Rating: 3.71
(115)

Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib)

December 11, 2023

A standing rib roast is the definition of elegance and indulgence, often reserved for special occasions or holiday feasts. Also known as prime rib, this cut of beef is known for its tenderness, rich flavor, and impressive presentation. When cooked to perfection, it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender with a perfectly caramelized crust and juicy, flavorful meat throughout.

What makes the standing rib roast stand out is its simplicity. The rib bones are left attached, which not only gives the roast its distinctive “standing” appearance but also helps lock in flavor as the meat roasts. The bones also act as a natural rack, elevating the roast in the oven and allowing heat to circulate evenly for a consistent cook.

To prepare, start by seasoning the roast generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Some prefer to rub it with olive oil or butter to help achieve that beautiful crust, while others opt for a dry rub to let the natural beef flavor shine through. A little time spent bringing the roast to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking and a better result.

Roasting the prime rib at high heat initially helps to develop a flavorful, caramelized crust. Then, the temperature is reduced to allow the inside to cook slowly and evenly. The key to the perfect standing rib roast is using a meat thermometer, aim for 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. Once it’s out of the oven, let the roast rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

A standing rib roast is best served with simple sides like roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a rich gravy. It’s an impressive dish, sure to be the highlight of any dinner table. Whether for a family gathering or a holiday celebration, this roast brings a sense of grandeur and tradition to any occasion

Standing Rib Roast
Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib)
3.71 from 115 votes
Learn how to make a delicious Standing Rib Roast, also known as Prime Rib. This impressive dish is perfect for special occasions.
Servings 8 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours

Ingredients
  

  • 1 standing rib roast 6 pounds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp rosemary finely chopped, fresh
  • 2 tsp thyme finely chopped, fresh
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Rub this mixture all over the rib roast, making sure to coat it evenly.
  • Place the roast, fat-side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
  • Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure it doesn't touch the bone.
  • Transfer the roast to the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, roast until the thermometer reads 135°F (57°C). For medium, roast until the thermometer reads 145°F (63°C).
  • Once the roast reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
  • Carve the roast into thick slices and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 36gFat: 47g
Calories: 580kcal
Meal Type: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: prime rib, Standing Rib Roast
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar Mystic Gohan says:

    4 stars
    I’m skeptical of the exact temperatures because every roast varies… but I still used the guideline and my roast was way better than my usual guesswork. The resting time definitely mattered.

    1. User avatar constance.raynor19 says:

      4 stars
      I’m with you on the guideline being better than my “vibe-based” cooking 😅 I always thought resting was optional… turns out it’s not. I got a way better crust too. Thanks!

    2. User avatar nicholas.labadie64 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—temps can’t be identical every time, but the thermometer removes a lot of guessing. Resting is the real MVP for that juicy slice.

  2. 2 stars
    I followed the recipe, but my roast turned out dry. Didn’t really taste much garlic either.

  3. User avatar shayne.cummerata1993 says:

    3 stars
    Isn’t it just the same as a regular roast? Why the hype? 🤔

    1. User avatar henry.white says:

      5 stars
      I think it’s all about the flavor and presentation! A prime rib just hits differently. 😊

  4. User avatar drema.keeling says:

    4 stars
    Prime rib is expensive and I was nervous—still, this recipe is straightforward. Only thing: I used dried rosemary/thyme and it wasn’t as fragrant, so fresh is worth it.

  5. User avatar serena.blick94 says:

    3 stars
    Just okay. Wasn’t as flavorful as I expected. My family didn’t love it. 3 stars.

  6. 5 stars
    Super easy and delicious! Everyone loved it. Will definitely make this again!

    1. 5 stars
      So glad to hear that! It’s my favorite recipe for special occasions.

    2. 3 stars
      Wait, isn’t prime rib supposed to be hard to make? You must be a pro!

