Perfect Prime Rib Roast

This perfect prime rib roast recipe delivers juicy, medium-rare results every time—just like Grandma’s. There’s something magical about a perfect prime rib roast—that juicy, medium-rare center, the golden crust, and the rich flavor that makes everyone go quiet with the first bite. My grandma had a way of roasting it that was always spot-on, and this is the very recipe she used to wow the whole family.

Want a classic side dish to pair with this roast? Try our creamy KFC Gravy Recipe or the comforting Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings. Both complement this meat beautifully!

This is your go-to guide for nailing the most luxurious cut of beef, every single time.

 Why This Perfect Prime Rib Roast Stands Out

Unlike many roasts that end up dry or uneven, this method ensures:

• A crisp, flavorful crust

• Even cooking all the way through

• A rich, beefy flavor enhanced with minimal seasoning

• No guesswork with doneness thanks to our foolproof tips

Whether you’re serving it for Christmas dinner or a Sunday family feast, this roast is always the star of the show.

 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a perfect prime rib roast that impresses:

• 4 pounds prime rib roast (bone-in or boneless)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Optional: 1 teaspoon onion powder

Tip: Let the meat sit at room temperature for 2 hours before roasting to ensure even cooking.

 Directions

How to Make the Perfect Prime Rib Roast (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Roast
   Remove the roast from the fridge at least 2 hours before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Make the Herb Butter
   In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and optional onion powder. Stir until well combined.

3. Season the Meat
   Rub the herb butter generously all over the roast, making sure to cover every surface.

4. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 500°F (260°C).

5. Roast at High Heat First
   Place the roast, fat-side up, in a roasting pan with a rack. Roast for 15 minutes at 500°F to create a nice crust.

6. Lower the Heat and Continue Roasting
   Reduce the oven to 325°F (163°C) and continue cooking:

   • For rare: about 13 minutes per pound

   • For medium-rare: 15 minutes per pound

   • For medium: 17 minutes per pound

   Use a meat thermometer to check:

   • Rare: 120°F (49°C)

   • Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C)

   • Medium: 140°F (60°C)

7. Let It Rest
   Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices.

8. Slice and Serve
   Carve with a sharp knife and serve with your favorite sides and sauces.

 Tips & Variations

 Pro Tips:

• Always rest the meat before slicing. It’s not optional.

• Use a thermometer—you can’t “eyeball” doneness with a premium cut like this.

• Tie the roast with kitchen twine if boneless, to help keep its shape.

Variations:

• Add Dijon mustard to the herb butter for extra flavor.

• Serve with Homemade Tomato Sauce for a rustic twist.

• Use smoked salt for a bolder edge.

 Side Pairings:

• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes

• Yorkshire pudding

• Roasted Brussels sprouts

• KFC-style gravy for drizzling

 Storage

 Refrigeration:

Store leftovers tightly wrapped in foil or airtight container for up to 4 days.

 Freezing:

Slice and freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven wrapped in foil.

 Reheating:

Wrap slices in foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving—it will dry the meat out.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (varies by weight)

• Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

• Servings: 6–8 servings

• Course: Dinner, Main Course

• Cuisine: American, Holiday

• Difficulty: Intermediate

 Tools Used

• Roasting pan with rack

• Meat thermometer

• Mixing bowl

• Sharp carving knife

• Aluminum foil

 Final Thoughts

This perfect prime rib roast recipe is what family memories are made of. It’s rich, juicy, and incredibly satisfying—and once you master it, you’ll be the one bringing the showstopper to every gathering.

Whether you’re honoring a family tradition like my grandma’s or starting your own, this roast will win hearts every time. For more crowd-pleasers, check out our Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake or Pineapple Juice Cake.

And for beef lovers, here’s a Prime Rib Guide from AllRecipes with more expert tips.

TINSUF RECIPES

Perfect Prime Rib Roast

A foolproof, juicy, and flavorful prime rib roast with herb butter crust—ideal for holidays or special dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• - Ingredients
• 4 lbs prime rib roast
• ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp onion powder optional

Equipment

• Equipment
• Roasting pan
• Meat thermometer
• - Mixing bowl
• Carving knife
• Foil

Method

 

1. - Instructions
2. Let roast come to room temp (2 hours).
3. Mix butter with herbs and seasonings.
4. Rub mixture all over the roast.
5. Preheat oven to 500°F and roast for 15 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to 325°F and roast until desired doneness.
7. Check internal temp with thermometer.
8. Let rest 20–30 minutes before slicing.
9. Carve and serve.

Notes

- Notes
Use a thermometer for perfect doneness. Add Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Let it rest before slicing to retain juices.