Garlic Herb Prime Rib

This Garlic Herb Prime Rib is the ultimate centerpiece for any special occasion dinner. Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, it delivers rich beef flavor enhanced with aromatic herbs, garlic, and butter. This easy holiday dinner recipe is a guaranteed showstopper for Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebrations, combining restaurant-quality flavor with simple, foolproof preparation. With a golden crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this prime rib will make any meal feel truly festive.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8–10

Ingredients List

• 1 bone-in beef prime rib roast (about 5–6 pounds)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
• Roasting pan with rack
• Meat thermometer
• Small mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Basting brush or spoon

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
2. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Pat the roast dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy crust.
3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix into a thick paste.
4. Rub the garlic herb butter mixture all over the roast, covering every side generously.
5. Place the roast bone-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast.
6. Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes to sear the exterior. Reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches:
   • 120°F for rare
   • 130°F for medium-rare
   • 140°F for medium
7. Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let the prime rib rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
8. Slice and serve warm, pairing it with au jus or creamy horseradish sauce for a classic finish.

Pro Tips

• Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; prime rib continues to cook slightly while resting.
• For extra depth of flavor, season the roast with salt and herbs the night before and refrigerate uncovered.
• Use compound butter made with roasted garlic for a richer, nutty flavor.
• Save the pan drippings to make an easy, flavorful beef gravy.

Nutrition Table

Conclusion

This Garlic Herb Prime Rib is a celebration-worthy main dish that combines simplicity with sophistication. Every slice delivers juicy tenderness and bold, savory flavor wrapped in a crisp herb crust. Whether served for Christmas dinner, a family gathering, or a special weekend feast, it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable occasion. With minimal prep and maximum impact, it’s destined to become your go-to holiday roast.

Garlic Herb Prime Rib

This Garlic Herb Prime Rib is the ultimate centerpiece for any special occasion dinner. Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, it delivers rich beef flavor enhanced with aromatic herbs, garlic, and butter.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Holiday, Main Course

Cuisine American, Traditional

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 5–6 pounds 1 bone-in beef prime rib roast About 5–6 pounds
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Pat the roast dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix into a thick paste.
• Rub the garlic herb butter mixture all over the roast, covering every side generously.
• Place the roast bone-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast.

Cooking

• Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes to sear the exterior.
• Reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, or 140°F for medium.

Resting and Serving

• Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let the prime rib rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
• Slice and serve warm, pairing it with au jus or creamy horseradish sauce.

Notes

Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; prime rib continues to cook slightly while resting. For extra depth of flavor, season the roast the night before and refrigerate uncovered. Use compound butter made with roasted garlic for a richer flavor. Save the pan drippings to make an easy, flavorful beef gravy.

Keyword Beef, Garlic Herb, Holiday Roast, Prime Rib, Special Occasion