  7. User avatar irvin.schumm94 says:

    4 stars
    Tbh, I was skeptical about the resting time. This part seemed lame. But wow, it made a difference!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally get it! The resting time always felt unnecessary to me too, but it really does make the meat so tender and juicy. Glad you gave it a shot!

  8. User avatar willian.botsford says:

    5 stars
    Prime rib is one of those things I’m always nervous about. I tried this and it worked, but I was confused about whether the thermometer should touch the bone. The instructions helped though—good call on not touching it.

  9. 5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! The garlic and herbs really make it special. Will definitely make this again! 5 stars!

  10. User avatar isabell.zieme8 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why you would cook it at such a high temp at first? Seems risky to me… 🤷‍♂️

  11. User avatar prudence.rowe2019 says:

    4 stars
    The “450°F for 15 minutes” step feels bold… but it actually helps brown the outside. Mine got a great crust. Only complaint: I used dried rosemary once and it wasn’t the same—fresh is worth it.

  12. User avatar Joey Oberbrunner says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about the 450°F start, but it really helps brown the outside. Mine needed an extra 10 minutes to hit 135°F, but that might be just my oven.

  13. User avatar samual.gorczany says:

    3 stars
    I found it a bit too tricky to cook it perfectly. Mine was a little overdone, but still good.

  14. User avatar chelsea.fritsch1951 says:

    4 stars
    Wow, looks fancy! Can you use a different type of roast? Not sure about rib roast… 4/5!

  15. User avatar boris.shields says:

    5 stars
    This is the best rib roast recipe I have ever tried! So juicy and flavorful!

    1. User avatar magnolia.fay says:

      5 stars
      I agree! It’s so tasty! I like to add a bit of mustard for extra zing.

    2. User avatar rueben.wiegand says:

      3 stars
      Best? Really? I don’t know, my mom’s recipe is the best, always the juiciest. This one looks simple though.

  16. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

    3 stars
    15 mins at 450? That’s too long! I usually do 10, I like it pinker.

  17. User avatar wilbert.mertz says:

    3 stars
    Too much garlic! I like garlic, but this was overwhelming. Would cut it down next time.

  18. 5 stars
    So easy, I imagine a pro chef made this! Can’t wait to impress my friends!

  19. User avatar basementDweller says:

    2 stars
    Why would anyone think it takes such a long time? I did mine in half the time. You gotta watch it closely, lol.

  20. User avatar therese.lebsack61 says:

    5 stars
    Just made this for a holiday dinner and everyone loved it! The garlic and herbs really made a difference!

  21. User avatar brant.johnson1978 says:

    3 stars
    The garlic mixture is super thick and kept sliding off the roast at first. I patted the surface dry before rubbing and that fixed it. Also, don’t skip the rack!

  22. User avatar drusilla.feeney says:

    5 stars
    The best rib roast I ever did. Perfectly medium-rare and the herbs were just right.

    1. 5 stars
      Yum! I love a good rib roast, and yours sounds soooo good. Can’t wait to make it this weekend! Thanks for the tips!

    2. 3 stars
      I find it hard to believe you got it perfectly medium-rare. Did you really use a meat thermometer? That’s crucial! Anyway, I’ll give it a try but I’m skeptical.

  23. User avatar otis.auer86 says:

    4 stars
    I followed the temp chart pretty closely (pulled at 135°F for medium-rare). It was a little pinker than expected, but still delicious. Next time I’ll pull it a hair earlier because my oven runs hot.

  24. User avatar wan.blanda34 says:

    5 stars
    This is the recipe my granddad used! Thank you for sharing this gem! 5 stars, nostalgia!

    1. 5 stars
      This recipe takes me back too! Nothing beats granddad’s cooking ❤️.

  25. User avatar demarcus.gleichner says:

    4 stars
    I used dried herbs instead of fresh and it still turned out great! Just saying.

  26. User avatar charlene.brown says:

    4 stars
    My husband said it was too garlicky. I liked it though. Everyone has different taste, right?

