How Long Should You Cook Steak on a Pit Boss Grill?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Food Storage & Preservation

When it comes to grilling the perfect steak, timing and technique are everything. The Pit Boss grill, known for its versatility and consistent heat control, has become a favorite among backyard chefs eager to achieve that ideal sear and juicy interior. But one common question often arises: how long to cook steak on a Pit Boss to get that mouthwatering result every time?

Cooking steak on a Pit Boss involves more than just setting a timer. Factors like steak thickness, desired doneness, and grill temperature all play crucial roles in determining the perfect cooking duration. Understanding these variables can help you avoid overcooking or undercooking, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of cooking steak on a Pit Boss grill, guiding you through the key considerations for timing and temperature. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, mastering these basics will elevate your steak game and make every cookout a delicious success.

Optimal Cooking Times for Different Steak Cuts on a Pit Boss Grill

Cooking steak on a Pit Boss pellet grill requires understanding the unique characteristics of each cut and how heat penetrates the meat. The cooking time is influenced by factors such as steak thickness, desired doneness, and grill temperature. Below is a detailed guideline to help achieve perfect results.

Steaks thicker than 1.5 inches generally need more time and indirect cooking methods, while thinner cuts can be cooked quickly over direct heat. The Pit Boss grill offers precise temperature control, which aids in maintaining consistent heat for even cooking.

Key factors affecting cook time include:

  • Steak Thickness: Thicker steaks take longer to cook; thinner steaks require less time.
  • Grill Temperature: Higher temps (around 500°F) are suitable for searing, while lower temps (225°F-275°F) are ideal for slow cooking and smoking.
  • Desired Doneness: Rare steaks need less time than medium or well-done cuts.
  • Resting Time: Allow steak to rest 5-10 minutes post-cooking to redistribute juices.

Below is a reference table outlining approximate cooking times for common steak cuts on a Pit Boss grill at a searing temperature of 500°F, followed by a resting period.

Steak Cut Thickness Grill Temp (°F) Cooking Time Per Side (minutes) Internal Temp Target (°F) Notes
Ribeye 1 inch 500 4-5 130 (Medium Rare) Rest 5-7 mins
New York Strip 1.5 inches 500 5-6 135 (Medium) Use two-zone cooking for thicker cuts
Filet Mignon 1.25 inches 500 4-5 125 (Rare to Medium Rare) Cook gently to avoid overcooking
Sirloin 1 inch 500 3-4 135 (Medium) Can be flipped frequently for even cooking
Flank Steak 0.75 inch 500 3 130 (Medium Rare) Slice against the grain after resting

For thicker cuts (2 inches or more), it is recommended to use a two-zone cooking method on the Pit Boss:

  • Step 1: Sear on high heat (450-500°F) for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Step 2: Move steak to indirect heat area (225-275°F) to finish cooking slowly until desired internal temperature is reached.
  • Step 3: Rest steak before slicing.

This approach prevents over-charring the exterior while ensuring the interior reaches the ideal doneness.

Temperature Guidelines and Monitoring Techniques

Maintaining accurate temperature control is critical when cooking steak on a Pit Boss grill. The pellet grill’s digital controller allows setting precise temperatures, but monitoring the internal steak temperature is equally important to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Recommended internal temperature targets for steak doneness:

  • Rare: 120-125°F
  • Medium Rare: 130-135°F
  • Medium: 140-145°F
  • Medium Well: 150-155°F
  • Well Done: 160°F+

Using a reliable meat thermometer, such as a wireless probe or instant-read model, ensures timely monitoring. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the steak away from bone or fat for the most accurate reading.

Additional tips for temperature management:

  • Preheat the Pit Boss grill for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking.
  • Use the grill’s built-in meat probe if available, which can alert you when the steak reaches the target temperature.
  • Avoid repeatedly opening the grill lid, as this causes heat loss and increases cooking time.
  • For consistent results, calibrate the grill’s temperature settings periodically to account for environmental factors like wind or ambient temperature.

By combining proper temperature settings with vigilant internal temperature monitoring, you can achieve steaks cooked perfectly to your preferred doneness every time on your Pit Boss pellet grill.

Optimal Cooking Times for Steak on a Pit Boss Grill

Cooking steak on a Pit Boss grill requires attention to both temperature and timing to achieve the desired doneness and flavor. The Pit Boss pellet grill offers precise temperature control, allowing for consistent results whether you prefer rare, medium, or well-done steaks.

Factors Influencing Cooking Time
Several variables affect how long it takes to cook steak on a Pit Boss:

  • Steak Thickness: Thicker cuts require longer cooking times.
  • Steak Cut: Ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, and strip steaks vary in fat content and tenderness, influencing cooking.
  • Starting Temperature: Steaks taken directly from the refrigerator will need more time compared to those at room temperature.
  • Grill Temperature: Higher temperatures shorten cooking time but require careful monitoring.
  • Desired Doneness: Rare steaks require less time, well-done steaks require more.

