What is the best meat to throw on your Traeger grill? That smoky, tender flavor is what makes pellet grilling so great. But when you stand in front of the meat case, the choices can feel overwhelming. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pork shoulder—each one promises delicious results, but which one fits your mood, your time, and your skill level?
Choosing the wrong cut can lead to dry, disappointing barbecue, and that’s a real letdown after all the prep work. You want that perfect bark and that juicy interior every time you fire up your grill. Finding the perfect match between your craving and your smoker is key to backyard success.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the top contenders for Traeger smoking. You will learn which meats cook fastest, which offer the biggest flavor payoff, and exactly what you need to buy for your next cookout. Get ready to stop guessing and start grilling with confidence.
Top Meat To Smoke On A Traeger Recommendations
- SIGNATURE BLEND WOOD FIRED FLAVOR: The flavors of hickory, maple, and cherry hardwoods combine for in our Traeger Signature Blend Hardwood Pellets for flavor that can take on just about anything you cook; From classic BBQ meats, to fish and veggies, this versatile blend gives you full-bodied flavor you'll go back to time and time again
- NOT ALL PELLETS ARE CREATED EQUAL: The best wood-fired grill on the market demands the best wood pellets on the market. Real taste doesn't just happen, it’s tied to quality materials and achieving perfect smoke; It starts with all-natural hardwood pellets made in American mills
- TRAEGER HAS SPENT YEARS DEVELOPING THE PERFECT PELLET: Our hardwood's unique compact cell structure results in a balanced, dependable burn; Traeger has spent years mastering the development of hardwood pellets that have just the right amount of moisture content—the sweet spot—to maintain a perfect burn-to-smoke ratio
- Multi-Purpose Use: The Traeger Pink BBQ Butcher Paper Roll is perfect for covering brisket, lining BBQ trays or tables, and even wrapping gifts. Its versatility makes it a must-have for any grilling enthusiast.
- Moisture Retention: This butcher paper keeps your meat moist by sealing in juices, yet it's breathable enough to protect the bark and allow additional smoke flavor to permeate, ensuring delicious results every time.
- Generous Dimensions: Measuring 18" x 75', this high-quality butcher paper provides ample coverage for all your grilling needs. Whether you're cooking for a small family or a large gathering, you'll have plenty of paper to work with.
- I Cant I Have Meat In The Smoker. This funny sarcastic excuse costume is perfect for dad or grandpa that is obsessed with barbeque & smoking accessories. Great for smoker who loves to cook brisket, pork, chicken or sausage. Mens and Womens Sizes.
- Wear this funny joke humor barbeque or Bar-B-que quote to your next bbq party, Christmas or birthday.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- Sweet & savory flavors that pair perfectly with milder meats
- Notes of apple, honey, paprika, & onion
- Kosher, GMO-free, & gluten-free
- HICKORY WOOD FIRED FLAVOR: Traeger Hickory Hardwood Pellets are great for naturally enhancing beef, chicken, pork, and veggies with full-bodied, bold flavor. So it should come as no surprise that Hickory’s assertive flavor is one of the most popular choices for classic BBQ cooking.
- NOT ALL PELLETS ARE CREATED EQUAL: The best wood-fired grill on the market demands the best wood pellets on the market. Real taste doesn’t just happen, it’s tied to quality materials and achieving perfect smoke. It starts with all-natural hardwood pellets made in American mills.
- TRAEGER HAS SPENT YEARS DEVELOPING THE PERFECT PELLET: Our hardwood's unique compact cell structure results in a balanced, dependable burn. Traeger has spent years mastering the development of hardwood pellets that have just the right amount of moisture content—the sweet spot—to maintain a perfect burn-to-smoke ratio
- Traeger Accessories for Smoking Meat: A must-have post-smoking professional resting meat accessory designed specifically for Traeger Grills. After low and slow roasting, Find law bbq blanket for resting meat allows your smoked brisket, pork ribs, and turkey to lock in temperature, retain juices, and prolong smoked flavor! Lightweight and waterproof, it's perfect for outdoor parties and backyard barbecues.
- Gifts for Men: The best birthday, father's day, valentines, anniversary, retirement, thanksgiving, and christmas gifts for men him and dad to give a better smoked meat barbecue experience!
- 5-Layer Insulation for Maximum Juiciness: Keep your meat tender and juicy with the innovative 5-layer insulation that locks in moisture and ensures an optimal resting temperature. This feature helps your meat reabsorb its natural juices, ensuring a flavorful, mouth-watering finish every time.
- Sweet BBQ sauce infused with the flavor of soda
- Crafted in partnership with Matt Pittman from Meat Church
- Easy to use squeeze bottle
- Citrus and spice seasoning for chicken dishes
- Notes of citrus, black pepper, paprika, and onion
- Gluten-free
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Meat to Smoke on Your Traeger
Smoking meat on a Traeger grill is a fantastic way to get that deep, smoky flavor without needing a dedicated smoker. Choosing the right meat makes all the difference between a good meal and an unforgettable one. This guide helps you pick the best cuts for your next backyard barbecue.
