Getting started with your Traeger grill can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to smoking meats. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore 18 effortless and easy Traeger recipes that are perfect for beginners. From classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and meatloaf, to delicious seafood options like salmon and shrimp, we’ve gathered some of the most mouth-watering recipes out there.
Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting your smoking journey, these recipes will show you just how easy it is to get started with Traeger. And don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of experience – our step-by-step instructions and helpful tips will guide you every step of the way.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and start cooking up some amazing dishes with your Traeger!
Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork
Get ready for tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork, smoked to perfection on your Traeger grill!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup wood chips (your choice of hardwood or fruit woods)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork on the Traeger grill, close the lid, and smoke for 8-10 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F.
5. Remove the pork from the Traeger and let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding with two forks.
6. Serve warm with your favorite barbecue sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Easy Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Elevate your snack game with these tender and flavorful Traeger-smoked chicken wings that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup wood pellets (hickory or apple)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger grill to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder.
3. Toss chicken wings with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
4. Place wings on Traeger grill and cook for 2-1/2 hours or until cooked through.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add wood pellets to the Traeger.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Traeger Smoked Brisket
Smoked Brisket Recipe for Traeger Owners
Slow-cooked to tender perfection, this Smoked Brisket recipe is a must-try for any Traeger owner. With its rich flavors and velvety texture, it’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 (6-7 pound) beef brisket
- 1 cup wood chips (post oak or apple work well)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Purposefully trim any excess fat from the brisket.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly across both sides of the brisket.
- Place the brisket in the Traeger at 225°F (110°C) for 4-5 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- If desired, brush with barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time:
4-5 hours at 225°F (110°C)
Simple Traeger Smoked Salmon
Get ready to elevate your salmon game with this easy and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and some basic prep, you’ll be enjoying tender, smoky salmon in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup wood chips (alder or apple work well)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets on the Traeger grates, skin side down (if they have skin).
4. Sprinkle the sugar-paprika mixture evenly over each fillet.
5. Close the lid and smoke for 2-1/2 hours or until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
6. Remove from heat and brush with olive oil.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, smoky twist on a classic macaroni and cheese recipe. The Traeger’s low-and-slow heat infuses the dish with a deep, rich flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger to 275°F (135°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
5. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a Traeger-safe dish and smoke for 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Easy Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
A deliciously simple way to smoke turkey breast to perfection with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless turkey breast
– 1 cup wood chips (your choice of hardwood, such as hickory or apple)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Place the turkey breast in the Traeger, fat side up (if it has one).
5. Close the lid and smoke for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove the turkey from the Traeger and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Traeger Smoked Pork Ribs
Get ready for fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in flavor pork ribs, smoked to perfection on your Traeger grill. This recipe is perfect for a backyard BBQ or a cozy night in with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup of wood pellets (your choice of hickory, apple, or cherry)
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help them cook more evenly).
4. Apply the dry rub mixture evenly to both racks of ribs.
5. Place the ribs on the Traeger grill, leaving about 1 inch of space between each rack.
6. Smoke the ribs for 8-10 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Quick Traeger Smoked Sausages
Get ready to savor the rich flavor of smoked sausages without the hassle of a long cooking time! This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 smoked sausages (your choice of variety)
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry work well)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. Place the sausages directly on the grill grates.
3. Close the lid and let the sausages cook for 30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
4. Meanwhile, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. After the initial 30 minutes, brush the sausage mixture evenly onto the sausages.
6. Close the lid again and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sausages are nicely charred and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Traeger Smoked Garlic Butter Shrimp
Elevate your seafood game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with the tender juiciness of shrimp, all infused with a hint of smoky goodness from your Traeger.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wood pellets (your choice of flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and paprika until well combined.
3. Place the shrimp in a single layer on the Traeger grill mat or directly on the grill grates.
4. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure they’re all coated.
5. Close the lid and smoke for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Easy Traeger Smoked Meatloaf
Elevate your meatloaf game with this simple and delicious recipe that combines the rich flavors of smoked meat with the comfort of a classic loaf. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Add beaten egg and chopped onion; mix until just combined.
4. Form into a loaf shape and place on Traeger grill mat.
5. Smoke for 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken
Transform your next dinner party with this mouthwatering whole chicken smoked to perfection on a Traeger. This recipe yields tender, juicy meat infused with rich, smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 lb) whole chicken
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 275°F.
2. Rinse and pat dry the whole chicken.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place wood chips in the Traeger’s wood chip tray.
6. Put the chicken on the Traeger grill grate, breast side up.
7. Smoke for 2-1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Simple Traeger Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Experience the rich flavor of slow-smoked pork tenderloin with minimal effort using your Traeger grill. This recipe yields a deliciously moist and tender result.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 oz) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Place the tenderloin in the Traeger, close the lid, and smoke for 2-3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove the tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Traeger Smoked BBQ Pork Chops
Add a rich, smoky flavor to pork chops with this easy recipe perfect for your Traeger grill.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 pork chops (1-2 inches thick)
– 1/4 cup Smoked BBQ Rub
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the Smoked BBQ Rub, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Season both sides of the pork chops with the rub mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place the pork chops directly on the Traeger grill grates, leaving about 1 inch between each chop.
5. Close the lid and smoke for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Remove the pork chops from the Traeger and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Easy Traeger Smoked Vegetables
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple recipe that yields tender, smoky goodness with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick side dish or as a topping for your favorite meats.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and onions)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger grill to 225°F (110°C).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Place vegetables in a single layer on the Traeger grill, leaving space for air circulation.
4. Close the lid and smoke for 1-2 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
5. If using broth, baste vegetables with it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
Traeger Smoked Stuffed Bell Peppers
Transform ordinary bell peppers into a flavorful and tender delight with this simple Traeger recipe. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing main dish or as a colorful side.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 275°F.
2. Cut off tops of bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place in a single layer on the Traeger grate.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion, garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Close lid and smoke for 2-3 hours or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Quick Traeger Smoked Burgers
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these mouthwatering Quick Traeger Smoked Burgers. Perfect for a crowd, this recipe yields tender and juicy patties infused with rich, smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces ground beef (80/20 or 70/30 lean to fat ratio works best)
– 2 tablespoons Traeger Smoked BBQ Rub
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke (optional, but adds intense smoky flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger to 225°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, Smoked BBQ Rub, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined; do not overwork.
3. Form into 8 equal patties.
4. Place patties on the Traeger grill mat or directly on the grill grates.
5. Smoke for 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F for medium-rare.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush with liquid smoke (if using).
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Traeger Smoked Honey Glazed Ham
This sweet and savory Traeger-smoked ham is a showstopper for any gathering. With its caramelized glaze and tender, juicy meat, it’s sure to be the star of your next BBQ or holiday feast.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 275°F.
2. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Place the ham on the Traeger grill grate, fat side up.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover every surface.
5. Close the lid and cook for 2-1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Easy Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob
Add a delicious smoky twist to classic grilled corn with this simple recipe. Perfect for summer gatherings or family BBQs, this method ensures tender and flavorful results.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger or smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over each ear.
4. Place the corn on the Traeger or smoker, leaving some space between each ear.
5. Smoke for 30-40 minutes, or until the corn is tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to level up your grilling game with these 18 effortless and easy Traeger recipes perfect for beginners! From mouthwatering pulled pork and chicken wings to smoky salmon and mac and cheese, this collection has something for everyone. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you’ll be a Traeger pro in no time. Discover the secrets to tender, juicy meats and perfectly cooked veggies that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these easy Traeger recipes are sure to become new favorites.
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