    1. User avatar donette.kshlerin76 says:

      5 stars
      I think garlic is the best part! But yeah, not everyone gets it. 😂

    2. User avatar neville.sipes19 says:

      4 stars
      To garlicky? Really? That’s like saying a steak is too meaty! People are weird. 😅

  27. User avatar terrance.berge18 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a game-changer! The prime rib turned out perfectly juicy. Can’t wait to show it off at the family dinner!

  28. 4 stars
    I didn’t have thyme, used oregano instead. I hope it still tastes good. Fingers crossed!

    1. User avatar arvilla.berge37 says:

      4 stars
      Using oregano instead of thyme should be fine! They both have a strong flavor, just different vibes. I’m sure it’ll still taste great!

    2. User avatar Brady Jaskolski says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, I think thyme is crucial for this dish. Oregano’s not the same, you might ruin it!

  29. User avatar catina.larkin49 says:

    2 stars
    The recipe was okay, but I think I prefer chicken. Just sayin’… 🐔

  30. User avatar lakisha.baumbach81 says:

    2 stars
    Disappointing. Mine was dry and flavorless. Not sure what I did wrong.

    1. User avatar Hugo Moen says:

      4 stars
      I’m sorry it didn’t turn out well for you! Sometimes it can be tricky to get the perfect roast. Did you let it rest before slicing? That helps with juiciness.

  31. 4 stars
    Why does it say to rest it? I never do that. My roast still comes out great!

  32. 5 stars
    So easy to make! Even my kids liked it, which is saying something. Highly recommend!

  33. 4 stars
    Perfect instructions, but I hate waiting for the meat to rest. So hard to hold back! 😂

  34. 2 stars
    I followed the recipe step by step, but my roast ended up way too raw. What did I do wrong? Any tips?

  35. User avatar mohamed.lesch64 says:

    3 stars
    The roast was good but came out too rare for my liking. I’ll cook it longer next time. Also, why do we need so much garlic?

  36. User avatar kirk.kozey17 says:

    5 stars
    5 stars! But where’s the gravy recipe? Gotta have gravy!

    1. User avatar Frost Atronach says:

      5 stars
      Gravy would make it even better! Just use the drippings from the roast. Yum!

  37. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    5 stars
    OMG this is delish!!! I used dried herbs instead of fresh and it was still awesome. 😍

  38. User avatar terrell.feest says:

    4 stars
    Looks great! Can someone tell me if the resting is really necessary? I always skip that part.

  39. User avatar Morgan Moore says:

    2 stars
    I found the cooking times confusing. My roast ended up overcooked. Followed the instructions exactly!

    1. User avatar tinisha.dare86 says:

      2 stars
      I don’t see how you messed it up. The instructions seemed clear to me. Are you sure you followed them right?

    2. User avatar seymour.kunze19 says:

      4 stars
      I totally understand! Cooking times can be tricky, especially with different ovens. Maybe try using a meat thermometer next time? It really helps prevent overcooking!

  40. User avatar adell.cronin2000 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know what a rib roast is… but I tried it. It was meat. I liked it. 3.

    1. 3 stars
      Meat is meat, but there’s more to it! Have you tried it with some sides? You might love it even more if you add some mashed potatoes!

    2. 4 stars
      Glad you liked it! Rib roast is just a fancy term for this type of meat. You should try making it yourself next time! 🙂

  41. 3 stars
    So long as the meat is red, it’s good to me! Who needs thermometers?

  42. User avatar meridith.roob2015 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The rib roast came out perfect – juicy and flavorful. Hands down my favorite! 😍

    1. User avatar ardella.gerhold says:

      2 stars
      I tried this recipe too and it was a disaster. My roast was tough! How did you manage to get it so juicy?

  43. User avatar filiberto.raynor3 says:

    5 stars
    This turned out ridiculously good. The herb-garlic crust smelled amazing, and the timing worked perfectly with a thermometer. Resting time was key—slices stayed juicy.

