This Prime Rib Roast comes out beautifully caramelized on the outside and perfectly tender and pink on the inside. The secret is a simple garlic-herb crust and the no-fail reverse-sear method for even cooking.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes–2 hours
- Total Time: ~3 hours
- Servings: 6–8
🛒 Ingredients
Prime Rib
- 1 prime rib roast (4–6 lbs), bone-in or boneless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp softened butter
Optional for Serving
- Au jus (pan drippings + beef broth)
- Horseradish cream
🥘 Instructions
1. Bring to Room Temperature
Let the roast sit at room temp for 1 hour before cooking.
This ensures even cooking and a tender center.
2. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 450°F (230°C).
3. Mix Herb Butter
In a bowl, combine:
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Rub the mixture all over the roast, including between the bones if using bone-in.
4. Start with a High-Heat Sear
Place roast fat side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
Cook at 450°F (230°C) for 15 minutes to create a golden crust.
5. Slow Roast
Reduce heat to 325°F (165°C) and roast 15–17 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches:
- 120°F (49°C) for rare
- 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare
- 140°F (60°C) for medium
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy — it’s the secret to a perfect roast.
6. Rest the Roast
Remove from the oven and let rest 20–30 minutes.
The internal temp will rise 5–10° while resting.
7. Slice & Serve
Slice against the grain into thick pieces.
Serve with au jus or horseradish sauce.
🌡️ Internal Temperature Guide
| Doneness | Final Temp |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F |
| Medium-Rare | 135°F |
| Medium | 145°F |
💡 Tips for the BEST Prime Rib
- Bone-in roasts stay juicier and add flavor.
- Room temperature roast cooks evenly.
- Use a thermometer — never guess.
- Do NOT skip resting; it locks in the juices.
- Roast fat-side up so juices baste the meat.
🍽️ Favorite Side Dishes
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Creamed spinach
- Roasted asparagus
- Dinner rolls
- Yorkshire pudding
