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    Home » Recipes » Christmas » Slow Roasted Prime Rib

    Slow Roasted Prime Rib

    Published: Jun 18, 2023 Modified: Sep 8, 2023 by Isabel Laessig

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    My Slow Roasted Prime Rib Recipe is a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic. Using only 4 ingredients and hardly any prep work, this is an easy rib roast recipe that will really “wow” your guests!

    This is one of our reader’s favorite recipes on our website! It gets more views during the holidays than any other recipe! See what makes this my most popular holiday prime rib. Slow roasting is the best way to cook a rib roast!

    Perfect mid-rare slow roasted prime rib sliced and ready to serve
    Jump to:
    • Prime Rib Recipe
    • Best Prime Rib Recipe Ingredients
    • How to Cook Prime Rib
    • Slow Roast Prime Rib Tips
    • What is Prime Rib?
    • Slow Cooked Prime Rib Temperature
    • Best Prime Rib Recipes
    • Au Jus for Prime Rib
    • How to Buy a Perfect Prime Rib
    • Seasoning for Prime Rib
    • How to Cut a Prime Rib
    • Slow Roast Prime Rib FAQs
    • What to do with Leftover Prime Rib
    • How to Reheat Prime Rib
    • Sauces for Prime Rib
    • Prime Rib Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Prime Rib Recipe

    Low and slow cooking locks in all the juices for maximum flavor and tenderness! When you roast low and slow in the oven, you’ll notice there will be a very small amount of juice that accumulates in the bottom of the roasting pan. All of the drippings remain in the roast, resulting in beef that is more tender and juicy than any other method of cooking.

    Once it is slow-roasted to the desired degree of doneness, put it in a high heat oven for about 15 minutes before serving to achieve a beautifully crisp, browned crust on the outside which adds tons of flavor. Serve this delicacy over creamy mashed potatoes or easy instant pot mashed potatoes and you are sure to have your guests begging for more! This recipe is always a winning Sunday dinner idea!

    This was by far the best (and simplest) way to perfection with the
    prime rib….Thank you…the BEST recipe for rib I’ve ever done and I’ve been cooking them for Christmas and Thanksgiving for over 50 years!!

    Sarah
    Raw prime rib roast sitting on a roasting pan

    Best Prime Rib Recipe Ingredients

    • Prime Rib Roast
    • Kosher salt or sea salt
    • Olive oil
    • Black Pepper 

    That’s it! It is that simple to impress your family and friends!

    Labeled ingredients for slow roasted prime rib

    This turned out perfect. Everyone absolutely loved it. This will the only recipe I use from now on.

    Jay

    How to Cook Prime Rib

    1. Salt the roast all over with kosher salt the day before you plan on cooking it and refrigerate overnight, uncovered.
    2. When ready to roast, preheat the oven to 200°F. Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Rub the roast all over with olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper.
    3. Place roasting pan in preheated oven until the center of the roast reads 120°F for medium-rare. This takes about 4 hours, but the time will vary depending on the size of the roast. Use a meat thermometer and cook to 5 degrees below your desired degree of doneness.
    4. Remove roast from oven and tent with foil to rest for at least 20 minutes. Turn oven temp up to 500°F.
    5. Once the oven reaches 500°F, remove the foil and put the roast back in the oven. Cook until the outside is nicely browned and crisp, about 10-15 minutes. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and rest the roast at least 15 minutes before serving.

    Slow-roasting flips the traditional method on its head! It’s easy and results in a delicious prime rib roast every time.

    Slow Roast Prime Rib Tips

    • The night before, cut and unwrap the beef and set it in the refrigerator. Keep it uncovered on the ​sheet pan with a rack. This allows the surface moisture to evaporate and will guarantee a beautiful brown crust when you sear it.
    • Three hours before roasting, take the beef out and place it on a sheet pan (to catch any juices) and keep at room temperature. This step is key to an evenly roasted roast beef recipe.
    • Rest for 15-20 before slicing. This will help keep in all the juices for the juiciest and moistest roast.
    • We love serving it rare and then using au jus gravy to finish cooking the meat. Perfection!

    We have just started using the reverse sear method for steaks, but hadn’t thought of doing it with prime rib. Great tips in this recipe!

    Pam

    What is Prime Rib?

    It is a classic roast beef that is very popular for the holidays. It is usually roasted with the bone in and served with a simple pan sauce made from its natural juices, or horseradish sauce. The word “prime” refers to the grade designated prime by the USDA. This is the highest grade of beef.

    Slow Cooked Prime Rib Temperature

    It is always best to use a meat thermometer to make sure your roast beef is done perfectly to your liking. Follow my step-by-step instructions on the perfect prime rib temps.

    Beef DonenessInternal Temperature
    Rare beef temp125°F – bright red in the middle
    Medium-rare roast135°F – warm red in the middle with slight pink around the edges
    Medium roast145°F – warm pink throughout
    Medium-well roast150°F – slightly pink at the center
    Well-done roast160°F – little to no pink throughout
    Beef temperature chart with temperature labels

    Best Prime Rib Recipes

    • Boneless Rib Roast
    • Standing Rib Roast
    • Smoked Prime Rib
    • Instant Pot Prime Rib
    • Sous Vide Prime Rib

    Try any of my prime rib recipes with my Prime Rib Seasoning!

