Carnivore Smoked Beef Ribs

Name: Carnivore Smoked Beef Ribs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 360 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef ribs; generous amount of salt for seasoning (option to use garlic salt and pepper); 1 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published August 15, 2020 • Updated November 23, 2025

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5 Stars (5 Reviews) 4 Comments

5 Ingredients or Less Carnivore Dairy Free Easy Kid Friendly

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Delectable beef ribs are smoked in a Traeger pellet grill all day long to produce the juiciest, fall-off-the-bone smoked beef ribs fit for a carnivore.

smoked beef back ribs on a baking tray sprinkled with parsley

bare dry rubed beef ribs on a metal tray

365 Mins

Nutrition Facts

Servings

660

Calories

45g

Fat

63g

Protein

Net Carb

Total Carbs

Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

Beef Ribs Recipe Video

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Carnivore Smoked Beef Ribs Ingredients

3 pounds beef ribs
generous amount of salt for seasoning (option to use garlic salt and pepper)
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Carnivore Smoked Beef Ribs Directions

STEP

1

Season the ribs

Season beef ribs generously with salt on all sides.
STEP

2

Smoke ribs

Turn pellet grill to smoke and let run with the door open until all the smoke has cleared. Then add beef ribs to the grill. Close and let smoke for 30 minutes.
STEP

3

Slow cook

After 30 minutes, turn the heat to 250 degrees and let cook for 2 hours.
STEP

4

Spray with apple cider vinegar and beef broth mixture

Combine the beef broth and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle or a small bowl. After 2 hours, spray or baste the ribs with the beef vinegar mixture until coated. This will help keep the ribs from drying out. Continue to spray or baste every hour to rehydrate the ribs.
STEP

5

Cook until tender

Continue to cook the ribs until the meat pulls away from the bones and is tender (about 6 hours).

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Keto Smoked Beef Ribs Recipe

picking up a cooked short rib by the fingers

The Traeger grill was made for beef ribs. It creates a smoky flavor that is unbeatable when it comes to grilled ribs. This recipe for carnivore smoked beef ribs starts with a simple dry rub of salt, garlic salt and pepper. The beef ribs are smoked on the pellet grill for thirty minutes before slow cooked over several hours. After which the collagen has broken down and the meat is falling off the bone. These ribs will disappear fast so make sure you snag a couple before the recipe of your family gets them!

What’s the Difference Between Beef Ribs and Short Ribs?

Also called beef spare ribs and beef back ribs, beef ribs are cut from the rib section of a cow. They are the long ribs most often connected with BBQ beef ribs. They are cut from the upper section of the ribs. There are 13 ribs to each side of a steer. They are different from the short ribs which are cut from the plate of the cow. The two require different ways of cooking. Short ribs cook faster than beef back ribs, which require a low temperature and slow cooking time. I recommend braising short ribs to maximize their flavor and produce the most tender meat. Ribs cut from the loin are meatier.

a rack of beef spare ribs on a cutting board

How To Buy Beef Back Ribs?

Unless you live in the Midwest or Texas, you may not be able to readily find beef spare ribs at your grocery store. I live in the Pacific Northwest and we only have them in at our local market around Summer time when everyone is grilling their meats. If you can’t find them pre-packaged, you will have to talk to your butcher about cutting you some special. Beef ribs can be trimmed to any size. Dino cut ribs are about 18 inches long or you can opt for the typical size of beef ribs which are 6 to 8 inches long.

check rib temperature with a meat thermometer on a traeger grill

Beef Ribs on the Traeger

The best way to cook beef spare ribs is to cook them on a pellet grill. We have a Traeger Grill. It uses flavored wood pellets to create smoke which provides flavor to the meat while it cooks. It’s be best way to slow cook these ribs.

Importance of Keeping Ribs Moisture While Cooking

Since the ribs will be slow roasting for a long period of time, it’s important to keep them moisture in order to prevent them from drying out. Every hour you will want to spray or baste your beef back ribs with a mixture of beef broth and apple cider vinegar. This will also contribute to a delicious flavor.

basting beef back ribs with a beef broth and vinegar mixture using a red rubber brush

Keto BBQ Sauce

While the keto beef back ribs recipe just uses a dry rub to season the meat, you can smoother the ribs with a tangy sugar-free BBQ sauce after the ribs are done cooking. Dipping your ribs in sauce works just as good. If you don’t want to make your own BBQ sauce, there are some keto approved BBQ sauces commercially available. Primal Kitchens and Lillie’s Q both make sugar free BBQ sauces.

Carnivore Smoked Beef Ribs: FAQS

Can I use a different type of grill if I don't have a Traeger pellet grill?

Absolutely! You can use any type of grill, but keep in mind that smoking times and temperatures may vary. If using a charcoal or gas grill, try to maintain a low temperature around 225°F and use wood chips for smoke flavor.

What can I substitute for beef broth in this recipe?

If you don't have beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. For a richer flavor, consider using a homemade broth or even a combination of water with a bit of soy sauce.

How should I store leftover smoked beef ribs?

Store any leftover smoked beef ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly in foil or freezer bags.

What if I want to add more flavor to the ribs?

Feel free to customize the seasoning! You can add spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder to the salt. A dry rub made with brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder can also add a delicious layer of flavor.

Are smoked beef ribs healthy?

Smoked beef ribs can be part of a balanced diet, but they are high in fat and calories. Enjoy them in moderation, and pair them with healthier sides like vegetables or salads to create a more balanced meal.

Nutritional information & Macros

Amount Per Serving
Calories	660
Fat	45g
Protein	63g
Total Carbs	0g
Net Carbs	0g

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About Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis and a Pharm.D., she has over 11 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism. She is the author of the Protein Packed cookbook, published by Victory Belt Publishing.

Learn more about Annie →

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