There are few meals that feel as special and celebratory as a perfectly cooked prime rib roast. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, a holiday gathering, or a cozy Sunday supper, a juicy standing rib roast instantly turns any meal into an occasion.
Prime rib may seem intimidating to cook at home, but the truth is it’s surprisingly simple. With the right seasoning, a hot initial roast, and a slow finish in the oven, you can create a tender, flavorful prime rib with a beautiful crust every single time.
This herbed bacon butter prime rib recipe is one of our favorite holiday traditions. The roast is coated in a rich mixture of butter, garlic, herbs, and savory bacon drippings, creating an incredible crust while keeping the beef tender and juicy inside.
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook prime rib perfectly, this step-by-step recipe will walk you through the entire process—from choosing the roast to slicing it for serving.
Why This Is the Best Prime Rib Recipe
This simple method creates restaurant-quality results at home.
Why you’ll love it:
- Perfectly tender and juicy every time
- Rich herb and garlic butter crust
- Simple roasting method anyone can follow
- Great for holidays, special occasions, and family gatherings
- Includes an easy homemade au jus
The bacon butter seasoning melts into the roast as it cooks, creating incredible flavor and a beautifully browned crust.
What Is Prime Rib?
Prime rib (also called a standing rib roast) comes from the rib section of the cow. It’s known for its marbling, which makes the meat extremely tender and flavorful when roasted slowly.
Most butchers will partially remove the rib bones and tie them back onto the roast with kitchen twine. This allows the meat to cook with the flavor of the bones while still making it easy to slice later.
Ingredients
Prime Rib Roast
- 6 lb beef rib roast (partially boned and tied)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons bacon grease (or additional butter)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons dried Herbs de Provence
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Au Jus
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 2–3 whole garlic cloves
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
How to Cook Prime Rib Perfectly
1. Bring the Roast to Room Temperature
Remove the roast from the refrigerator 30–90 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to cook evenly.
Pat the roast dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and create a better crust.
2. Make the Herb Bacon Butter
In a small bowl combine:
- Butter
- Bacon grease
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Salt and pepper
Mix until fully combined.
Rub the mixture generously over the entire roast.
3. Prepare the Roasting Pan
Place the roast in a roasting pan.
Add to the bottom of the pan:
- 1½ cups beef broth
- garlic cloves
- rosemary sprigs
This flavorful base will become the au jus later.
4. Roast the Prime Rib
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Roast the beef for 20–25 minutes to create a crust.
Then reduce the oven temperature to 250°F and continue cooking for about 1½–2 hours, depending on the size of the roast.
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to guarantee perfect results.
Prime Rib Temperature Guide
Remove the roast when it reaches:
- 120–125°F – Rare
- 130–135°F – Medium Rare (recommended)
- 135–140°F – Medium
- 145°F+ – Well Done
Remember the roast will continue cooking while resting.
Let the Prime Rib Rest
Remove the roast from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.
Tent loosely with foil and let it rest 20–30 minutes.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute through the meat so every slice stays tender and juicy.
How to Make Au Jus
While the roast rests, place the roasting pan over medium heat.
- Remove rosemary and garlic.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and red wine.
- Scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan.
- Add remaining broth and simmer 3–5 minutes.
Serve warm alongside the sliced prime rib.
Optional Horseradish Cream Sauce
This classic sauce pairs perfectly with rich prime rib.
Mix together:
- 16 oz sour cream
- 3–4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chill until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Prime Rib Roast
Use a meat thermometer
It removes all guesswork and ensures perfect doneness.
Let the roast rest before slicing
This keeps the meat juicy.
Cook bone-in if possible
The bones add flavor and help insulate the meat.
Start hot, then slow roast
This technique creates a crust while keeping the interior tender.
What to Serve with Prime Rib
Prime rib pairs beautifully with comforting side dishes like:
Easy Herb Butter Prime Rib Roast
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This easy herb butter prime rib roast is juicy, tender, and packed with garlic and fresh herbs. Roasted low and slow with a flavorful herb butter crust, this foolproof prime rib recipe is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
Prime Rib
1 (5–6 lb) bone-in prime rib roast
6 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons bacon grease (or additional butter)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons dried Herbs de Provence
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Au Jus
2 ½ cups beef broth
½ cup red wine
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves
1 sprig rosemary
Optional Horseradish Cream
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator about 1 hour before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
In a bowl combine butter, bacon grease, garlic, salt, pepper, herbs, rosemary, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
Rub the herb butter mixture all over the prime rib, coating every side.
Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Add beef broth, garlic cloves, and rosemary to the bottom of the pan.
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Roast for 20 minutes to develop a crust.
Reduce oven temperature to 250°F and continue roasting for 1½–2 hours.
Use a meat thermometer and remove the roast when it reaches:
Rare – 120°F
Medium Rare – 130–135°F
Medium – 140°F
Transfer the roast to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 20–30 minutes before slicing.
Place the roasting pan over medium heat. Add wine and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer with the pan juices and broth for a few minutes to create a simple au jus.
Slice the prime rib and serve with au jus.
Notes
Always use a meat thermometer to cook prime rib perfectly. The roast will continue to cook slightly while resting, so remove it from the oven a few degrees early.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Rest Time: 20 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 2 HOURS
- Category: CHRISTMAS, Dinner, HOLIDAYS
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does prime rib take to cook?
Plan for about 15 minutes per pound at a lower roasting temperature after the initial high-heat sear.
Should prime rib be covered while cooking?
No. Roast uncovered so the crust can develop.
How much prime rib per person?
Plan on ¾ to 1 pound per person for bone-in prime rib.
Can you cook prime rib ahead of time?
Prime rib is best served fresh, but leftovers make incredible sandwiches, tacos, and steak salads.
Final Thoughts
A perfectly roasted prime rib is one of those meals that instantly feels special. The rich herb butter crust, tender beef, and flavorful au jus create a centerpiece worthy of any holiday table.
Once you try this simple roasting method, you’ll realize that making restaurant-quality prime rib at home is easier than you ever imagined.
Whether it’s Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve, or a celebratory family gathering, this perfect prime rib recipe is guaranteed to impress.
