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    Home » Recipes » Beef

    Traeger Tri Tip

    Published: Sep 29, 2023 · Modified: Mar 7, 2025 by Amanda Mason · 16 Comments

    Yield 5 people
    Cook 2 hours hours
    Prep 15 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe

    This juicy and flavorful Traeger tri tip is ready in as little as 1.5 hours with that slow-smoked flavor you're guaranteed to love!

    Sliced Traeger tri tip garnished with fresh parsley.

    Tri tips are one of my favorite cuts of meat to smoke in the Traeger -- they're inexpensive, cook quickly, and are just as flavorful as more costly cuts of meat. You can get that slow-smoked BBQ flavor in just a couple of hours with this recipe!

    The seasoning recipe is as simple as it gets without skimping on flavor. A little cumin, garlic salt, onion powder, smoked paprika (for that extra smoky kick), and salt and pepper add the perfect amount of BBQ flavor to a delicious and beefy-tasting tri-tip. And it pairs amazingly well with these Instant Pot pinto beans, steak french fries, this creamy cheese broccoli casserole with rice, and these skillet fried potatoes!

    When choosing your tri-tip, I recommend Prime grade if you can find it, although Choice grade is still marbled and flavorful while being a little more budget-friendly. A local butcher or meat market is the best place to find quality tri-tip, no matter the grade, but Sam's Club and Costco often have this cut of meat available as well.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Expert Tips
    • How Long to Smoke Traeger Tri Tip Steak
    • Traeger tri tip

    Why This Recipe Works

    1. All-day smoked flavor in just a couple of hours.

    2. Simple ingredients with only one cut of meat and 6 common spices that are most likely already sitting in your spice cabinet.

    3. Beginner friendly! You don't have to be an expert at smoking meat to have a delicious tri tip ready to impress your BBQ guests.


    A cut of cooked, Traeger tri tip with one section sliced into thin strips.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    All of the ingredients needed to make Traeger Tri Tip: tri tip, cumin, onion powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
    • Tri-tip. You'll need a 2-3 pound tri-tip steak for this recipe. The whole tri-tip works better for this recipe than slices. If you can only find one larger or smaller, you'll have to adjust the smoking time as needed.
    • Cumin. Adds an earthy, warm flavor to the spice mix.
    • Onion powder. For a subtle onion flavor.
    • Garlic Salt. I prefer garlic salt over garlic powder for this recipe as it adds more flavor to the meat. If you only have garlic powder, be sure to add additional salt as needed.
    • Smoked Paprika. While the Traeger adds a smoky flavor to the meat, adding smoked paprika is a great way to get a little extra smokiness in every bite!
    • Salt and pepper.

    Be sure to see the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and directions.

    Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

    Before beginning the rub and prepping the meat, prepare the smoker and pre-heat it to 225°F.

    Step 1: Combine the cumin, onion powder, garlic salt, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small dish, mixing well.

    The seasonings combined in a small dish.

    Step 2-3: Sprinkle the dry rub onto the tri tip, then, using your hands, spread the dry rub over the front, back, and sides of the meat, pressing down so that the mixture adheres to the meat.

    sprinkling, then rubbing the meat into the tri tip steak.

    Step 4-5: Put the steak directly on the smoker racks and insert a digital thermometer at a slight angle into the side of the tri tip. Make sure that the tip of the thermometer is in the center.

    Placing the tri tip on the Traeger grill and inserting the meat thermometer into the center.

    Step 6-8: Smoke low and slow until the desired temperature is met, about 1.5 to 2 hours for medium-rare. Once done, remove the steak from the smoker using tongs and place it on a dish covered with aluminum foil. Wrap the smoked tri tip tightly in the aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 7-10 minutes.

    Wrapping the tri tip steak in a piece of aluminum foil as it rests.

    Step 9-11: After resting, put the steak on a cutting board and slice it against the grain. Cut the slices as thin as possible, as this will create a more tender texture. Serve immediately.

    Unwrapping the smoked steak, then slicing thin with a sharp knife.

    No one will believe this tender, juicy smoked tri tip took only a few hours and such little effort to make!

    A serving tray filled with thin slices of  steak.

    Recipe FAQs

    How long to smoke a 2-pound tri tip?

    At 225°F, a tri tip should take around 30 minutes per pound for rare, or about 60 minutes for a 2-pound tri tip, or 1.5 hours for medium-rare.

    Why is my smoked tri tip tough?

    Cooking low and slow is the key to a tender and juicy tri tip. If the heat is too high for too long, the tri tip may dry out and have a tough texture.

    Steak just off the Traeger grill, with a small section sliced.

