Richly marbled, incredibly tender, and crowned with a flavorful herb crust, prime rib is the ultimate centerpiece for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions. This foolproof method delivers a beautifully browned exterior and a juicy, perfectly pink center every time.

Recipe Details

Prep Time	20 Minutes
Cook Time	2–3 Hours
Rest Time	30 Minutes
Total Time	About 4 Hours
Servings	8–10

Ingredients

Prime Rib Roast

•    1 bone-in prime rib roast (5–7 pounds)
•    2 tablespoons olive oil
•        6 garlic cloves, minced
•        2 tablespoons kosher salt
•        1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
•        2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
•        2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
•        1 teaspoon onion powder
•        1 teaspoon smoked paprika
•        2 cups beef broth
•        Pan drippings from roast
•        1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Herb Garlic Crust

Optional Au Jus

Instructions

1. Prepare the Prime Rib

Remove the roast from the refrigerator 2–3 hours before cooking to allow even roasting.

Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Rub all sides with olive oil.

In a bowl, combine garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Press seasoning mixture evenly over the roast.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to:

500°F 

Place roast bone-side down in a roasting pan with a rack.

3. Initial High-Heat Roast

Roast at 500°F for 15 minutes to develop a deep crust.

Then reduce oven temperature to:

325°F

Continue roasting until desired internal temperature is reached.

Internal Temperature Guide

Doneness	Remove From Oven
Rare	120–125°F
Medium-Rare	130–135°F
Medium	140–145°F

For best results, medium-rare is ideal for prime rib.

130°F

Approximate roasting time is 12–15 minutes per pound.

4. Rest the Roast

Transfer prime rib to a cutting board and loosely tent with foil.

Rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Resting preserves juices and ensures a tender texture.

5. Make the Au Jus (Optional)

Place roasting pan over medium heat.

Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping browned bits from the pan.

Simmer 5–10 minutes until flavorful.

Strain if desired.

6. Slice & Serve

Slice against the grain into thick portions and serve warm with au jus or horseradish sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Prime rib pairs beautifully with:

•        Garlic mashed potatoes
•        Yorkshire pudding
•        Roasted asparagus
•        Creamed spinach
•        Buttered green beans
•        Red wine reduction
•        Fresh dinner rolls
•        Use a meat thermometer for precision cooking.
•        Dry-brining overnight with salt enhances flavor and crust.
•        Bone-in roasts provide richer flavor and moisture.
•        Letting the roast come to room temperature promotes even cooking.
•        Slice only what you plan to serve to retain moisture.

Pro Tips

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate

Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Freeze

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Warm gently in beef broth at low temperature to avoid overcooking.