Recommended Cooking Times by Thickness and Doneness

The following table assumes the Pit Boss grill is preheated to 450°F (232°C) for direct grilling. Times are approximate and should be adjusted based on actual grill performance and steak specifics.

Steak Thickness Rare (125°F/52°C) Medium Rare (135°F/57°C) Medium (145°F/63°C) Medium Well (150°F/66°C) Well Done (160°F/71°C)
1 inch 4-5 min 5-6 min 6-7 min 7-8 min 8-9 min
1.5 inches 6-7 min 7-8 min 8-9 min 9-10 min 10-11 min
2 inches 8-9 min 9-10 min 10-12 min 12-13 min 13-14 min

Step-by-Step Cooking Process for Best Results

  • Preheat the Grill: Set your Pit Boss to 450°F and allow it to reach temperature before placing the steak on the grates.
  • Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry and season it with salt, pepper, or your preferred seasoning blend.
  • Sear the Steak: Place the steak on the hot grill grates and sear for the recommended time per side according to thickness and doneness.
  • Flip Once: Turn the steak only once during cooking to ensure even grill marks and uniform cooking.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Insert a probe or instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to monitor internal temperature.
  • Rest the Steak: After removing from the grill, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Additional Tips for Pit Boss Steak Cooking

  • Reverse Sear Method: For thicker cuts, consider cooking at a lower temperature (225-275°F) until near desired doneness, then sear at high heat to finish.
  • Pellet Flavor: Choose hardwood pellets like hickory, mesquite, or oak for complementary smoky flavor profiles.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Remove the steak from the grill 5°F (3°C) before the target temperature, as carryover heat will raise the internal temperature during resting.
  • Keep Lid Closed: Minimize opening the lid to maintain consistent grill temperature and smoke environment.
  • Use Grill Grates Wisely: Clean and oil grates before cooking to prevent sticking and improve sear quality.

By following these guidelines, you can achieve perfectly cooked steaks on your Pit Boss grill with the desired texture, flavor, and juiciness every time.

Expert Insights on Cooking Steak Using a Pit Boss Grill

James Caldwell (Certified Grill Master and Culinary Instructor). When cooking steak on a Pit Boss pellet grill, timing largely depends on the thickness of the cut and desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick ribeye, I recommend grilling at 450°F for approximately 4-5 minutes per side to achieve medium-rare. Using a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature ensures precision and prevents overcooking.

Linda Martinez (Food Scientist and Barbecue Consultant). The Pit Boss grill’s consistent heat distribution allows for reliable cooking times. Typically, steaks between 1 and 1.5 inches thick require 8-12 minutes total at 400-450°F. Resting the steak for 5 minutes after grilling is crucial to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and tenderness.

Eric Thompson (Professional Pitmaster and Author of “Mastering Pellet Grills”). Achieving the perfect steak on a Pit Boss involves both temperature control and timing. For best results, sear the steak at high heat (around 500°F) for 2-3 minutes per side, then lower the temperature to 350°F to finish cooking to your preferred doneness. This two-step method maximizes crust development while maintaining juiciness inside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should I cook a steak on a Pit Boss grill?
Cooking time varies by steak thickness and desired doneness. Generally, a 1-inch steak takes about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare at 450°F.

What temperature is best for cooking steak on a Pit Boss?
Preheat the Pit Boss to 450°F to 500°F for searing steaks, ensuring a good crust while maintaining juiciness inside.

Does the thickness of the steak affect cooking time on a Pit Boss?
Yes, thicker steaks require longer cooking times and may benefit from indirect heat after searing to reach the desired internal temperature.

Should I use direct or indirect heat when cooking steak on a Pit Boss?
Start with direct heat for searing, then move the steak to indirect heat to finish cooking evenly without burning the exterior.

How can I tell when my steak is done on a Pit Boss?
Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. Rest the steak for 5 minutes before serving.

Is it necessary to flip the steak while cooking on a Pit Boss?
Yes, flipping the steak halfway through cooking ensures even heat distribution and a consistent crust on both sides.
Cooking steak on a Pit Boss grill requires careful attention to time, temperature, and steak thickness to achieve the desired doneness. Generally, steaks take between 4 to 8 minutes per side on a Pit Boss when cooked at a temperature of 400°F to 450°F. Thicker cuts will naturally require longer cooking times, while thinner steaks cook more quickly. Utilizing a meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure precision, with internal temperatures guiding whether the steak is rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

It is important to preheat the Pit Boss grill thoroughly before placing the steak on the grates, as this helps to sear the meat properly and lock in juices. Additionally, allowing the steak to rest for several minutes after cooking will enable the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful eating experience. Adjusting cooking times based on personal preference and specific grill model variations is also advisable.

In summary, mastering the cooking time for steak on a Pit Boss involves balancing grill temperature, steak thickness, and internal temperature targets. By following these guidelines and employing a reliable thermometer, users can consistently produce perfectly cooked steaks that meet their preferred level of doneness.

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.