Easy Smoked Prime Rib Recipe

If you’ve been looking for an easy smoked prime rib recipe that delivers big flavor without a bunch of extra work, you’re in the right place. This is the exact method I use when I want a holiday showstopper that doesn’t take all day to prep. 

A little beef base, a little pepper, and some steady smoke is all you need to turn a prime rib roast into something people won’t stop talking about.

I’ll walk you through the simple process I use, along with a few tips for getting perfect color, perfect texture, and that rich beefy crust everyone loves. This recipe is incredibly simple but the results are anything but. 

Why This Smoked Prime Rib Works

There’s nothing complicated here. We’re letting the natural beef flavor shine with just a thin coating of beef base, plenty of cracked pepper and a smoke bath.

And when I say pepper, I’m talking about fresh ground Tellicherry peppercorns.

They’re more aromatic, and have way more character than the pre-ground stuff in a shaker. I’m pretty heavy handed with it because that bold pepper flavor plays perfectly with the smoky crust. 

The low heat renders the fat, and builds that bark without drying the meat out. A short blast of higher heat at the end creates the perfect texture you’d expect on a prime rib. This recipe is truly prime rib perfection, without complication.

Why Pellet Grills Are Perfect for Smoked Prime Rib

Pellet grills take all the guesswork out of smoking prime rib. You set the temperature and they hold it steady. That means more time hanging with friends and family and less time stressing over the cooker.

Pellet smoke is clean and subtle. It enhances the beef flavor without overpowering it, so it’s a great fit for this recipe.

If you’re running an offset smoker or a simple kettle grill, you can absolutely make an incredible prime rib on those too. In fact, it’s widely accepted that smoke from a live fire is the gold standard, and I don’t disagree.

But…offsets and kettles require more attention and more skill to keep the fire and temps in check. During the holidays, a pellet grill offers the best balance of flavor, consistency, and low stress. It is the easiest path to success and that matters when company is coming.

Picking the Right Prime Rib Roast

Prime rib is sold bone-in or boneless and both are great options. Bone-in has the wow factor. The bones act like a natural heat shield during the cook and give a slightly richer flavor right around the bones.

It’s the classic presentation that gets people leaning over the cutting board with big eyes, but those bones aren’t cheap. You’re paying the same price per pound for those bones as you are for the meat itself. 

Boneless roasts however, give you more meat for the money. They also slice easier when the pressure is on and folks are hungry.

And, just being real here, I grew up stretching every grocery dollar. That never really leaves you, so I always consider value. My kids call that being cheap, but whatever.

As a general rule, plan on ¾ to 1 pound per person for boneless roasts, and 1 to 1¼ pounds per person for bone-in. 

Why I Use Beef Base 

Better Than Bouillon beef base brings a savory depth that complements the natural beef flavor instead of covering it up. It also helps the pepper stick to the roast, so it acts as a flavor packed binder. Knoor makes a beef base as well, but I’ve never used it; I assume it’s also a great option. 

I still go heavy with my fresh ground pepper, but that beef base underneath amplifies the flavor with every slice. It is a simple move that pays off big.

Wood Choices for Prime Rib

Beef can handle stronger smoke from the likes of: post oak, hickory, pecan, and mesquite. Post oak is my go-to here in Houston. It gives that classic Central Texas beef flavor without overwhelming the meat.

Hickory brings a familiar barbecue flavor that most people love. Pecan adds a slight nuttiness that pairs well with smoked prime rib. Mesquite has the most attitude, so use it lightly unless you want your roast tasting like it spent a week at the campsite, sans shower.

Apple and cherry are milder, and bring a slightly sweeter smoke profile. They give the roast a beautiful mahogany color, and they’re great if you’re cooking for spice-sensitive folks who think salt is spicy.

Pellet users get to simply pick a pellet flavor they like and let the grill run. That consistency is a huge advantage on a big holiday cook, but there’s no wrong answer to which wood or pellet is best for smoked prime rib.

Tips for the Best Prime Rib

–Score the fat cap lightly in a crosshatch pattern. It helps the fat render and gives the beef base something to hold on to. Just don’t score it so deep you can see the checkerboard from across the yard.

–Use fresh ground Tellicherry peppercorns instead of pre-ground shaker pepper. The difference in flavor is undeniable. This is an expensive prime rib, so treat it with the good stuff.

–Stop opening the smoker to check on things. Every peek drops the temp. Your roast is fine and you are only hurting progress.

–Cook by temperature, not time. Every roast is different so a reliable digital thermometer is a must. Guessing leads disaster…so I’ve been “told.”

–Finish it hot for great color and texture. This step tightens the crust and only takes a few minutes. It makes a big difference in presentation.

–Let it rest (covered) for 15 minutes before slicing. The juices settle and every bite is better for it. Your patience will be rewarded.

Tap Images For Other Holiday Showstoppers

Smoked Prime Rib FAQs

What temperature should I pull my prime rib off the smoker?
For medium rare, pull it at 115 to 118°F. Carryover cooking will bring it up to 125 to 130°F during the rest.

What is carryover cooking?
The meat will continue to cook after the roast is removed from the heat. Learn more about it here.

Can I cook this to medium or medium well?
Yes. Pull at 125°F for medium and 135°F for medium well, then rest.

What if I don’t have a pellet grill?
You can cook this on a kettle or offset using indirect heat. Just keep the temperature steady and follow the same steps.

What should I serve with smoked prime rib?
Horseradish cream is a classic and works incredibly well. 

Can I make this ahead of time?
Prime rib is best right off the smoker. Leftovers make amazing sandwiches the next day.

How To Smoke Prime Rib

Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 3:30

Ingredients:
1 6lb Prime Rib Roast
¼ cup better than bullion paste, beef base
2 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper

Step 1: Light your smoker and set for 200-225°F

Step 2: While the smoker is preheating, lightly score the fat cap of the roast with a sharp knife, in a crosshatch pattern.

Step 3: Evenly coat the roast with a thin coat of bullion base, then season with black pepper.

Step 4: Place the roast in the smoker and close the lid. Allow the roast to smoke till it reaches 105°F internal temperature. About 3:15. 

Step 5: Remove the roast from the smoker and increase the temperature to 450°F. Then, place the roast back in the smoker and allow it to finish to desired internal temperature as indicated by a reliable instant read thermometer. About 10 minutes for medium rare.

Step 6: Remove the roast, tent with foil and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Then, slice the roast and serve hot.