smoker essentials: bacon-wrapped chuck roast

How To Make smoker essentials: bacon-wrapped chuck roast

• 
  1

  PREP/PREPARE
• 
  2

  You will need and electric, gas, or wood-fired smoker. You can also use your outdoor grill as a smoker.
  A nice wireless temperature probe will make your job a whole lot easier.
• 
  3

  I have three smokers: 2 are electric, and 1 is wood or charcoal fired. If you are in the market to buy a smoker, the two companies that I can totally recommend to you are MasterBuilt, and Traeger
  www.masterbuilt.com
  www.traegergrills.com/shop?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2Kus6aaL3wIVEavsCh29pgZ-EAAYAiAAEgIx_fD_BwE
  In my opinion, they are the best of the best.
• 
  4

  My beef spice rub consists of:
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Oregano
  • Chili power
  • Garlic powder
  I vary the peppers and chili powder to achieve different levels of heat.
• 
  5

  As with all smoking, times are relative. I might say that it will take six hours for this roast to get to temperature, but yours might be finished in 5 hours, or even 7. When I asked a pit master how long it was going to take for his brisket to cook, he just looked at me, shrugged, and said: It will be ready, when it is ready.
• 
  6

  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 
  7

  Fire up your smoker, and run the heat between 220f (105c) – 225f (107c).
• 
  8

  Remove the roast from the fridge, and rub with your favorite spice mixture.
• 
  9

  Lay the bacon strips over the top of the roast.
• 
  10

  Sprinkle with a bit more spice rub on top of the bacon.
• 
  11

  Chef’s Tip: Let the roast sit on your counter for about an hour. This will help to take the chill off, before placing in the smoker.
• 
  12

  Add a drip tray to your smoker box, and fill with water, and maybe a bit of apple cider vinegar. The tray serves two purposes:
  1. It will help to catch the fat, dripping off the cooking chuck roast.
  2. It will add a bit of moisture to the smoke box.
• 
  13

  Add the roast, and allow to smoke until the internal temperature reaches 150f (65c), 2 – 3 hours.
• 
  14

  Chef’s Note: I am using apple wood chips.
• 
  15

  At this point, the roast will not take any more smoke, so we are going to wrap it.
  Take a nice thick piece of aluminum foil, lay a piece of parchment paper on top, and then add the roast
• 
  16

  Carefully wrap it up.
• 
  17

  Place back into the smoker (no more smoke needed; just heat), and continue to cook until you reach an internal temp of 195f (90c), about another 2 – 3 hours.
• 
  18

  Allow to rest for 10 – 15 minutes before carving.
• 
  19

  Chef’s Note: While it is resting, the internal temperature will increase by about 5 degrees, as the heat from the outside moves inward. This is known as “carryover” cooking.
• 
  20

  PLATE/PRESENT
• 
  21

  Slice against the grain, and serve while still nice and hot. Enjoy.
• 
  22

  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
• Printable Recipe Card