Sometimes the best meals aren't crafted by professional chefs, but by little hands filled with big love. In preparation for Mother's Day, our 6-year-old son Hudson decided he wanted to create a special feast all on his own. With a little supervision (and a lot of laughs), he smoked an incredible tri-tip, attempted homemade rolls, and helped whip up a decadent twice-baked potato casserole. It was perfectly imperfect and absolutely unforgettable.
Here's how he pulled off this epic meal—and how you can recreate it at home, whether you're using a Traeger or your oven!
Ingredients
- 1 Tri-Tip roast (around 2-3 lbs)
- Susie Q’s Tri-tip Seasoning (Or your favorite seasoning!) You can find some incredible seasonings at Modern BBQ Supply in Boise or Meridian.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for resting)
Directions
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Step 1: Prep the Tri-Tip
- Set your tri-tip out at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Trim off any silver skin or membrane using a sharp knife.
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Step 2: Season
- Liberally coat the tri-tip with your favorite seasoning. Don't be shy—the bold seasoning is part of what makes it amazing.
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Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- Traeger Method: Preheat your Traeger grill to 250°F.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 250°F.
- Place the tri-tip directly on the grill grates (or a baking rack over a sheet pan if using the oven).
- Cook until the internal temperature hits 130°F (this took about an hour for us).
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Step 4: Reverse Sear
- Traeger: Crank up the grill to high (450-500°F).
- Oven: Switch to broil on high.
- Sear the tri-tip for about 2 minutes per side until a beautiful crust forms.
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Step 5: Rest
- Place 2 tablespoons of butter on top of the tri-tip before wrapping it loosely in foil.
- Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This locks in all those amazing juices and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
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Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Always slice against the grain for the most tender bite.
- And trust us—this tri-tip was unreal.
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
While the rolls didn't exactly turn out (hey, it happens!), Hudson and Dad knocked it out of the park with an incredible side: a creamy, cheesy Twice-Baked Potato Casserole from the Pioneer Woman.
Here's the recipe they used: Pioneer Woman Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Final Thoughts
Was every part of the meal perfect? Nope. But that's what made it perfect. Watching Hudson proudly serve a tri-tip he seasoned and smoked himself was hands-down the best pre-Mother's Day gift a mom could ask for.
Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or letting a six-year-old run the show, one thing's for sure: a meal made with love tastes better than anything else.
Give this recipe a try for your Mother's Day celebration—and maybe let your little ones help. You might just create a memory you'll never forget.
Happy Mother's Day!