In this guide on prime rib pellet grill, you will find out that cooking a prime rib on a pellet grill is actually a breeze, and it yields incredible results.
You can never go wrong with a perfectly smoked prime rib roast in order to boost any special event.
With this simple recipe for prime rib pellet grill, you will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds.
For this recipe, you have the option of using a store-bought rub and a simple Texas SPG blend.
What Is a Prime Rib Roast?
A prime rib roast, which is commonly referred to as a standing rib roast or ribeye roast, is a cut of meat that is obtained from the rib section of the cow.
Normally, it is one of the most expensive cuts of beef, and it can also be a boneless prime rib roast or a bone-in roast.
This roast is normally cooked with the rib bones attached, and this is done to help add flavor to the meat.
In addition, the meat is well-marbled, which means that it has a higher fat content compared to other types of beef. This is something that makes the prime rib roast more tender and juicy.
No matter what it is called, wherever you are, a prime rib roast is a finger-licking way to enjoy beef.
It is yummy and flavor-filled, and its size makes it ideal for feeding a crowd. This is a great roast that is ideal for special occasions.
You have the option of cooking the roast in several ways, one of which is by cooking it low and slow with herbs and garlic, which will give it flavor.
Plus, you can serve it with a wide range of sauces, like horseradish or au jus.
Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill
You will be smoking this prime rib roast on the pellet grill. In my opinion, this is certainly the easiest way to get a smoky holiday roast. So, it’s time to fire up your pellet grill for your next prime rib.
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours and 50 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
Equipment
- Pellet grill
Ingredients
- 1 3-4 bone prime rib roast (about 7-9 pounds)
Rub
- 3 tablespoons of SPG Rub
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Aluminum foil
- Butcher’s twine
- 1 aluminum drip pan
Laid-Out Instructions
- First, you are to preheat your grill or even smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- After that, place the prime rib roast directly on the grill grate, bone side down, immediately after your grill is up to temperature. That being done, close the lid and cook for 3 to 3 ½ hours, or until the internal temp of the meat reaches between 125 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Now, carefully remove the roast and place it into a disposable aluminum drip pan or a smoker-safe pan.
- Also, increase the heat of your pellet grill to 450 to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that it might actually take several minutes for it to reach the highest temp.
- It’s time to place the pan with the roast back into your pellet grill, close the lid, and then allow it to go for 5 minutes until a nice crust forms on the roast. Plus, with the use of the broil settings, you can do this in your oven.
- That being done, remove the roast from the grill and loosely tent it with foil. Also, allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
To Carve
- Remove the string and rib section if you have pre-cut and tied the roast. Then, you are to carve the eye of the meat into ½” thick slices.
- However, you are to slide a sharp knife between the rib and meat sections if you have not pre-cut the roast, as this is done to separate the bone from the meat. Ensure that you follow the direction of the bone for clean removal. Remember to save those ribs as they make a mouth-watering snack. You can also serve your sliced prime rib with gravy or prepared horseradish.
- You can store your leftover prime rib in a tightly sealed container and place it in the refrigerator, which will make it last for up to 4 days. You also have the option of freezing in vacuum-sealed bags for up to 3 months. Plus, you can reheat them in the oven or on your stovetop in a buttered skillet.
Sides for Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill
Below are the best side dishes for prime rib on a pellet grill.
- Bacon-wrapped green beans
- Smoked butternut squash
- Twice-baked potato casserole
- Pellet grill baked potatoes
- Smoked Hasselback potatoes
- Yorkshire pudding
- Smoked loaded sweet potatoes
- Easy air fryer green beans
- Smoked baked beans with bacon
- Easy twice-baked mashed potato
- Smoked baked potatoes on a pellet grill
How to Store Leftover Prime Rib
Refrigeration
You can store your leftover prime rib in a tightly sealed container and place it in the refrigerator, which will make it last for up to 5 to 7 days. It will be best the next day.
I strongly suggest that you keep it intact instead of slicing it, as this will give you the best results.
And if you have any leftover au jus, then I recommend you spray it over the top of the prime rib in the container.
Freezer
You also have the option of placing it in a freezer-safe container, where you can freeze it for up to three months.
And, when you are ready to use it, just defrost it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
How to Reheat Leftover Prime Rib
You need to ensure that you reheat this very slowly for the best results.
All you need to do is place the leftover prime rib in a pan with a little beef broth or au just, then proceed to cover it with aluminum foil.
You are to reheat in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temp is 160 degrees F, per USDA guidelines for reheated meat.
In this case, you don’t need to allow it to rest before you serve.
This is just the perfect meat to serve on holidays and is an extremely common dinner option for Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.
So many people actually save this indulgence for the holidays due to the fact that it is an expensive cut of meat.
Recipe FAQs
What is the Best Wood for Smoking Prime Rib?
You have a few different types of wood that go well with your prime rib, and they include maple, hickory, and cherry.
There are also some other good options, including oak, pecan, and mesquite.
The meat will get a slightly different flavor from each type of wood, so choosing the best wood is actually a matter of personal preference that you have to pick yourself.
Do You Smoke Prime Rib Fat Up or Down?
It is highly recommended that you smoke the prime rib fat side up; that way, the fat can render and drip down onto the meat, which will make it baste as it cooks. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavor-packed.
Final Thoughts on Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill Recipe
Keep in mind that you need to ensure that the temperature probe is placed in the center of the meat’s thickest part.
Also, ensure that your hopper is filled with wood pellets before smoking. I’m sure you don’t want to run out halfway through the smoking process.
Avoid rushing the cooking process, particularly with the fact that low and slow cooking is the key to the best prime rib.
In addition, avoid opening the lid except to baste the roast, as this will help yield the best results.
Now this brings us to the end of this guide, as you now have the best recipe for prime rib pellet grill.
Prime Rib Pellet Grill Recipe
In this guide on prime rib pellet grill, you will find out that cooking a prime rib on a pellet grill is actually a breeze, and it yields incredible results.
Ingredients
- 1 prime rib roast weighing 7-9 pounds (3-4 bones)
Rub mixture
- 3 tablespoons of SPG Rub
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Aluminum foil
- Butcher’s twine
- 1 aluminum drip pan
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your grill or smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once the grill reaches temperature, position the prime rib roast directly onto the grill grate with the bone side facing down. Close the lid and cook for approximately 3 to 3 ½ hours until the internal temperature of the meat registers between 125 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully transfer the cooked roast to a disposable aluminum drip pan or a pan safe for use in a smoker.
- Increase the temperature of your pellet grill to a range of 450 to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Be aware that it may take several minutes for the grill to reach this higher temperature.
- Return the pan with the roast to the grill and close the lid. Allow it to cook for approximately 5 minutes until a desirable crust forms on the roast. If preferred, you can achieve this using the broil settings in your oven.
- Once the desired crust has formed, remove the roast from the grill and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Carving Instructions:
- If the roast was pre-cut and tied, remove the string and rib section. Proceed to carve the eye of the meat into slices about ½” thick.
- In case the roast wasn’t pre-cut, carefully separate the bone from the meat by sliding a sharp knife between them. Follow the direction of the bone for a clean separation. Remember to save the ribs as a tasty snack. Serve the sliced prime rib with gravy or prepared horseradish.
- Store any remaining prime rib in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze it in vacuum-sealed bags for up to 3 months. Reheat the leftovers in the oven or on the stovetop using a buttered skillet.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 51Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g