Beef Grilling Guide

 
The following cuts, thicknesses, weights, and grilling times are meant to be guidelines rather than hard and fast rules. Cooking times are affected by such factors as altitude, outside temperature, and desired doneness. A few rules of thumb: Grill patties and steaks 1 inch thick or less using the Direct Method for the time given on the chart or to desired doneness, turning once halfway through grilling time. Sear thick steaks over Direct High heat and finish grilling over Indirect Medium heat turning once halfway through grilling time. Grill roasts and thicker cuts using the Indirect Method for the time given on the chart, or until an instant-read thermometer registers the desired internal temperature. Cooking times for beef are to medium doneness unless otherwise noted. Let roasts, larger cuts of meat, and thick steaks rest 10 to 15 minutes before carving. The internal temperature of the meat will rise by 5 to 10 degrees during this time.

Cut of MeatThickness or WeightApproximate Cooking Time
Steaks: New York, porterhouse, rib-eye, sirloin, T-bone, tenderloin3/4 inch thick
1 inch thick
8 to 10 minutes (Direct Medium)
10 to 12 minutes (Direct Medium)
 1-1/4 inches thick14 to 16 minutes (Sear 10 minutes Direct High, then 4 to 6 minutes Indirect Medium)
 1-1/2 inches thick16 to 18 minutes (Sear 10 minutes Direct High, then 6 to 8 minutes Indirect Medium)
 2 inches thick20 to 24 minutes (Sear 10 minutes Direct High, then 10 to 14 minutes Indirect Medium)
Skirt steak1/4 to 1/2 inch thick5 to 7 minutes (Direct High)
Flank steak1-1/2 to 2 pounds, 3/4 inch thick12 to 15 minutes (Direct Medium)
Tenderloin, whole3-1/2 to 4 pounds35 to 50 minutes (medium rare) (Sear 20 minutes Direct Medium, then 15 to 30 minutes Indirect Medium)
Ground beef patties3/4 inch thick8 to 10 minutes (Direct Medium)
Rib-eye roast, boneless5 to 6 pounds1-1/2 to 2 hours (Indirect Medium)
Tri-tip roast2 to 2-1/2 pounds30 to 40 minutes (Sear 10 minutes Direct High, then 20 to 30 minutes Indirect Medium)
Rib roast12 to 14 pounds2-1/2 to 2-3/4 hours Indirect Medium
Veal loin chops1 inch thick10 to 12 minutes (Direct Medium)