Smoked Chuck Roast on a Traeger Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe by Traeger Kitchen offers a delicious take on the classic pot roast by infusing it with wood-fired flavor. The process starts with a spice-rubbed chuck roast smoked on a Traeger grill. It is then braised in a Dutch oven with potatoes, carrots, onions, herbs, and beef stock until tender. 

Ingredients

• Roast:
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (3 lb) chuck roast
• Braise:
  • 2 cups red bliss potatoes, halved
  • 2 cups carrots, cut into 2-inch slices
  • 2 cups pearl onions, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • 1 cup sherry or red wine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 2 dried chipotle peppers
  • 2 cups beef stock

Steps

1. Prep the Roast:

   • Preheat the Traeger to 180℉ for 15 minutes with the lid closed.
   • Rub the chuck roast with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Smoke the roast on the grill grates for 1.5 hours.

2. Braising:

   • Increase the grill temperature to 275℉.
   • Place the roast in a Dutch oven and add the potatoes, carrots, onions, ancho chile powder, sherry, rosemary, thyme, chipotle peppers, and beef stock.
   • Cover and braise on the grill for 4-5 hours until the meat is very tender.

3. Serve:

   • Serve with your favorite roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes and gravy.

Wood-Fired Chuck Pot Roast

Pot roast is a quintessential comfort food that has graced dinner tables for generations. However, adding a smoky twist can elevate this classic dish to new heights. This guide will walk you through a unique approach to preparing a chuck pot roast that boasts robust flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Perfect for gatherings or a hearty family meal, this wood-fired pot roast will surely impress.

Choosing the Right Cut The foundation of a great pot roast is selecting the right cut of meat. The chuck roast is ideal due to its rich marbling and connective tissues, which break down beautifully during the slow cooking process. When smoked, these characteristics are enhanced, offering a deep, savory flavor profile.

Preparing the Roast Start by seasoning the roast with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This spice rub creates a flavorful crust that complements the smoky essence imparted by the grill. Allow the seasoned roast to sit at room temperature while you preheat your Traeger grill to 180℉.

Smoking for Depth of Flavor Place the chuck roast directly on the grill grates and smoke it for about 1.5 hours. This step infuses the meat with a distinctive wood-fired aroma, creating a depth of flavor that sets this pot roast apart from traditional oven-cooked versions.

Braising to Perfection Once the roast has absorbed the smoky goodness, it's time to braise. Transfer the roast to a Dutch oven, adding red bliss potatoes, carrots, pearl onions, ancho chile powder, sherry or red wine, fresh rosemary, thyme, dried chipotle peppers, and beef stock. This combination of ingredients not only enhances the taste but also creates a rich, aromatic broth.

Cover the Dutch oven and place it back on the grill, increasing the temperature to 275℉. Allow the roast to braise for 4-5 hours until the meat is fork-tender. The slow braising process ensures that all the flavors meld together, resulting in a succulent, flavorful pot roast.

Serving Suggestions Serve your wood-fired chuck pot roast with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the robust flavors of the meat. The braising liquid can be reduced to make a delectable gravy, adding the finishing touch to your meal.

Conclusion

This smoked pot roast recipe brings a delightful twist to a traditional dish, combining the comfort of a classic pot roast with the rich, smoky flavors of a wood-fired grill. Whether you're a seasoned griller or new to smoking meats, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the hearty, flavorful experience of a perfectly smoked chuck pot roast with your loved ones.