Key Features to Look For in Traeger Meat
When you stand in the meat aisle, look for specific signs of quality. These features tell you the meat will handle the long, slow cooking process of a Traeger well.
1. Marbling (Fat Content)
- What it is: Marbling means small streaks of white fat running through the lean muscle.
- Why it matters: Fat melts during the long smoke time. This melting fat keeps the meat moist and adds tons of flavor. More marbling usually means a juicier final product.
2. Color and Texture
- Good Signs: Fresh meat should have a bright, cherry-red color (for beef). The texture should feel firm, not slimy or overly soft.
- Avoid: Any gray or brown spots on fresh cuts are a sign of age or poor handling.
3. Thickness and Shape
- Best for Traeger: Look for thick cuts. Thin steaks dry out too fast during the several hours needed for smoking. A thick pork shoulder or a large brisket cooks evenly.
Important Materials: What Kind of Meat Works Best?
Certain cuts naturally lend themselves to low-and-slow cooking over wood pellets. These cuts have more connective tissue, which breaks down beautifully in the smoke.
Tougher Cuts Shine
These cuts need a long time to become tender, which is exactly what a Traeger does best:
- Beef Brisket: The king of barbecue. It’s fatty and needs hours to transform.
- Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): Perfect for pulled pork. It has great fat content.
- Pork Ribs (Spare or Baby Back): These absorb smoke flavor wonderfully.
Leaner Options (Use Caution)
While chicken and leaner steaks can be smoked, you must watch the temperature closely so they do not dry out:
- Chicken (Whole or Thighs): Skin crisps up nicely, and the dark meat stays moist.
- Beef Tri-Tip: A great option for a slightly faster smoke session.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Your final smoked meat quality depends on more than just the initial cut. Preparation and cooking technique play huge roles.
Factors that Improve Quality:
- Aging: Meat that has been “wet-aged” or “dry-aged” develops deeper, more complex flavors.
- Trimming: Removing excess, hard fat (especially on brisket) allows the smoke to penetrate better and prevents waxy, unrendered fat pockets.
- Binding/Rubbing: Applying a good dry rub ensures flavor penetrates the surface layers.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Freezer Burn: Meat damaged by ice crystals tastes dull and dry. Buy fresh when possible.
- Overcooking: Pulling the meat off the grill too late guarantees dryness, even if the fat content is high. Use a meat thermometer!
- Poor Wood Choice: Using low-quality or wet wood pellets results in weak, acrid smoke instead of clean, flavorful smoke.
User Experience and Use Cases
The Traeger excels at hands-off cooking. You set the temperature, load the wood, and let the machine do the work. This makes it perfect for:
- Weekend Feasts: Smoke a brisket overnight or all day Saturday for a big family gathering.
- Easy Entertaining: Since the Traeger maintains a steady temperature, you can focus on sides and guests rather than constantly adjusting vents.
- Flavor Infusion: Use different wood pellets (hickory, apple, cherry) to completely change the flavor profile of the same cut of meat.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Traeger Meat
Q: Can I smoke frozen meat on a Traeger?
A: You can start cooking frozen meat, but it takes much longer. It is better to fully thaw meat overnight in the refrigerator first for even cooking.
Q: What is the best wood pellet flavor for beef?
A: Hickory or Mesquite pellets give beef the classic, strong barbecue taste. Oak is a great middle-ground choice.
Q: Should I use a water pan in my Traeger?
A: Yes, especially for very long smokes like brisket. A water pan adds humidity, which helps keep the meat from drying out.
Q: How thick should my pork butt be for pulling?
A: Pork butts are usually 5 to 8 pounds. They need at least 8 to 12 hours on the Traeger to reach the right internal temperature for shredding.
Q: Do I need to wrap my meat (the “Texas Crutch”)?
A: Wrapping brisket or ribs in foil or butcher paper stalls the cooking process but helps retain moisture and speed up the cook. It is optional but often recommended for tenderness.
Q: What internal temperature signals the meat is done?
A: “Done” is usually defined by tenderness, not just temperature. For brisket and pork shoulder, aim for 203°F (95°C) internal temperature, but always test with a probe for a “probe-tender” feel.
Q: Does cheap meat taste bad when smoked?
A: Cheaper, tougher cuts can taste great after smoking because the long cook time breaks down the tough fibers. However, low-quality meat often has poor marbling, leading to a drier result.
Q: What is “The Stall” when smoking?
A: The Stall happens when the meat temperature stops rising, usually between 150°F and 170°F (65°C and 77°C). This is due to evaporative cooling. Wrapping the meat usually helps push past this point.
Q: Should I sear my meat before smoking it on the Traeger?
A: Searing is not necessary for traditional barbecue where flavor comes from the smoke. Some people sear steaks for a crust, but it is not required for big roasts.
Q: How long can I safely leave smoked meat resting?
A: Resting is critical! After cooking, wrap the meat tightly and let it rest in a cooler for 1 to 4 hours. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in much juicier meat.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!