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

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.
Super easy and delicious! Everyone loved it. Will definitely make this again!
So glad to hear that! It’s my favorite recipe for special occasions.
Wait, isn’t prime rib supposed to be hard to make? You must be a pro!
Tbh, I was skeptical about the resting time. This part seemed lame. But wow, it made a difference!
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!
I don’t get why you would cook it at such a high temp at first? Seems risky to me… 🤷♂️
I found it a bit too tricky to cook it perfectly. Mine was a little overdone, but still good.
This is the best rib roast recipe I have ever tried! So juicy and flavorful!
I agree! It’s so tasty! I like to add a bit of mustard for extra zing.
Best? Really? I don’t know, my mom’s recipe is the best, always the juiciest. This one looks simple though.
15 mins at 450? That’s too long! I usually do 10, I like it pinker.
Too much garlic! I like garlic, but this was overwhelming. Would cut it down next time.
So easy, I imagine a pro chef made this! Can’t wait to impress my friends!
Why would anyone think it takes such a long time? I did mine in half the time. You gotta watch it closely, lol.
Just made this for a holiday dinner and everyone loved it! The garlic and herbs really made a difference!
The best rib roast I ever did. Perfectly medium-rare and the herbs were just right.
Yum! I love a good rib roast, and yours sounds soooo good. Can’t wait to make it this weekend! Thanks for the tips!
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.
I used dried herbs instead of fresh and it still turned out great! Just saying.
My husband said it was too garlicky. I liked it though. Everyone has different taste, right?
I think garlic is the best part! But yeah, not everyone gets it. 😂
To garlicky? Really? That’s like saying a steak is too meaty! People are weird. 😅
This recipe is a game-changer! The prime rib turned out perfectly juicy. Can’t wait to show it off at the family dinner!
Disappointing. Mine was dry and flavorless. Not sure what I did wrong.
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.
Why does it say to rest it? I never do that. My roast still comes out great!
So easy to make! Even my kids liked it, which is saying something. Highly recommend!
I followed the recipe step by step, but my roast ended up way too raw. What did I do wrong? Any tips?
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?
OMG this is delish!!! I used dried herbs instead of fresh and it was still awesome. 😍
Looks great! Can someone tell me if the resting is really necessary? I always skip that part.
I found the cooking times confusing. My roast ended up overcooked. Followed the instructions exactly!
I don’t see how you messed it up. The instructions seemed clear to me. Are you sure you followed them right?
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!
This recipe is amazing! The rib roast came out perfect – juicy and flavorful. Hands down my favorite! 😍
I tried this recipe too and it was a disaster. My roast was tough! How did you manage to get it so juicy?
This was the best prime rib I’ve ever made! Juicy and full of flavor. Definitely a keeper!
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!
This is too complicated for me. Can’t I just buy it from the store?
Meat too tough, not sure if I did something wrong… 🤔
Maybe you forgot to let it rest enough? That helps a lot with tenderness! 😊
Don’t worry! It can be tough if you overcook it. Make sure to check the temp! 👍
Sounds good but I heard rib roast is really expensive. Is it worth it for normal dinners? 🤔
Honestly, I followed the recipe but it didn’t taste like my grandma’s. Maybe I missed something? 🤔
Maybe your grandma had a secret ingredient? Every family recipe has its twist! 😊
Isn’t prime rib basically the same as beef steak? Just not as good.
I’m not a chef, but I think I could do this. Looks easy enough, right?
I don’t usually cook fancy stuff, but I tried this for Thanksgiving and everybody loved it. So good!
Y’all, I don’t even like roast but this one was bomb! 👏
I followed all the instructions but it turned out too rare for my liking. Maybe a little longer in the oven next time.
This is the best prime rib I’ve ever made! So juicy and flavorful. Thank you!