    Au Jus for Prime Rib

    Au jus is a French cooking term that literally means “with juice”. It refers to a light sauce made using fat drippings from meat like roast beef.

    The #1 ingredient you need to make au jus is beef drippings. It isn’t au jus without the drippings! Aside from beef drippings, you will also need Worcestershire Sauce, Red Wine, and Beef Broth or extra juice from the roast beef.

    • Place the roasting pan from cooking roast beef on the stove-top over low heat after removing the roast from the pan. Whisk 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce and Red Wine into the dish, along with drippings from the beef. If using the roasting pan, scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Add Juices from the roast beef.
    • Bring to a simmer and cook down the sauce until it thickens.
    • Check out our full guide on how to make au jus.

    How to Buy a Perfect Prime Rib

    It is all about marbling! Trust me on this, the perfect beef roast will have lots of marbling.

    What is marbling on beef?

    The word marbling refers to white flecks and streaks of fat within the lean sections of beef, resembling a marble pattern. It is also called intramuscular fat. These flecks of fat are what give the beef its texture and amazing flavor throughout each bite.

    Uncooked prime rib on a cutting board being salted for Slow roasted prime rib recipe

    Seasoning for Prime Rib

    Before you cook your prime rib, you’ll want to season it ahead of time and let it absorb the flavor of your seasoning.

    1. Salt the roast the day before and refrigerate overnight. Do not add the pepper or olive oil yet.
    2. When ready to cook, rub the roast all over with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1-2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper.

    That’s it! That is all you need to make the perfect holiday roast with a simple yet delicious flavor!

    If you want to add a bit more to it, this prime rib rub is excellent!

    Slow roasted prime rib recipe next to pasta and a cup of au jus

    How to Cut a Prime Rib

    1. Place your roast on a wooden meat cutting board with a juice groove and choose the sharpest slicing knife you own.
    2. Look at the direction of the grain of the beef and slice against the grain.

    It is truly a personal preference if you slice thick or thin slices. Both work, so it depends on if you want a steak-like experience or more of a roast beef-eating experience.

    Slow Roast Prime Rib FAQs

    What is the difference between Prime Rib and Ribeye Steaks?

    They both come from the same cut of beef. The prime rib can have up to seven rib bones, and a ribeye steak is one of those ribs. The ribeye is then cut into a steak before cooking.

    How much prime rib per person should I serve?

    A good estimate on how much beef you will need is ½ pound per person when the roast is part of a large holiday meal, or ¾ pound per person if it is the main feature. 

    What is the best pan for cooking a prime rib?

    I always use a roasting pan with a rack. It allows air to circulate around the roast, while the pan below collects the drippings.

    Slice of slow roasted prime rib cut on board

    What to do with Leftover Prime Rib

    • Creamy Penne Pasta.
    • Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and remoulade sauce
    • Steak Nachos
    • Pot Roast Sandwich
    • Pinwheel Sandwiches

    Check out all my favorite Leftover Prime Rib Recipes!

    How to Reheat Prime Rib

    I prefer to cook the meat to medium rare so it can easily be reheated without drying out.

    1. Once you cut your beef into approximately equal slices, you can reheat by placing the meat in a microwave-safe dish.
    2. Add a bit of leftover au jus or beef stock. Cover your dish with a paper towel and microwave on high for about one minute.
    3. Continue to heat in 30-second increments until your roast reaches an internal temp of about 160 to 165º F.

    You can also reheat your beef on the stovetop. Just add the sliced roast into a small pot with either leftover au jus or beef stock. Heat for approximately 5 minutes and serve.

    Sauces for Prime Rib

    • Horseradish Sauce
    • Garlic Butter Sauce
    • Au Jus Sauce
    • Garlic Butter
    • Chimichurri Sauce

    This is the ultimate Christmas dinner, especially when you pair it with these delicious prime rib side dishes.

    Prime Rib Recipes

    • Instant Pot Prime Rib
    • Boneless Prime Rib Roast
    • Standing Rib Roast
    • Dry Aged Prime Rib
    • Sous Vide Prime Rib

    📋 Recipe

    Slow Roasted Prime Rib Recipe featured image

    Slow Roasted Prime Rib

    Isabel Laessig
    My Slow Roasted Prime Rib Roast recipe is a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic. Using only 4 ingredients and hardly any prep work, this is an easy rib roast recipe that will really "wow" your guests!
    4.66 from 118 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 hours hrs
    Resting time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 1085 kcal

    Equipment

    • Oven
    • Roasting pan with rack

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 lb. Prime Rib Roast
    • 1 Tbsp. Kosher salt or sea salt
    • 2 Tbsp. Olive oil
    • 2 tsp. black pepper freshly ground
    Cooking Conversions

    See our Cooking Conversions Chart for help converting measurements!

