Rating: 3.71
(124)

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 124 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
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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. User avatar sandy.bartoletti25 says:

    5 stars
    Tried this for Christmas and it came out unreal—great crust and the garlic-herb rub smelled amazing. The thermometer tip saved me.

    1. 5 stars
      Agree!! Made this for Christmas too and the crust was *so* good. The garlic-herb rub smelled unreal while it roasted.

    2. User avatar manual.mueller18 says:

      3 stars
      I tried it, but my roast hit the target temp way earlier than expected. Also I might’ve messed up and cooked it with the thermometer touching the bone… still tasted decent though.

  10. 5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! The garlic and herbs really make it special. Will definitely make this again! 5 stars!

  11. 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… 🤷‍♂️

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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!

  16. 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.

  17. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

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

  18. User avatar wilbert.mertz says:

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

  19. 5 stars
    So easy, I imagine a pro chef made this! Can’t wait to impress my friends!

  20. 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.

  21. 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!

  22. 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!

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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 ❤️.

  26. User avatar demarcus.gleichner says:

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

  27. 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. 😅

  28. 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!

  29. 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!

  30. User avatar catina.larkin49 says:

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

3.71 from 124 votes
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