    1. User avatar gene.smitham56 says:

      3 stars
      Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about the 15 minutes at 450°F part. Mine browned super fast, like almost too dark, but maybe my oven runs hot. Still turned out decent though—tastes great with the crust.

    2. 5 stars
      Totally agree—thermometer saved me from overcooking. I also loved that herb-garlic smell while it roasted. Resting was clutch; slicing too early made it kinda leak juices. Will do again!

  44. User avatar columbus.gaylord1971 says:

    3 stars
    450 then 325 is crazy to me… I thought you were supposed to lower it right away or it’ll toughen. Mine was fine though—just not mind-blowing.

  45. User avatar Orange Dartwing says:

    3 stars
    I think 6 pounds is way too much for our family lol. Also I accidentally forgot the salt/pepper and it was still decent, but not as flavorful. Not the recipe’s fault—my brain was elsewhere.

    1. User avatar candra.hagenes says:

      3 stars
      Wait, 450°F for 15 min then 325°F… that seems super high and risky. I’d be terrified of overcooking that fast. Also if you forgot salt/pepper, the “not flavorful” part makes sense.

    2. User avatar micah.rosenbaum says:

      5 stars
      I feel you—6 pounds is a whole event 😅 For a smaller family, you could probably do a smaller roast and keep the same seasoning. Glad it was still decent even without the salt/pepper!

  46. User avatar bernard.stanton1978 says:

    2 stars
    Wow, that looks fancy. I don’t have fresh herbs—can I just do like 1 tbsp dried thyme and rosemary? Also would olive oil burn at 450?

    1. User avatar abe.schuster says:

      4 stars
      I’d swap fresh for dried, but 1 tbsp each might be strong. Dried herbs are more concentrated—maybe ~1 tsp thyme + 1 tsp rosemary, then adjust next time.

    2. User avatar kristi.hansen2003 says:

      5 stars
      Olive oil shouldn’t “burn” just because it’s 450°F—especially on a roast like this. You might get some smoking if it’s sitting too long, but the seasoning mix is for coating and cooking fast.

  47. User avatar garnet.miller says:

    5 stars
    This was the best prime rib I’ve ever made! Juicy and full of flavor. Definitely a keeper!

    1. User avatar palmira.douglas says:

      5 stars
      Wow, that sounds amazing! I’ve always been scared to try prime rib, but your success makes me want to give it a shot. Thanks for sharing!

  48. User avatar eliseo.ebert says:

    1 star
    Too complicated, I think I’ll just stick with steak. 1.

  49. User avatar linwood.sporer says:

    2 stars
    This was too dry for me. I followed the instructions but I think it needed more oil or something. 2/5.

  50. User avatar andrew.lakin1985 says:

    2 stars
    Meh. Not special enough. It’s meat, it’s not magical! 2.

  51. User avatar Barliman Butterbur says:

    1 star
    This is too complicated for me. Can’t I just buy it from the store?

  52. User avatar willetta.mraz says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a game changer! The garlic and herbs really make it special. My family loved it! ❤️

  53. User avatar jarod.ullrich says:

    5 stars
    This looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it for Christmas dinner!

  54. 2 stars
    Standing rib roast is just too expensive for me. Can’t justify it. Gold plated meat? No thanks!

    1. User avatar filiberto.strosin58 says:

      4 stars
      I get it, but sometimes it’s worth splurging for a special occasion! Cooking it right can make it feel less ‘expensive’.

    2. User avatar vernia.thiel69 says:

      3 stars
      Gold plated? Nah, it’s just a good cut of meat. You can find deals if you look around! Not saying it’s cheap though.

  55. 2 stars
    Meat too tough, not sure if I did something wrong… 🤔

    1. User avatar Gaius Helen Mohiam says:

      5 stars
      Maybe you forgot to let it rest enough? That helps a lot with tenderness! 😊

    2. User avatar mahalia.goldner1995 says:

      4 stars
      Don’t worry! It can be tough if you overcook it. Make sure to check the temp! 👍

  56. User avatar Devon Williamson says:

    3 stars
    Sounds good but I heard rib roast is really expensive. Is it worth it for normal dinners? 🤔

  57. User avatar dwight.funk98 says:

    3 stars
    I tried this but my roast came out tough. Maybe I cooked it too long? I’m not sure. Will try again.

