The best prime rib recipe is juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Get a perfect prime rib roast every time with this method!
I have been hoarding the prime rib in our freezer from our steer for months so I could share it just in time for the holidays! I love keeping holiday recipes simple {but packed with flavor and delicious} because while a great meal is awesome, the holiday’s are about family and spending time with them!
This prime rib roast recipe fits that bill perfectly. Prep time is minimal and the oven does the rest. It truly is an easy prime rib recipe.
The magic is in the prep and the resting steps, so first, let’s walk through the seasoning. This is where most prime rib recipes go wrong, the seasoning just isn’t enough. And, while an extremely tender cut of beef is always good, it’s even better when seasoned to perfection.
Prime Rib Seasoning
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley
- Freshly cracked peppercorns
- Quality salt
- Quality butter
Are you sick of the word “fresh” yet?? Ha! But truly, it will make a difference in this recipe. Beef is a strong-flavored meat, which means it can stand up to a substantial amount of flavor.
Remember that in this prime rib recipe, you are only seasoning the outside of the meat and since there is a relatively short cooking time {compared to other slow cooked roast recipes} you need to pack on the flavor for it to carry through the whole prime rib roast. It’s kind of like a rub for the prime rib.
Once you have the prime rib seasoned to perfection, you are ready to roast. You’ll notice that this recipe has two different cooking temperatures. The first part of the cooking time is getting that nice crust set on the outside of the roast.
How to Cook Prime Rib
The second part of the cooking time is slowly finishing off the cooking process. This slower cook time really gives that fat on the prime rib time to render and seep into the meat, which adds a massive amount of flavor. Fat = flavor!
The exact amount of time you cook the roast for will be determined by how well-done you want your prime rib. I highly recommend you do not cook it above medium!! Pretty please trust me on this. How do you know when it’s cooked to the right temperature? Use a great meat thermometer like the Thermoworks Thermapen. These are my favorite! You can see more options in the recommended products box below.
Pinky promise and cross my heart that it will change your life if you cook it to medium rare, medium at the most. Here is a handy list of meat cooking temperatures if you need a quick reference!
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Why should you let the prime rib rest?
Once you have your prime rib roast cooked about 5 degrees shy of the temperature you want it to finish at, take it out and let it rest. I repeat: LET IT REST. Resting meat really does make a difference! It will cook up to temperature as it rests and the juices will redistribute beautifully throughout the prime rib.
And, resting time is perfect for holiday meals! It lets you get the meat out of the oven and finish last minute prep before calling everyone over to the table and cutting into that perfect prime rib.
Prime rib will be tied together during the cooking process {it usually comes from the butcher this way} so just cut the strings and remove them before slicing. If you’d like thin slices, simply remove the bottom rack of bones. They typically slide right out from under the rest of the prime rib.
That’s it! Everything you need to know to make the best prime rib ever for your holiday feast. While a prime rib roast is an investment, it’s well worth the cost! The meat is always tender and amazing, and now you have the tools you need to pull off the perfect prime rib.
The Best Prime Rib Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 bone prime rib roast boned and tied
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/4 cup garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons black pepper freshly cracked
- 2 teaspoons salt high quality
- 2 tablespoons parsley fresh, chopped
- 1 tablespoon rosemary fresh, chopped
- 1 tablespoon thyme fresh, chopped
- 3 cups water for roasting pan
Instructions
- Remove prime rib roast from refrigerator and let come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Leave the roast tied together.
- Preheat oven to 450º F.
- Spread butter over the entire prime rib roast.
- Rub garlic, pepper, salt, and herbs over entire roast, pressing it into the butter.
- Place prime rib roast in a rack set over a roasting pan. You can use 3 balls of foil to elevate the roast in the pan if you don't have a rack.
- Pour 2 cups of the water in the bottom of the roasting pan, being careful not to pour any on the roast. This is just to keep the fats from burning in the bottom of the roasting pan and provide some moisture in the oven.
- Roast at 450º for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325º F and continue to roast until medium-rare (130-135ºF), about 1.5 hours. Check the water in the roasting pan and the temperature of the prime rib roast after about 1-hour,adding more water if necessary.
- Remove the prime rib roast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Cut and remove the strings and slice the prime rib, or remove the bottom bones (they will just slide off) if you want to serve thinner slices.
Video
Nutrition
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Alexandria says
We make prime rib every year for Christmas, but I always think it needs a little bit more flavor. I’m so excited to try your method with the fresh herbs! It looks delicious and I love the two temperature baking process. Thanks for sharing!
Erica Schwarz says
What a beautiful recipe. So perfect for a holiday dinner!
Alli says
Thank you!
wilhelmina says
This is such an excellent recipe! I love how the simple flavors compliment the meat without over powering it!
Alli says
Thank you so much!
Karli says
The best Prime Rib EVER!! Thanks so much for this easy to follow and detailed recipe.
Alli says
Thanks so much Karli!
Patti says
We followed this recipe and our prime rib was perfect! We will use this recipe again!
Alli says
I’m so happy to hear that Patti!! Thank you for letting me know!
Alli says
Amazing flavor and easy prep!