These easy, tender, smokey Traeger Smoked Short Rib Bites are one of our favorite ways to cook short ribs! We use the ribs that are cut in smaller 2-3 inch sections and fire up the smoker. These aren’t fast, but they are relatively hands-off, and very difficult to screw up.

Traeger Smoked Beef Short Rib Bites

Of all of the different cuts of beef, short ribs hold such a special place in my heart. When cooked properly, they are some of the most delicious pieces on the cow. My Braised Beef Short Ribs are usually what I turn to, since I am such a fan of roast beef and gravy, but lately the impressive Thor’s Hammer has come onto the scene in a big way and I can see why. We’ve even done some pretty amazing Korean-style Kalbi Beef Short Ribs on the Traeger that I still think about.

Sometimes you don’t want a big heavy meal though, or want to serve something more snackable or passable for a party or cookout. That’s where short rib bites come in to save the day. Big beefy barbecue flavor in small, holdable portions?

Gimmie.

More Easy Traeger Recipes here!

Smoked Short Rib Bites shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

beef short ribs
beef bbq rub
beef broth
butter

Try our Smoked Prime Rib too!

How to make Smoked Short Rib Bites

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Preheat

Preheat your smoker to 220°F.

Season and Smoke

Season the short ribs liberally with your favorite beef bbq rub. Smoke for about 2 hours directly on the grill grates.

Wrap & Grill

Make a double-layered foil pouch and place the ribs inside. Top with pats of butter and pour in the beef broth. Seal up the pouch and put back on the grill. Increase the temperature to 325°F. Cook until tender.

Paint & Set

Once the ribs are tender, remove from the pouch and paint with your favorite barbecue sauce. Put back on the grill for 10 minutes to set the sauce.

Enjoy

Enjoy as a snack or a main dish. They should be smokey, tender, and amazing.

Try my Homemade Barbecue Sauce on these!

Traeger Smoked Beef Short Rib Bites FAQ

How do you store leftovers?

These are best stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

We’ve used the microwave successfully to reheat these. I’d recommend pulling them off the bone first.

Our Easy Smoked Pork Chops are a great option too!

More tender Traeger Beef recipes

More recipes to enjoy!

Yield: 6 servings

Smoked Short Rib Bites

Name: Smoked Short Rib Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef short ribs; 2 tablespoons beef bbq rub; 1/4 cup beef broth; 3 tablespoons butter

Take chunks of short ribs, season and smoke on the pellet grill, then sauced and grilled wrapped in foil until the are fall-off-the-bone tender bites of bold beef flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

3 pounds beef short ribs
2 tablespoons beef bbq rub
1/4 cup beef broth
3 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Preheat your smoker to 220°F.
Season the short ribs with the rub. Our suggested rubs are below, but you can use whatever you have on hand too.
Place the meat directly on the grill grates and smoke for 2 hours.
Make a double-layered foil pouch and place the meat inside. Top with the pats of butter, and pour the beef broth in the bottom. Seal tightly, and place back on the grill.
Increase the temperature to 325°F and continue to cook the short ribs until they are fork tender. That could take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on your specific cuts of meat, the external temperature, and your grill. You can probe right through the foil, or carefully open the pouch to check and reseal once you are done.
Remove from the grill and paint with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Place back on the grill for 10-15 minutes to "set" the sauce, and enjoy!

Traeger Smoked Short Rib Bites