Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Cajun Dry Rub

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender and smoky beef rib tips coated with a bold Cajun dry rub, smoked low and slow to perfection. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 255 minutes pairs beef rib tips, paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika to make the Cajun dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 lbs beef rib tips with paper towels, then generously coat them with the Cajun dry rub, pressing it into all surfaces.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Place the rib tips on the smoker rack and smoke for 3.5 to 4 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 195°F and the meat is tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove the rib tips and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Cajun 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 Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Cajun 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 beef rib tips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Cajun 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 Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Cajun Dry Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Smoked Beef Rib Tips with Cajun Dry Rub?

American bbq & smoked 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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