Prime rib is one dish that instantly turns a holiday dinner into something spectacular. It’s juicy, tender, full of rich beefy flavor, and looks impressive sitting on your holiday table. But that doesn’t mean it’s complicated to make. In fact, with the right recipe, prime rib can be one of the easiest main courses to make during the holidays.
A lot of prime rib recipes overwhelm you with fancy techniques and complicated seasoning blends. But our recipe for the easiest prime rib keeps things simple. No marinade, no constant monitoring – just a perfectly cooked roast every time.
Recipe for the Easiest Prime Rib
Ingredients:
- For a 4–6 pound prime rib (serves 6–8):
- 1 bone-in or boneless prime rib roast
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
Directions:
1. Prep the Roast
Rub the roast all over with olive oil or butter. Coat it with the salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Place the roast uncovered in the fridge for a minimum of 1-2 hours. For maximum flavor, let it sit for 24 hours.
2. Bring to Room Temperature
About 1 hour before cooking, take your roast out of the fridge. This helps it cook more evenly.
3. Slow Roast
Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C). Place the roast fat-side up on a roasting rack inside a large pan. Roast for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches:
- 120°F for rare
- 130°F for medium-rare
- 135°F for medium
4. Rest the Roast
Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 30-45 minutes to lock in the juices and make carving easier.
5. Reverse Sear for the Perfect Crust
After the roast rests, increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C). Return the roast to oven for 8-10 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
6. Slice and Serve
Carve the roast into thick slices and serve with your favorite holiday sides.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t trim the fat cap: It may look like too much fat, but the cap melts as the roast cooks, basting the meat and adding incredible richness.
- Add aromatics: Tuck whole garlic cloves, onion wedges, or fresh herb sprigs into the bottom of your roasting pan to add depth to the drippings and au jus.
- Serving suggestions: Prime rib pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and horseradish cream sauce.
Holiday Traditions Start at The Butcher Shop
Whether you’re hosting your first holiday dinner or you’re the seasoned cook in the family, this recipe for the easiest prime rib is one you’ll come back to year after year. At The Butcher Shop, our hand-trimmed prime rib roasts are a cut above and deliver that truly special holiday experience. They’re 100% natural and locally sourced – like all our meats and seafood.
We’re now taking pre-orders for your holiday meal. Prime rib, holiday ham, porchetta, and more are guaranteed to bring everyone to the table this season. You’ll also find fresh produce, freshly baked loaves of bread, local beers and wines, and everything else you need to complete your holiday meal. Stop by today or give us a call to pre-order your ingredients.