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One of my husband’s favorite things to order at a steakhouse is prime rib. It is for me too. But when I saw how easy it was to make one of my own, I had to try it. Needless to say, this prime rib recipe is what I now make for special occasions from holidays to birthdays to anniversaries. It comes out perfectly every time! My husband calls it the best prime rib roast recipe ever.

Best prime rib recipe

Best Prime Rib Recipe

To make the best prime rib roast recipe, you only need 3 ingredients plus a few more to make the au jus. It melts in your mouth and is absolutely incredible. Make it for company or when you really want to go all out on dinner.

Easy Prime Rib Recipe

This easy prime rib recipe only requires a few ingredients. It does take time, but much of it is inactive, letting you busy yourself with other tasks in the kitchen or your home, or even allowing you a bit of time to relax while cooking a rib roast.

Prime rib ingredients

Prime Rib Ingredients

  • Standing rib roast – when cooking prime rib in the oven, depending on how many guests are joining you, you will want to choose from 4lbs to 7lbs of meat. Go to a butcher and get the best quality…it’s worth it!
  • Salt and pepper – prime rib seasoning. The best quality meat needs very little to make it taste amazing. For a prime rib rub salt and pepper will work just fine.
  • Au jus – you’ll make this from the juices at the bottom of your pan, flour, and water. This the perfect dipping sauce for your standing rib roast recipe.

Easy prime rib recipe

The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.
Julia Child

Prime Rib Serving Chart

# of Adults Serving Rib Count Approx Weight – Boneless / Bone-In
3 – 4 adults 2 ribs 3 lbs / 4 lbs
4 – 5 adults 2 – 3 ribs 4 lbs / 5 lbs
5 – 6 adults 3 ribs 5 lbs / 6 lbs
6 – 7 adults 3 – 4 ribs 6 lbs / 7 lbs
8 – 10 adults 5 ribs 8 lbs / 10 lbs
10 – 12 adults 7 ribs 11 lbs / 14 lbs

How do you make prime rib from scratch

How do you Make Prime Rib from Scratch

First, you’ll sprinkle the meat with salt and let it come to room temperature. You’ll then preheat the oven and pat the meat dry. Salt and pepper the meat, put it bone-side down, and pop in the meat thermometer. You’ll roast it for 15 minutes to brown it, then lower the temperature and continue cooking for the designated time depending on the weight of the meat. After that, make a foil tent and let it rest. You’ll make the au jus after that and then serve it up.

How to cook prime rib

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Prime Rib Every Time

  • Check the weight first. You want to make sure you cook it long enough yet not overdo things. Always double check and if you still feel nervous, you can ask the butcher when you’re buying the rib roast.
  • Save that juice. That meat juice at the bottom is how you’ll make your au jus. Don’t waste it!
  • Make sure your prime rib comes to room temperature before you start. That’s why there’s 3 hours it should sit out before you do anything beyond salting the meat. If it’s too cold in some places, it won’t cook evenly.
  • Where to find the cheapest prime rib. Prime rib can be quite expensive. Costco has good prices on cuts of beef so Costco prime rib is a great option if you have a Costco close to you.

How long should you roast prime rib

How to Cook Prime Rib

The best way to cook prime rib requires cooking it in the oven. You’ll be doing a lot of waiting so make the most of that time with other kitchen tasks. Set timers for when you have it roasting and don’t forget to lower the temperature after 15 minutes. This ensures you have that crispy exterior without burning the meat.

Should prime rib be cooked covered or uncovered

See below for a standing rib roast cooking times chart. Cook your prime rib according to the times below to reach your desired prime rib internal temp.

Prime Rib Cooking Time Per Pound Chart

~Perfect Prime Rib Temperature Chart~

Internal Temperature Cooking Time at 350°F Internal Temp
Rare 15 – 16 minutes per lb 125°F / 51.6°C
Medium Rare 16 – 17 minutes per lb 132°F / 55.5°C
Medium 18  minutes per lb 140°F / 60°C
Medium Well 19 minutes per lb 150°F / 65.5°C
Well 20  minutes per lb 160°F / 71.1°C

What temperature should rib roast be cooked at

Is boneless rib roast the same as prime rib?

When it comes to rib roast vs prime rib both cuts are from the same area but are only different in preparation. One is roasted with the bone in while the other can either be cooked boneless or bone-in. This post is for a boneless prime rib recipe, but the same will apply for a bone-in recipe.

Do you need a roasting rack for prime rib?

No, you will only need a roasting pan for the oven. The ribs in the meat will help it stand on its own.

Do you sear a prime rib roast

Do you sear a prime rib roast?

There is no need to sear your prime rib roast. When cooking prime rib roast, simply prepare it as directed in this recipe and let the oven roast it for you.

