Close-up of a thick slice of prime rib with herb crust and juicy pink center

Prime Rib Roast – Juicy, Tender & Easy to Make

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Perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth & no alcohol

This Prime Rib Roast is juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful the perfect holiday centerpiece or special occasion dinner! Made with simple seasonings and no alcohol, this Emma’s Cake Studio version focuses on achieving a beautifully browned crust with a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Slow-roasted to perfection and finished with a flavorful garlic-herb butter, this prime rib is surprisingly easy to master even for beginners. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, a festive gathering, or an elegant family meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Elegant, rich, and unbelievably tender… every slice is pure perfection!

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Rest Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 6–8

Ingredients List

Roast

  • 1 (4–5 lb) prime rib roast, bone-in or boneless
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Optional Pan Drippings Sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 teaspoon water (slurry)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Simple tools nothing fancy:

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Season the roast:
    Mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub all over the roast generously.
  2. Sear in the oven:
    Place roast in a roasting pan, fat-side up. Roast at 450°F (230°C) for 20 minutes to brown.
  3. Slow roast:
    Reduce heat to 325°F (160°C) and cook 1 hr 15 min–1 hr 30 min or until:
    • 120°F (rare)
    • 130°F (medium-rare)
    • 140°F (medium)
  4. Rest:
    Loosely tent with foil and rest 20 minutes for maximum juiciness.
  5. Make sauce (optional):
    Heat pan drippings + broth. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Serve:
    Slice thick and serve with au jus or your favorite holiday sides!

Pro Tips

  • Use a thermometer perfect results every time.
  • Resting is essential for juicy slices.
  • Bone-in roast cooks more evenly but both work beautifully.
  • Dry rub overnight for deeper flavor.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 slice52045g1g38g0g0g