Prime Rib Recipes

What is prime rib?

Prime rib is one of the most delicious cuts of beef there is. Coming from the rib section of the cow, this beef cut is tender, juicy, and so flavorful! It makes the best holiday roast recipes, both in presentation and taste.

You may hear prime rib referred to as ribeye roast, boneless rib roast, bone-in rib roast, and standing rib roast. And, if you have ever had a juicy ribeye steak, then you know how delicious it is: ribeye steak is from the same section of the cow as prime rib roast!

The term "prime" actually comes from the USDA grade the cut of beef is given. You may see "choice" and "select" cuts of beef, but what you're looking for is prime. This marks the beef as tender, juicy, and packed with natural flavor from its marbling.

What is marbling?

Marbling refers to the white flecks and lines of fat running through a cut of beef. Marbling = flavor! The more marbling a cut of beef has, the tastier it will be. Prime rib has plenty of marbling, and when cooked just right, it tastes incredible.

Tips for Buying Prime Rib

When picking out prime rib at the store, you may see it under a different name. Look for standing rib roast, ribeye roast, or even simply "holiday roast".

You will find prime rib for sale bone-in and boneless. Cooking prime rib with the bone-in makes it even more flavorful, but boneless rib roast is just as delicious.

How much roast beef per person?

To pick your roast for the size of people you're serving, consider that an adult will eat about 1/2 pound of roast beef. So, for example, a 3-pound roast will feed about 6 people.

You can also count by how many ribs are included in a bone-in roast. 1 rib will serve 2 people. For example, as a four-rib roast, our Standing Rib Roast recipe feeds 8 people.

How to Cook Prime Rib

Typically, you will be preparing prime rib slow-roasted in your oven. You want it to have a perfectly-cooked interior with a crisp, browned exterior, like our beautiful Boneless Prime Rib Roast.

One of our favorite ways to cook a roast is by reverse-searing it; that is, cooking the roast in the oven first, then searing the outside to lock in all of that delicious flavor!

Here are a few of our go-to tips for cooking the perfect prime rib:

• Bring your roast to room temperature before cooking. Allow the roast to sit on the counter for about 2 hours before cooking. This will bring it to an even temperature throughout.
• Use a roasting pan with a rack. This will circulate heat evenly over the roast as it cooks.
• Let the roast rest for about 15 minutes before you slice it. This will give you a juicier prime rib roast.
• Always cut beef against the grain for the most tender cuts of beef.

If you feel intimidated by cooking a prime rib roast, we're here to tell you it's much easier than it seems! In fact, you can even make prime rib roast in your Instant Pot. And trust us - it will be amazing.

In fact, our Reverse Sear Instant Pot Prime Rib is one of our most popular prime rib recipes. Try making it, and you will know why!

For more info, take a look at our guide on How to Make a Roast. And, for ideas on what to make with leftover prime rib, give our Creamy Penne Pasta Recipe with Sliced Prime Rib a try - it is delicious!

Love roast beef recipes? Check out our Roast Beef Recipes category for even more ideas! Plus, our Chuck Roast Recipes are the perfect choice for budget-friendly weeknight roast beef dinners.