Prime Rib Recipe – Juicy, Herb-Crusted, and Family-Approved

There’s something magical about this Prime Rib Recipe. The scent of garlic, herbs, and butter fills your kitchen, the roast sizzles in the oven, and before you know it, your whole family’s gathered around the table, plates in hand. Don’t worry — this isn’t one of those “fancy chef-only” recipes. It’s simple, cozy, and 100% foolproof. You’ll serve up juicy, tender beef with a golden crust every single time.

Why This Is the Best Prime Rib Recipe

This method takes all the stress out of making prime rib. The secret? A little salt, a lot of patience, and the magic of butter. We dry brine the meat so it’s deeply seasoned, sear it hot to seal in flavor, then slow roast until perfectly pink in the middle. No special equipment — just a meat thermometer and a little kitchen love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 bone-in prime rib roast (about 10 lbs)
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly minced garlic (about 8–9 cloves)
• 1 1/2 tsp minced rosemary leaves
• 1 tsp minced thyme leaves
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard
• 1 yellow onion, quartered
• 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
• 3–5 sprigs each of fresh thyme and rosemary
• Optional: creamy horseradish sauce or au jus for serving

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Prime Rib

Step 1 – Dry Brine the Roast

Pat your roast dry and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt on all sides. Place it on a tray, cover loosely with foil, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours — or up to 48 hours. This helps the salt soak deep into the meat, keeping it tender and flavorful.

Step 2 – Bring to Room Temperature

Take the roast out of the fridge a few hours before cooking. This lets it cook evenly without overbrowning the outside. Preheat your oven to 500°F.

Step 3 – Prepare the Roasting Bed

Arrange the onion quarters, garlic halves, and fresh herbs in the bottom of your roasting pan. They’ll flavor the drippings and keep the roast from burning on the bottom.

Step 4 – Make the Garlic-Herb Pepper Rub

Crush peppercorns with a rolling pin or mortar and pestle. Mix them with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, onion powder, coriander, mustard, and olive oil to form a fragrant paste.

Step 5 – Season the Roast

Pat the roast dry again, then rub the garlic-herb mixture all over it — every side, every nook. This is where that irresistible crust starts.

Step 6 – Oven Sear

Place the roast on top of the roasting bed, bone-side down, fat-side up. Roast uncovered at 500°F for 20 minutes to form a golden crust.

Step 7 – Slow Roast

Lower the temperature to 250°F. Add butter cubes over the top, then continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 122°F (for medium rare). Use a digital thermometer for accuracy — no guessing needed.

Step 8 – Rest and Carve

Transfer the roast to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes — the internal temp will rise to about 129°F, perfectly pink and juicy. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces and get ready for “wows” all around the table.

Prime Rib Doneness Guide

Tips for a Perfect Prime Rib Every Time

• Dry brine for at least 6 hours — longer if you can.
• Always use a digital thermometer — it’s a lifesaver.
• Keep the fat side up for self-basting magic.
• Let it rest before slicing to lock in all those flavorful juices.
• Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and taste.
• Remember: the meat keeps cooking after it leaves the oven.

Sauces to Serve with Prime Rib

• Horseradish Sauce: Creamy and sharp — perfect for cutting through the richness.
• Classic Au Jus: Made from pan drippings and beef broth.
• Red Wine Reduction: Deep, velvety, and a little fancy.
• Garlic Herb Butter: Melted over each slice for that glossy finish.

How to Store, Freeze & Reheat Leftovers

Store: Wrap slices in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm slowly at 250°F wrapped in foil until heated through. Avoid microwaving — it dries out the meat.

What to Serve with Prime Rib

Pair your roast with these cozy side dishes from ElyRecipes:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Crock Pot Beef Stew
• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Prime Rib Recipe is the definition of comfort and celebration. The kind of meal that makes your house smell like home and your family linger around the table a little longer. Try it once and it’ll be your go-to for holidays, birthdays, or any Sunday that deserves something special.

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Prime Rib Recipe

Ely Rechard

This Prime Rib Recipe is juicy, tender, and full of garlic-herb flavor. A family-style Sunday roast that’s simple to make yet feels special enough for the holidays. Perfectly pink in the center with a buttery crust everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Dry Brining 24 minutes mins

Total Time 1 day d

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Calories 612 kcal

Equipment

• Oven Preheated to 500°F, then lowered to 250°F for slow roasting.
• Roasting pan with rack Allows even cooking and prevents burning.
• Meat thermometer Digital probe recommended for perfect doneness.
• Cutting board and carving knife For clean slicing after resting.

Ingredients

  

• 1 10 lb bone-in prime rib roast
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup minced garlic (about 8–9 cloves)
• 1 1/2 tsp minced rosemary leaves
• 1 tsp minced thyme leaves
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 recipe Creamy Horseradish Sauce (optional)

Instructions

 

• Pat the roast dry and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt on all sides. Place on a tray, cover loosely with foil, and refrigerate for 6–48 hours to allow the salt to penetrate deeply.
• Take the roast out of the refrigerator several hours before cooking to ensure even roasting. Preheat your oven to 500°F.
• Place onion quarters, halved garlic, and fresh herbs in the bottom of a roasting pan to infuse the drippings with flavor.
• Crush peppercorns, then mix with garlic, herbs, and remaining spices. Stir in olive oil to form a thick, fragrant paste.
• Rub the garlic-herb paste all over the roast, covering every inch. This forms the flavorful crust.
• Place the roast on top of the roasting bed, bone-side down and fat-side up. Roast uncovered at 500°F for 20 minutes to create a golden crust.
• Reduce oven temperature to 250°F. Dot the top of the roast with butter cubes and roast until internal temperature reaches 122°F for medium rare.
• Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces and serve warm.

Notes

Always roast fat-side up so it bastes itself as it cooks. Don’t rush the resting stage — it keeps the meat juicy. For a deeper flavor, dry brine overnight. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or dinner rolls for a full family meal.

Keyword garlic herb roast, holiday beef, prime rib recipe, standing rib roast

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prime rib recipe, family dinner, standing rib roast

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