Does boneless prime rib cook faster?

Boneless prime rib will cook faster. Without bones, you’re looking at 12 to 14 minutes per pound.

How do I make my prime rib tender

Does a boneless prime rib cook faster than a bone in?

Yes, it does, but only a couple minutes faster per pound of meat. You’ll need to calculate the weight versus the time to ensure you cook it long enough to get that perfect medium rare prime rib temp without overdoing it.

How do I make my prime rib tender?

Adding salt to the meat as it sits out to come to room temperature will tenderize your meat. It’s all you need without taking away from the natural flavor of this rich cut of beef.

How Long Should You Roast a Prime Rib?

For the roasting part, it will take 15 minutes at 500F regardless of it being 4lbs on up to 7lbs. After that you will drop the prime rib temperature to 325F and cook the meat for 13 to 15 minutes per pound to get it to medium rare status.

What temperature should a rib roast be cooked at?

Prime rib should be cooked at 500F for 15 minutes, then lowered to 325F for the remainder of the cook time. A good slow roasting prime rib temp is 325F. It is the perfect temperature for medium rare prime rib.

Does boneless prime rib cook faster

Should prime rib be cooked covered or uncovered?

Prime rib should not be covered until the cooking process is done. Prime rib gets its signature flavor from the initial roasting, something it can’t be covered for.

How do you keep prime rib warm without overcooking it?

For a slow roasted prime rib recipe, follow the cook times in this recipe as instructed per pound. Once it is finished, you will cover it with the foil and it will stay warm.

What goes well with Prime Rib

When I serve prime rib, I love doing all the steakhouse side dishes. Some of the best side dishes for prime rib are caesar salad, creamed spinach, sauteed asparagus, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, potatoes au gratin, and sauteed mushrooms.

Do you need a roasting rack for prime rib

How to Store Prime Rib

After dinner is done, wrap your leftover prime rib tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it promptly in the fridge.

How Long Does Prime Rib Last?

In your fridge, you can enjoy prime rib for up to 5 days. If you’ve made so much that the whole family can’t finish it by then, freeze it!

Homemade prime rib recipe

Can You Freeze Prime Rib?

Yes, you can freeze your leftover prime rib. Keep it wrapped well to prevent freezer burn and it will last up to 6 months.

How to Reheat Prime Rib?

The best way to reheat prime rib is to set the oven to 250F, put your prime rib slices in a baking pan with broth, cover it tightly with foil and gently warm it. It should take about 10 minutes.


Watch How To Make Prime Rib (Video)

Classic Prime Rib Recipe

5 from 195 votes
Prep Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 691
This classic Prime Rib recipe is the perfect dish for holidays or large family gatherings. Learn how to cook a delicious and easy prime rib recipe complete with homemade au jus!

Ingredients

  • 4-7 lb standing rib roast
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Au Jus

  • rib roasting juices ((juices from bottom of meat pan))
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups water

Instructions 

  • First, remove the roast from the refrigerator and sprinkle generously with salt all over. Allow the roast to sit out for about 3 hours or until it has reached room temperature to ensure more even cooking.
  • Once the roast has reached room temperature, preheat the oven to 500F and pat the roast dry with paper towels. Sprinkle again generously with salt and pepper, then place into a roasting pan fat side up, bone side down. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. Brown the roast at 500F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325F and cook for about 13-15 minutes per pound for medium rare. Once the roast has reached your desired temperature, tent with foil and allow to rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving. Once rested, cut away the strings on the roast and remove the bones, either throwing them out or reserving them for a soup. Cut into 1/2 inch thick slices across the grain.
  • Now, make the au jus. Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a sauce pan and put on medium high heat. Once bubbling, pour about 1/4 cup of flour into the mixture, whisking vigorously to break up any lumps. Slowly add in 2-3 cups of water or beef stock, cooking until the mixture thickens. Season the gravy with salt and pepper, then put through a sieve to ensure there aren't any lumps. Serve hot over the slices of prime rib.
Calories: 691kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 691kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 137mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 505mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 3mg

More prime rib recipes:

The cut of prime rib you have can come in several different weights (4lb, 6lb, 7lb, 9, etc). Depending on the size of your cut you can adjust your cook time to reach an ideal internal temp.

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Author

I’m a mom of two, food and wine lover, and recipe creation enthusiast. Good food brings families together. Which is why I’m devoted to sharing my best recipes that are simple enough for even the beginner cook that your family will love!

1 Comment

  1. 5 stars
    A full rack of prime beef is 7 ribs, which will easily serve 14 to 16 people (or more!). A full rack will not fit in my oven, so when I’m feeding a crowd, I cut the roast in half (3 ribs on one roast and 4 ribs on the other) and cook them in separate ovens.

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