Slow-Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef rib tips smoked low and slow with a robust dry rub that balances smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. This bbq & smoked-inspired beef ready in about 255 minutes pairs pounds beef rib tips, tablespoons paprika, tablespoon brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to create the dry rub. Pat dry 3 pounds beef rib tips with paper towels and evenly coat them with the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups apple wood chips for a sweet, mild smoke. Place the seasoned rib tips on the smoker grate, fat side up, and smoke for 3 to 4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove the rib tips from the smoker and let rest for 15 minutes on butcher paper. Slice and serve immediately for juicy, flavorful smoked rib tips.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds beef rib tips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub?

BBQ & Smoked beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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