    1. 4 stars
      I think your roast might have been overcooked. Did you check the temp? That’s key!

  58. User avatar mathWizard says:

    3 stars
    Honestly, I followed the recipe but it didn’t taste like my grandma’s. Maybe I missed something? 🤔

    1. User avatar Alfonzo Kunze says:

      4 stars
      Maybe your grandma had a secret ingredient? Every family recipe has its twist! 😊

  59. User avatar luke.cronin says:

    1 star
    Isn’t prime rib basically the same as beef steak? Just not as good.

  60. User avatar Falmer Archer says:

    4 stars
    I’m not a chef, but I think I could do this. Looks easy enough, right?

  61. User avatar halflife4 says:

    3 stars
    It said to let it rest, but I couldn’t help myself; I cut into it right away. A big mistake!

  62. User avatar chung.spencer says:

    1 star
    Why would anyone spend this much on a piece of meat? I’m a vegetarian. Yuck!

    1. User avatar arnulfo.schimmel4 says:

      4 stars
      Not everyone eats meat, you know? That’s okay! There’s plenty of veggie recipes out there. 😄

  63. 4 stars
    I don’t usually cook fancy stuff, but I tried this for Thanksgiving and everybody loved it. So good!

  64. User avatar Michael83 says:

    4 stars
    Y’all, I don’t even like roast but this one was bomb! 👏

  65. 4 stars
    Meat thermometer? Who needs it? I just wing it! LOL.

  66. User avatar pamila.rempel says:

    2 stars
    Not gonna lie, I forgot to reduce the oven temp for a bit (like 20 mins 😬). The outside was great, but the center was more medium than medium-rare. Still edible!

  67. User avatar cammy.breitenberg says:

    3 stars
    I followed all the instructions but it turned out too rare for my liking. Maybe a little longer in the oven next time.

  68. 5 stars
    This is the best prime rib I’ve ever made! So juicy and flavorful. Thank you!

  69. User avatar charlesetta.gutmann says:

    4 stars
    I used dried herbs instead since I didn’t have fresh… still turned out amazing! 4 stars.

  70. User avatar rodrick.koch says:

    5 stars
    Yum, yum, yum! I made this for Christmas and it was the highlight of the meal! 🥳

    1. User avatar francisco.botsford1963 says:

      5 stars
      Wow, that sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it for my family dinner.

  71. User avatar dominque.reichert89 says:

    5 stars
    Made this for Christmas and it turned out insanely good. The rosemary/thyme garlic rub smells like a steakhouse. I rested it a full 20 minutes and the slices were perfect—juicy but not watery.

  72. 5 stars
    Ain’t no roast like a rib roast! Perfectly cooked, juicy, and full of flavor. Will make again!

    1. User avatar alease.grady1993 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, 6 pounds seems like a lot. How’d you even cook that much? I’m scared it won’t turn out good 😬.

    2. User avatar rene.anderson31 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! There’s nothing like a juicy rib roast. Next time I’m trying this recipe for sure!

  73. User avatar miyoko.runte30 says:

    3 stars
    I forgot to add the thyme. I guess that’s why it was bland. Oops! 😅

    1. User avatar evangelina.schaefer says:

      4 stars
      Thyme really makes a difference! Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Next time, just be sure to check your ingredients before starting. 😄

    2. 3 stars
      Uh, that was a pretty big miss! But hey, at least you know for next time, right? Just toss some more herbs on it if you can salvage it!

  74. 4 stars
    Followed it exactly and it was tasty, but I feel like 15 minutes for the rest could’ve been longer. Next time I’ll do closer to 25 minutes so the juices settle.

3.71 from 115 votes
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like 420
Close
Coolinarco.com © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Popular Search: