How Long to Smoke Beef cheeks

Ultra-rich, melty barbacoa-style beef. Get the cook time and the temp to pull it.

Updated June 2026

How long will it take?

Weight (lbs)

Smoker temp

Estimated cook: —

Pull at 205°F internal. Add 1–2 hours of buffer for the stall + a rest before serving.

Gear for the cook

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Pellet smokersset-and-forget temps Wireless meat thermometercook to temp, not clock Smoking wood pelletsrestock flavors BBQ rubs (variety)flavor Butcher paperbeat the stall Nitrile BBQ gloveshandle + shred

Smoking beef cheeks: the short answer

Plan for about 90 minutes per pound at 250F, roughly 4 hours for a typical 3 lb cut. Pull it at 205F internal. Cook to ~205F until spoon-tender. Incredible in tacos.

Pro tip

Cook to ~205F until spoon-tender. Incredible in tacos.

Cook to temp, not time

Every smoke is different. A good wireless thermometer is the single best upgrade for consistent BBQ: set the target temp and cook until it hits.

FAQ

How long does it take to smoke beef cheeks?

About 90 minutes per pound at 250F, roughly 4 hours for 3 lbs, but always finish by internal temperature (~205F).

What temp do you pull beef cheeks?

Pull beef cheeks at about 205F internal, then rest before serving. Cook to ~205F until spoon-tender. Incredible in tacos.

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