Pellet Grill Steaks – How to Fire Up a Delicious Steak on Your Traeger, Pit Boss, Etc.

There’s nothing quite like a juicy, perfectly cooked steak sizzling on your pellet grill. Whether you’re using a Traeger, Pit Boss, Camp Chef, or another top-quality brand, pellet grills offer unmatched ease, smoky flavor, and consistent results.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every detail of grilling steaks on a pellet grill, helping you become a true grill master.

How Pellet Grills Work

Pellet grills function as versatile convection smokers. Pellets in a firepot ignite, producing smoke and heat, circulated evenly by a built-in fan. This convection-style cooking delivers remarkably consistent temperatures, perfect for grilling steaks with precise doneness.

You might wonder: can pellet grills produce the high heat needed for searing steaks? Absolutely! While pellet grills don’t use direct flame traditionally, many models easily reach 450-500°F or more, allowing you to achieve beautiful, caramelized grill marks.

Choosing the Right Steak

Before firing up your grill, selecting the right cut makes a huge difference:

• Ribeye: Rich marbling for juicy, flavorful results.

• New York Strip: Balanced marbling, robust flavor.

• Filet Mignon: Tender, mild flavor, ideal for a luxurious meal.

• T-Bone/Porterhouse: Offers two cuts in one (strip and filet).

Choose steaks at least one-inch thick for best results.

Preparing Your Steak for Grilling

Preparation is key to grilling greatness:

• Seasoning: Keep it simple—kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance natural beef flavors. Alternatively, a quality steak rub can boost complexity.

• Bring to Room Temperature: Allow steaks to rest outside the fridge 20-30 minutes before grilling for even cooking.

Two Proven Methods for Cooking Pellet Grill Steaks

Method 1: Reverse Sear (Recommended)

Reverse searing offers smoky depth and perfect tenderness.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat pellet grill to 225°F (use high-smoke setting if available).

2. Season steaks generously.

3. Smoke steaks until internal temperature reaches 110°F (about 40-60 minutes).

4. Remove steaks and increase grill temperature to 475-500°F.

5. Sear steaks 2-4 minutes per side until desired internal temperature:

   • Medium Rare: 128-130°F

   • Medium: 135-140°F

   • Medium Well: 145°F

6. Rest steaks 5-7 minutes before serving.

Reverse searing ensures steaks are evenly cooked and flavorful every time.

Method 2: Traditional Sear

Ideal when time is limited, still delivering juicy steaks quickly.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat pellet grill to 450-475°F.

2. Season steaks as preferred.

3. Grill steaks directly 5-6 minutes per side.

4. Monitor internal temperatures closely (use meat thermometer).

5. Rest steaks briefly (5-7 minutes) after grilling.

This method delivers classic grilled steaks with deliciously crisp exteriors.

Best Wood Pellets for Grilling Steaks

Choosing the right pellets significantly impacts flavor:

• Mesquite: Strong, bold smoke—ideal for beef.

• Hickory: Rich and hearty, enhancing beef’s natural flavors.

• Pecan: Mild sweetness, adds complexity.

• Oak: Balanced, classic smoke flavor, suitable for nearly any steak.

Experiment with blends to discover your favorite flavor profile.

Pro Tips for Grilling Perfect Steaks

• Avoid Frequent Flips: Flip steaks just once to preserve juices and form grill marks.

• Use a Reliable Thermometer: Digital probes ensure perfect internal temperatures.

• Resting is Essential: Allowing steaks to rest evenly redistributes juices, resulting in a tender bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pellet Grills Good for Steaks?
Absolutely. Pellet grills cook steaks beautifully, offering consistent heat, smoky flavor, and simple operation without the charcoal mess.

Should You Flip Steaks on a Pellet Grill?
Yes, flip steaks once halfway through cooking for optimal grill marks and even cooking.

What Temperature Should You Cook Steak on a Pellet Grill?
For reverse searing: smoke at 225°F, then sear at 475-500°F. For traditional searing, cook at 450°F.

How Long Does it Take to Cook a Steak on a Pellet Grill?
On average, reverse searing takes about 45-60 minutes total, while traditional grilling takes roughly 10-15 minutes depending on steak thickness and doneness preference.

Final Thoughts

Cooking steak on your pellet grill isn’t just simple—it’s a guaranteed way to elevate your steak game. Whether reverse searing or opting for the traditional grill method, you’ll achieve delicious, smoky steaks with satisfying grill marks every time.

Ready to fire up your grill and master pellet grill steaks? Gather your favorite cuts, choose your pellets, and savor the smoky perfection!