    Expert Tips

    • For juicy and tender meat, smoking low and slow is key. Don't be tempted to turn the heat up to cut down on the time it takes to make your tri tip.
    • When preparing your tri tip, you'll notice a very thin layer of fat on the bottom. Leave this intact!
    • Once you add your tri tip to the smoker, put the meat fat side down, and do not turn it once you've added it.
    • When preparing the Traeger for your tri tip, ensure it's clean and the plate below is free from grease and other smoke. Failing to do this could cause dark smoke and add an unwanted flavor to your meat.
    • Smoking meat is a great way to tenderize cuts that may otherwise be a little tougher. Another way to increase tenderness is to cut against the grain and make your slices as thin as possible when slicing your meat.
    • Use oak or mesquite pellets for this recipe. You could also use the Traeger Signature Blend, which is a mix of maple and cherry.
    • You don't have to add a water pan to the Traeger, but if you do add a shallow pan of water while smoking, the meat will be moister, and the temperature will be more easily regulated.

    How Long to Smoke Traeger Tri Tip Steak

    Always smoke to temperature, not time, since different thicknesses of meat will take varying times to cook. For a rare steak, it should take around 30 minutes per pound to cook, but this isn't a hard and fast rule.

    Inserting a meat thermometer into your steak so you can check the internal temperature is the most accurate way to know when you should remove your tri tip steak from the Traeger grill.

    See the chart below for an accurate temperature for your desired doneness of the steak.


    If you tried this Traeger Tri Tip recipe or any other recipes on my website, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing from you! And, please leave a 🌟 rating while you're there!

    📧 Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter so that you don’t miss out on any of my delicious recipes!


    Sliced tri tip.

    Traeger tri tip

    Unbelivbale tender, juicy, and flavorful, this Traeger Tri Tip recipe is perfect for a crowd or Sunday dinner!
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner
    Cuisine: American, Smoker Recipe
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5 people
    Calories: 303kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Equipment

    • Traeger

    Ingredients

    • 1 2-3lb tri tip
    • 1 teaspoon salt, coarse
    • 1 teasopon black pepper, coarse
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cumin, ground
    • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder

    Instructions

    • Start by preparing the Traeger accordingly. Preheat it to 225°F.
    • In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Mix to combine.
    • Sprinkle the dry rub onto the tri tip. Using your hands, spread the dry rub over the front, back, and sides of the meat ensuring to press the rub into the steak.
    • Put the steak directly on the smoker racks and insert a digital thermometer at a slight angle into the side of the tri tip ensuring the tip is all the way in the center.
    • Smoke low and slow until the desired temperature is met, about 1.5 to 2 hours for medium-rare.
    • Using tongs, remove the steak from the smoker and place on a dish. Wrap the smoked tri tip tightly in aluminum foil and allow to rest for 7-10 minutes.
    • After the resting period, put the steak on a cutting board and slice against the grain. The thinner the slices, the more tender the steak.
    • Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 699mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 201IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes With Taste! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes With Taste grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes With Taste is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 10 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Michaela Graham

      May 27, 2025 at 12:09 am

      5 stars
      We made this for Sunday dinner and it was absolutely amazing! The Traeger gave it such a rich, smoky flavour – so juicy and tender. Everyone went back for seconds!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        May 27, 2025 at 12:15 pm

        So glad to hear this!! And it's an easy recipe, too!!

        Reply
    2. Luke Ratford

      May 15, 2025 at 11:22 pm

      5 stars
      I tried your Traeger tri tip recipe over the weekend, and it was a hit! The combination of spices created a perfect crust; the meat was juicy and flavoured. The straightforward instructions made it easy to follow, even for a novice like me. Thanks for such a delicious and accessible recipe!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        May 27, 2025 at 12:14 pm

        Glad you loved it!

        Reply
    3. Lisa

      April 27, 2025 at 6:24 am

      5 stars
      This cooked absolutely perfect! It was great to serve to my crowd I had at my house last weekend!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 28, 2025 at 5:38 pm

        Oh that is fantastic to hear!! I'm so glad everyone loved it!

        Reply
    4. Luke Ratford

      April 25, 2025 at 1:10 am

      5 stars
      Juicy, smoky and full of flavour – this Traeger tri tip hits the spot.
      A BBQ favourite our guests loved, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 28, 2025 at 5:38 pm

        I'm so glad to hear they loved it so much!!

        Reply
    5. Juyali

      August 29, 2024 at 9:24 pm

      5 stars
      My family and I loved this recipe. So tasty, tender and comforting.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        August 31, 2024 at 8:18 am

        So glad you and your family loved it!

        Reply
    6. Savita

      April 08, 2024 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      This turns out very tender and smoky. Tried it this weekend and everyone in the family loved it.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 10, 2024 at 8:53 am

        So glad to hear everyone loved it!! Yes - it is super tender and juicy 🙂

        Reply
    7. Amy Liu Dong

      April 06, 2024 at 5:21 pm

      5 stars
      From the looks of it, the meat looks flavorful and tender! The way that it is presented is great and the overall is immaculate!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 07, 2024 at 9:35 am

        Enjoy! It is delish!

        Reply
    8. Amy Lui Dong

      February 18, 2024 at 2:34 am

      5 stars
      A great recipe the meat is being treated nicely, the spices/seasonings are just in there to make the natural flavor of the meat be enhanced and come out more!

      Reply
    9. DK Park

      February 16, 2024 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      The meat looks tender and cooked carefully, it is packed with flavors and i want to try it! A great recipe you have!

      Reply

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