    Instructions
     

    • Salt the roast all over with 1 Tbsp. kosher salt the day before you plan on cooking it and refrigerate overnight, uncovered.
      Patting seasoning onto prime rib roast
    • When ready to roast, preheat the oven to 200°F. Place prime rib roast on rack in roasting pan.
      Rub the roast all over with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and 1-2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper.
      Seasoned prime rib roast ready to place in oven
    • Place roasting pan in preheated oven until the center of the roast reads 120°F for medium-rare.
      This takes about 4 hours, but time will vary depending on the size of the roast. Use an instant-read thermometer or meat probe and cook to 5 degrees below your desired degree of doneness.
      Remove roast from oven and tent with foil to rest for at least 20 minutes. 
      Turn oven temp up to 500°F.
      Boneless prime rib roast after roasting on a pan
    • Once the oven reaches 500°F, remove the foil and put the roast back in the oven.
      Cook until the outside is nicely browned and crisp, about 10-15 minutes. Transfer roast to a cutting board and rest the roast at least 15 minutes before serving.
      Slow roasted prime rib on a cutting board

    Video

    Notes

     
    • It is always best to use a meat thermometer to make sure your Prime Rib is done perfectly to your liking.
    • The night before roasting the prime rib, unwrap the beef and set it in the refrigerator. Keep it uncovered on the ​sheet pan with a rack. This allows the surface moisture to evaporate and will guarantee a beautiful brown crust when you sear it.
    • Three hours before roasting, take the beef out and place it on a sheet pan (to catch any juices) and keep it at room temperature. This step is key to an evenly roasted prime rib recipe.
    • Make sure you let the prime rib rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1085kcalProtein: 49gFat: 96gSaturated Fat: 40gCholesterol: 219mgSodium: 884mgPotassium: 806mgVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 29mgIron: 5.2mg
    Keyword how to cook prime rib, Prime Rib Recipe, slow cook prime rib, Slow Roasted Prime Rib
    Did you try this recipe?Tag #SundaySupper on social and leave a comment below!

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    Isabel, AKA Family Foodie

    About Isabel Laessig

    Hi! I’m Isabel Laessig, also known as Family Foodie, creator of Sunday Supper Movement and author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook. Sunday Supper is my mission to bring family back around the dinner table. Join me in making family meal-time a tradition to celebrate!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kammy says

      January 17, 2021 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe. Perfect every time!

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        January 18, 2021 at 2:07 pm

        Thank you so much, Kammy! We’re so glad you like it!

        Reply
    2. Lisa Couto says

      April 05, 2021 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      OMG!!!! This was the best and Easiest Prime rib Recipe!!! I cooked it per your instructions and it turned out perfectly!!!!! The Au Jus was delicious!! Thanks so much!!

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        April 05, 2021 at 1:55 pm

        Lisa, thank you so much! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! That’s awesome!

        Reply
    3. Judi says

      December 04, 2021 at 11:19 am

      5 stars
      I will be trying that recipe this holiday season.

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        December 06, 2021 at 12:24 pm

        Thank you Judi! We would love to know what you think!

        Reply
    4. Dr. Frederick Howard PhD says

      December 18, 2021 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      Taken me awhile to locate this fabulous recipe. I had it committed to memory, but I needed the recipe to review. But this is my “go to” prime rib recipe. In fact I’ve repeated it to several folks, but now I’ll direct them to this site. Congratulations on a wonderful recipe.

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        December 20, 2021 at 10:39 am

        Thank you so much for leaving us a comment! That’s awesome; we’re so glad you enjoy it!

        Reply
    5. Cindy Ryder says

      December 29, 2021 at 2:59 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and delicious! Will definitely make this again. The perfect Christmas dinner to share with friends. Thank you for all the detailed instructions.

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        December 30, 2021 at 11:34 am

        Thanks so much, Cindy! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    6. Brenda Webster says

      January 25, 2022 at 10:12 am

      I would like to add onion and bell peppers to this recipe. At what stage should I add them? I can’t wait to try this!!!

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        February 07, 2022 at 4:12 pm

        Hi Brenda! I would add it at the last hour before it is done. You may have to add a bit of beef broth. Thank you for your question!

        Reply
    7. Michael Holmes says

      May 13, 2022 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      I have tried many ways to cook prime rib and this is the best one I have ever found. I cooked exactly as outlined. Tender on my gosh. I did not change nothing.

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        May 16, 2022 at 2:03 pm

        That is so awesome, Michael! Thank you for your comment!

        Reply
    8. carol macintosh says

      September 24, 2022 at 4:58 am

      HOW LONG DO I COOK A TWO POUND ROAST

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        September 30, 2022 at 6:00 pm

        Hi Carol! For a 2 pound roast I would cook it for about 1 hour (recommended cook time is 30 minutes per pound at 200°F). Check the temp, and if it’s not quite enough, keep it going until it reaches 130°F for medium rare (or your desired internal temperature). At 500°F, sear it for 10 minutes after the 1 hour cook time. Enjoy!

        Reply
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