When you think of a grill, the first things that come to mind are probably burgers, hot dogs, wings, and steaks. So what about a beef roast? Is this bigger piece of meat too tough to flip and grill like the others?
Roasts are traditionally cooked in the oven because of their large size. Burgers and steaks can be cooked on the grill in just a few minutes on each side. But wouldn’t the outside of a roast get too done and dry out before the inside is cooked?
We’re going to bust some myths about grilling roast beef today and help you see this cut of beef in a new way.
Juicy, tender roast beef hot off the barbecue is a mouthwatering treat. Even though rotisserie cooking adds a lot of flavor, you can still make delicious roast beef on the grill without this extra gear. You can enjoy tasty barbecued roast beef even if you don’t have a rotisserie. All you need are a few simple tips and close attention.
Why BBQ Roast Beef?
Roasting beef on the grill infuses it with irresistible smoky barbecue flavor. The hot temperatures help create a flavorful dark crust on the exterior while keeping the interior nice and juicy. Using indirect heat on the grill allows for even gentle cooking all the way through large cuts like roasts.
Roast beef also makes a perfect entree for feeding a crowd at a barbecue It’s simple to prepare, satisfying, and full of homey appeal Served hot off the grill, barbecue roast beef really shines during warmer months.
How to Grill Roast Beef Without a Rotisserie
With the right steps, you can achieve tender, evenly cooked roast beef using a standard charcoal or gas grill:
Supplies Needed
- Beef roast (ribeye, tenderloin, top sirloin) 3-5 lbs
- BBQ grill with lid
- 2-3 chunks smoking wood (mesquite, hickory, cherry)
- BBQ rub or seasoning
- Basting sauce or glaze
- Instant read meat thermometer
Instructions
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Prepare the roast: pat it dry and cover it with dry rub, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature 30 minutes.
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Preheat grill to 300°F: With all burners on high, close lid for 15 minutes. Turn off center burner, leaving outer burners on medium.
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Add smoke wood Once grill is preheated, add wood chunks to outer edges of coals for smoke.
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Sear roast: Place roast directly over center burner and sear 2-3 minutes per side to form a nice crust.
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Cook indirect: Move roast to center of grill, away from direct heat. Close lid to cook indirectly.
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Monitor temp: Insert an instant read thermometer to check doneness, without letting heat escape. Cook to 120-125°F for medium rare.
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Baste and flip: After searing, baste roast with barbecue sauce/glaze. Flip and repeat basting every 20-30 minutes.
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Rest and slice: Remove roast and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing across the grain.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
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Choose evenly shaped roasts for even cooking. Tie with butcher’s twine to keep shape.
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Sear fat cap side first. Fat drippings can flare up over direct heat.
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Use indirect zone to gently finish cooking without burning exterior.
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Turn roast 180 degrees halfway through for even exposure to heat on all sides.
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Make sure grill is fully preheated before searing to get a nice brown crust.
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Resist cutting into rested roast right away. Juices need time to redistribute and absorb.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I grill roast beef? Use medium heat around 300°F indirect after briefly searing over direct heat. Slow roasting allows tender, evenly cooked meat.
How long does it take to grill roast beef? Estimate 15-20 minutes per pound, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer for desired doneness.
What is best beef roast for grilling? Tenderloin, ribeye, and top sirloin roasts work well. Choose evenly shaped cuts. Avoid super fatty roasts prone to flare ups.
What do I baste roast beef with on the grill? Use bold barbecue sauce, mustard glaze, herbed butter, or beef broth for flavor and moisture.
Delicious Roast Beef Barbecue Meal
Grilled roast beef makes the perfect centerpiece of a summertime barbecue meal. Round it out with these sensational sides:
- Grilled potatoes or corn with herb butter
- Tangy coleslaw or potato salad
- Fresh lettuce wedge salad
- Warm buttery dinner rolls
- Iced tea, lemonade, or chilled beer
Don’t forget to offer a selection of zesty BBQ sauces on the side to complement the smoky roast beef. Set up a buffet so guests can fill their plates with these mouthwatering barbecue classics.
The Takeaway
With indirect heat and monitoring, you can grill an incredible roast beef dinner even without using a rotisserie. Sear the exterior over direct heat to form a flavorful crust. Then, move to indirect heat to gently roast the interior to juicy perfection. Serve sliced roast beef right off the barbecue for an unforgettable meal that will impress any crowd.
Can You Grill a Roast?
Cooking a roast on the grill may not be as far-fetched of an idea as you’d think. The cut can even cook and stay as tender as it would be in the oven if it is done right. And, you’ll even get that incredible smoky flavor you expect from grilled foods. But there are some things you can do to make sure your grilled roast is just right and that the juices and flavors stay in so that the meat doesn’t dry out.
Tips & Tricks for Grilled Roast Beef: Grilling the Most Tender Roast
The Chicago Steak Company has all the information you need on how to cook a New York strip roast or any other pork or beef roast on the grill. Most of the time, roasts are baked or made in a pot, so grilling is probably one of the least thought-about ways to cook them. But you should give it a try.
Here are a few pointers to help you cook up the perfect grilled roast:
- It matters whether you use a charcoal or gas grill. Make sure the grill is big enough for the beef or pork roast to cook both directly and indirectly. A grill that’s at least 20 inches is ideal, but in this case, bigger is better.
- Before you start cooking, heat your grill to about 350 degrees with the lid off. This will allow for steady, even cooking.
- Before you put the roast on the grill, add your favorite rub to it to make it taste even better. For a more traditional taste, use just olive oil, salt, and pepper. For the smoky taste you want, you might also want to add chunks of flavored wood to the grill. Do you want a strong barbecue taste? Cover the roast in barbecue sauce all over.
- Put your prime rib roast on the hottest part of your grill and sear it well until the crust gets lightly browned and crispy. If your meat is fatty, don’t sear the fatty end because the fat can cause dangerous flare-ups.
- Move the roast out of direct heat and close the lid to let it cook the rest of the way. This works a lot like an oven and heats your roast evenly and thoroughly.
- Generally, your roast should be cooked on the grill for 15 to 20 minutes per pound, but this will depend on how done you want it. Before taking the roast off the grill, a medium-rare roast should be 130 to 135 degrees done, and a medium roast should be 140 degrees done. Always check the internal temperature with a reliable thermometer.
- Let your grilled beef roast rest at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before cutting it. This will let the juices move back through the meat and keep it tender. At least 15 minutes of resting is ideal. After letting the roast rest, use your meat thermometer to check it again to make sure it’s cooked to the temperature you want.