush peppercorns just enough for texture; don’t grind them to powder.
- Let butter brown slightly for a deeper, nutty finish.
Recipe Variations
- Herb-Infused Butter: Add rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter.
- Creamy Peppercorn Sauce: Make a simple pan sauce with cream, butter, and reserved drippings.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of cayenne with the peppercorns for heat.
- Reverse Sear: Sear the roast after baking for an ultra-crispy crust.
Storage Instructions
In the Fridge: Wrap leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: Tightly wrap in plastic and foil and freeze up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 5–10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Use 30-second intervals to avoid drying it out.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, checking frequently.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Do I have to crush the peppercorns?
Yes! Crushing releases flavor and gives the beef a bold, peppery crust. - Can I use regular ground pepper?
You can, but you’ll lose texture and intensity. Crushed whole peppercorns are best. - Should the beef be covered while roasting?
No—leave it uncovered for a beautifully browned exterior. - Is the sugar necessary?
Yes, it balances the saltiness and enhances browning for that perfect crust.
More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
- Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos
- Pioneer Woman Beef Tips And Gravy
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Beef Fajitas
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 678
- Total Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.9g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 207mg
- Sodium: 671mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugars: 2.1g
- Protein: 48g
- Calcium: 73mg
- Iron: 3.6mg
- Potassium: 784.9mg

Pioneer Woman Beef Tenderloin Peppercorn
Description
Pioneer Woman Beef Tenderloin Peppercorn, crafted with whole beef tenderloin, kosher salt, sugar, tri-color peppercorns, butter, and garlic, promises a savory delight. With a total cooking time of 35 minutes, serving 8, this recipe offers a delectable feast for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Place beef on roasting rack. Season with salt and sugar.
- Press crushed peppercorns onto beef.
- Roast to 120–125°F internal temp (20–25 mins).
- Melt butter with garlic, then discard garlic.
- Pour butter over hot roast. Tent with foil and rest 10 mins.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness—tenderloin overcooks quickly.
Don’t skip the rest period—it locks in juices and makes slicing easier.
Crush peppercorns just enough for texture; don’t grind them to powder.
Let butter brown slightly for a deeper, nutty finish.