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Prime Rib Roast Recipe

Prime Rib Roast Recipe

This Classic Prime Rib Roast Recipe is juicy, tender, and full of rich beef flavor. Perfect for holidays or special dinners, it delivers a restaurant-quality roast with simple ingredients. Learn how to make prime rib roast at home with a garlic herb butter crust and perfectly pink center every time.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • Large roasting pan with rack
  • Meat thermometer instant-read or probe-style
  • Sharp carving knife
  • Cutting board
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowl
  • Kitchen twine optional
  • Basting brush

Ingredients
  

  • Bone-in prime rib roast – 1 (6-7 lbs, 3 ribs)
  • Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons, softened
  • Garlic cloves – 6, minced
  • Fresh rosemary – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
  • Fresh thyme – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
  • Dijon mustard – 2 teaspoons
  • Kosher salt – 2 tablespoons
  • Black pepper – 1 tablespoon, freshly cracked
  • Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Beef broth – 1 cup, for pan
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

Instructions
 

Bring to Room Temperature

  • Take the prime rib roast out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. This helps the meat cook evenly and ensures a tender, juicy result throughout the roast.

Preheat Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a rack in a roasting pan and add beef broth to the bottom. This keeps moisture in the oven and helps create flavorful drippings for later.

Make Herb Butter

  • Mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder in a bowl. Stir until it forms a thick herb paste that will create a rich, flavorful crust on the roast.

Season the Roast

  • Pat the roast dry, then rub olive oil all over it. Spread the herb butter mixture generously over every side of the meat, pressing it in so it sticks well and coats evenly.

Prepare for Roasting

  • Place the roast bone-side down on the rack inside the roasting pan. Position the fat side up so it bastes the meat naturally while cooking, helping it stay juicy and full of flavor.

High Heat Roast

  • Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes without opening the oven door. This high heat creates a golden crust on the outside while sealing in juices and locking in deep roasted flavor.

Slow Roast

  • Lower oven temperature to 325°F and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 120-125°F for medium-rare. Use a thermometer and check periodically to avoid overcooking the tender center.

Check Doneness

  • Start checking temperature about 30 minutes before done. Insert thermometer into thickest part of meat, away from bones. Pull roast out slightly before target temperature because it continues cooking while resting.

Rest the Roast

  • Remove roast from oven and loosely tent with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes so juices redistribute. This step keeps the meat tender, juicy, and flavorful when sliced.

Slice and Serve

  • Slice the roast against the grain into thick portions and serve warm. Drizzle with pan juices or au jus for extra flavor and a rich finishing touch that makes every bite unforgettable.

Notes

  • Always use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
  • Resting the roast is essential for juicy meat
  • Dry brine overnight for deeper flavor and better crust
  • Bone-in cuts give more flavor and even cooking
  • Avoid skipping the high heat sear step
Keyword Prime Rib Roast Recipe