Traeger Beef Tenderloin Steaks and Date Nights

I think I speak for many when I say that sometimes the best date nights are the ones at home and executed at the very last minute without any planning.

We recently found ourselves home alone as both our girls were working their jobs late.  It had been a long weekend day of chores and errands and we were both wiped out.  The next thing I knew, it was 6pm and I hadn't even thought of dinner.  To make matters worse, I had already been at the grocery store twice that day and never thought of dinner.  We looked at each other and didn't have a clue what to eat.

Off to the store we went...for the 3rd time...to get inspired.  He suggested one thing and I would turn it down...I suggested something and he would turn it down.  This went on for a few rounds (and aisles), as nothing sounded good or appetizing.

Our back patio with bistro lights, fountain, tiki torches and firepit sets the ambiance.

Finally, we stopped at the butcher counter.  I must have stared at it for 10 minutes...gazing left, then right, then left again...like watching the U.S. Open Tennis.  I looked down again and saw beautiful beef tenderloin steaks...on sale nonetheless!

That's it, I decided...we are treating ourselves to a beautiful steak night dinner date on the patio (trying to take full advantage of our wonderful nights outside before winter hits).  After a 5 minute drive home, we were back in business.  Forty minutes later, a perfect candlelight dinner outside, complete with a salad, rice and Bearnaise sauce! Our steaks were cooked to perfection and melted like butter on our palettes.

Beef Tenderloin Steaks

Courtesy of Traeger Grills

4 Beef Tenderloin Steaks, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches thick

Olive Oil

Prime Rib or Steak Seasoning (for rub)

When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (4 to 5 minutes).

Brush the outside of the steaks with olive oil and season with your favorite rub/spice blend.

Arrange the steaks directly on the grill grate and smoke for 30 minutes.

Transfer the steaks to a plate or platter.  Increase the temperature to 450 degrees and preheat, lid closed for 10 to 15 minutes.

Return the smoked steaks to the grill grate and finish cooking to the desired degree of doneness, turning once with tongs.

Remove from the grill and top with your favorite butter compound, sauce, blue cheese/gorgonzola cheese or sauteed mushrooms.

**If you don't have a Traeger or smoker, you can prepare these on a grill, charcoal BBQ or even grill pan on your cooktop...however you like to prepare your steaks.

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