This incredible Ultimate Holiday Prime Rib comes together in about 2.5 hours and roasts beautifully in your oven, creating a easy centerpiece for your holiday feast that your family will love! Switch up your sides to suit your taste, or use leftovers in delicious sandwiches the next day. Honestly, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser! Plus, you can opt to clean out your fridge by adding whatever sides you have on hand to this meal. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering celebration dish without the stress!
Ingredient Breakdown
Prime Rib Roast
The star of this show! A good prime rib roast is going to give you the best flavor and tenderness your guests will rave about. I prefer to go with a USDA Prime cut for its superior marbling, which translates into juicy, flavorful beef. If you can’t find prime, a Choice grade roast will still work well (it just won’t be quite as tender). Ask the butcher to trim it for you so that prep is a breeze!
Garlic Cloves
Garlic is a must-have ingredient for this recipe, adding layer upon layer of flavor! I usually use about 4-6 cloves, but if you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t be shy! You can use roasted garlic for a sweeter touch or even garlic powder if you’re in a pinch. Just remember, fresh garlic comes with tons of flavor, so do give it a try!
Fresh Rosemary
Fresh rosemary brings a fragrant, earthy element to the dish. It complements the beef beautifully and gives it an exquisite aroma while it’s cooking. If you don’t have fresh on hand, dried rosemary will work, just remember that you’ll want to cut back to about 1 tablespoon since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Salt
A good quality salt is essential to enhance all those amazing flavors. I suggest using kosher salt, as its larger crystals make it easier to season evenly. This is going to make a difference because you want your prime rib to burst with flavor! While kosher salt is highly recommended, sea salt or even table salt will do in a pinch, just adjust the amount as necessary since regular salt has smaller grains.
Black Pepper
I almost always reach for freshly cracked black pepper to season the roast. It adds a rich earthiness that cannot be matched by pre-ground pepper. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your family’s taste. If someone has a sensitivity to spice, feel free to go lighter on the seasoning.
Olive Oil
A drizzle of olive oil adds flavor and moisture while allowing the seasonings to stick to the roast. I prefer a nice extra virgin olive oil for taste and quality. You can substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil if you don’t have olive oil handy, let’s be practical here!
Beef Broth
Last but certainly not least, we’ve got beef broth. Pouring broth into the roasting pan creates a moist environment for the meat to cook in and makes for a luscious sauce at the end. You could also use chicken broth or vegetable broth if that’s what you have. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s a good backup.
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make The Ultimate Holiday Prime Rib
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Ah, the smell of a warm oven already has me excited!
Season the prime rib roast generously with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. So go ahead, be generous! It’s the first layer of that flavor explosion.
Grab a sharp knife and make small slits in the meat, inserting garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs. The more you can get that aromatic goodness infused into the roast, the better!
Rub olive oil all over the roast. This not only helps with flavor but ensures you get a nice crust during roasting. The sheen of the oil, so delightful!
Place the roast in a roasting pan and pour in the beef broth at the bottom of the pan. This creates a beautiful steam for juicy meat while also giving you a delectable au jus.
Roast for 20 minutes, this initial high heat is key to locking in all that moisture! After the timer goes off, reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. (Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, yum!)
Let the roast rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This step is crucial for nested juices, it’s like a little beauty sleep for your roast!
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food
This dish is great for a festive gathering or just a fancy dinner! It’s incredibly comforting and let’s be honest, nothing says holiday cheer quite like a beautiful prime rib at the center of your table.
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it. I’ve served this to everyone from my picky eaters to foodies, and they all rave about it! No one leaves the table hungry, that’s for sure!
Customizable
Feeling adventurous? You can add to the spice rub or experiment with toppings like Horseradish sauce for an extra kick. Or maybe something like a garlic-herb butter spread before roasting for a rich buttery flavor. And that’s just the best part, it’s so versatile!
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can season it a day in advance and let it marinate overnight for even more flavor. Just remember to pull it out of the fridge and bring it to room temperature before roasting.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Ultimate Holiday Prime Rib with some classic sides! Think mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad whatever your heart desires. And don’t forget a good bread roll to soak up the juices!
This prime rib keeps surprisingly well in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheating is best done in a low oven to maintain moisture, about 250°F (121°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze sliced leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn!
My Personal Connection
This prime rib is literally my go-to recipe for holiday gatherings. Every single time I make it, I fall in love all over again. It’s this comfort food that warms your soul! I love that it brings people together, and the smells that fill the kitchen, oh my goodness they’re like a warm hug. I’m a real sucker for cozy meals that spark joy and good memories around the table. The best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand to customize it, making it truly your own.
If you loved this Ultimate Holiday Prime Rib, be sure to check out my Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce, my Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew, or my French-Style Beef Stew!
Tips for Success
Multi-Generational Recipe
This recipe is deliciously simple, making it great for cooks of all skill levels. Even the kids could help with seasoning! It’s a fantastic opportunity to create lasting cooking memories as a family.
Internal Temperature Matters
It’s essential to know your preferred doneness! Use a meat thermometer to really nail it. Note that the roast will cook a bit more while resting, so a few degrees shy of your target is ideal.
Resting is Key
Like I mentioned, letting that roast rest is crucial! It allows juices to redistribute. Hurrying this step will mean you end up with surprisingly dry slices, no one wants that!
Flavor Boosting
If you want a little more flavor, consider basting your roast every 30 minutes! This amps up the flavor and gives you a nice exterior. You’ll want to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of your roasting pan and pour it over the meat for extra love.
Skip the Stress
You can make this recipe for any holiday or special occasion. Trust me; it’s less intimidating than it looks. Just follow the steps, and if something goes awry, remember: everyone loves a good story about a cooking “adventure!”
Don’t you just love a dish that brings everyone together? Whether it’s a snowy Christmas evening or a warm summer BBQ, this Ultimate Holiday Prime Rib is here to shine.
So gather the family, and whip out that good ol’ prime rib roast! You’ll look like a superstar chef in no time while your family dishes out compliments! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration. Note that all the joy I packed into this blog and hey, I hope you can taste that excitement through the screen! And elbow-deep in this delicious prime rib, you won’t regret it!
Ultimate Holiday Prime Rib
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Season the prime rib roast generously with salt and pepper.
- Make small slits in the meat and insert garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs.
- Rub olive oil all over the roast.
- Place the roast in a roasting pan and pour beef broth into the bottom.
- Roast for 20 minutes at 450°F (232°C).
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for 1.5 to 2 hours, until internal temperature reaches desired doneness (130°F/54°C for medium-rare).
- Let the roast rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.