If you’re looking for a show-stopping main dish to impress your guests this holiday season, Easy Christmas Prime Rib is the perfect choice. This beautifully roasted prime rib is seasoned with a savory herb crust and cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can enjoy the holiday festivities without spending all day in the kitchen.

What makes this Christmas Prime Rib so special is the simple yet flavorful seasoning and the mouthwatering tenderness of the meat. The roast is coated in a blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and Dijon mustard, which creates a deliciously aromatic crust that locks in the juices, making each bite irresistible. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dinner, and with just a few steps, you can have a prime rib that will wow your family and friends.

I first made this Easy Christmas Prime Rib for a family Christmas dinner, and it was such a hit that it’s now become a holiday tradition in my house. The combination of the savory herbs and the rich, juicy meat makes it a truly special dish for any celebration.

Why This Easy Christmas Prime Rib Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Main Dish

• Tender and juicy: Prime rib is known for its tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for a holiday feast.
• Simple seasoning: With a few simple ingredients like garlic, rosemary, thyme, and Dijon mustard, this prime rib develops an aromatic, flavorful crust without any complicated prep.
• Cooked to perfection: The roast is cooked in the oven and can be adjusted to your preferred level of doneness, from rare to well-done.
• Easy to make: Despite its impressive presentation, this prime rib is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a festive meal with minimal effort.
• Perfect for large gatherings: A prime rib roast can easily serve a crowd, making it an ideal choice for holiday dinners, family gatherings, and special occasions.

What You Need For Easy Christmas Prime Rib

• 1 (5-6 lb) bone-in prime rib roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (for roasting)

How to Make Easy Christmas Prime Rib

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature will help create a beautiful, caramelized crust on the prime rib.
2. Prepare the seasoning rub:
   In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and onion powder (if using). Stir until well combined to form a thick paste.
3. Prepare the prime rib:
   Pat the prime rib dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place the roast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Rub the seasoning paste all over the prime rib, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides.
4. Roast the prime rib:
   Place the prime rib in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes at 450°F (232°C) to create a nice sear on the outside. Then, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your roast and the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
   • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
   • Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
   • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
   • Well-done: 150°F (66°C) and above
5. Rest the prime rib:
   Once the prime rib reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy roast.
6. Make the au jus (optional):
   While the prime rib is resting, you can make a simple au jus sauce by placing the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of beef broth to the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly, then strain if desired.
7. Serve and enjoy:
   Slice the prime rib into thick slices and serve with the au jus sauce on the side. Pair with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a perfect holiday meal.

Tips For Easy Christmas Prime Rib

• Room temperature roast: Let the prime rib come to room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and results in a more tender roast.
• Adjusting doneness: Keep in mind that the roast will continue to cook a bit as it rests, so remove it from the oven when it’s 5°F (3°C) below your target temperature.
• Make a flavor boost: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan along with the prime rib for extra flavor while it roasts.
• Use a thermometer: A meat thermometer is key to getting your prime rib just right, so invest in one if you don’t have one already.

Substitutions and Variations

• Boneless prime rib: If you prefer a boneless prime rib, you can substitute the bone-in roast for a boneless version. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check the internal temperature.
• Add other herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage or oregano to customize the flavor of your prime rib.
• Seasoning variations: For a different flavor, try using garlic powder, lemon zest, or horseradish in the seasoning paste.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower-fat option: Use a leaner cut of beef, like a top sirloin roast, instead of prime rib for a lower-fat option. While it won’t be as rich, it will still be tender and flavorful.
• Reduce salt: If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the salt in the seasoning mix and rely on the flavors from fresh herbs and garlic.

Closing For Easy Christmas Prime Rib

And there you have it! Easy Christmas Prime Rib is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday meal, combining rich, tender meat with aromatic herbs and a simple seasoning that makes this roast easy to prepare but full of flavor. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner, or just enjoying a festive meal with family and friends, this prime rib will be the star of your table. Don’t forget to let us know how your roast turns out, and be sure to check out more of our holiday recipes for even more delicious ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Christmas Prime Rib

Can I cook this prime rib ahead of time?
While it’s best served freshly cooked, you can cook the prime rib a day ahead and reheat it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

How do I carve the prime rib?
To carve, remove the ribs (if bone-in) and slice the roast against the grain into thick slices. This ensures the meat is tender and easy to eat.

Can I make this recipe without garlic?
Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer or substitute with garlic powder for a milder flavor.

Can I use a slow cooker for prime rib?
While prime rib is typically roasted in the oven, you can cook a boneless prime rib in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for a more tender result, though it may not have the crispy crust.

Can I add vegetables to the roasting pan?
Yes! You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to the roasting pan. Just make sure they are cut into uniform sizes to cook evenly.

What do I do if the prime rib isn’t done?
If your prime rib is not done to your liking, return it to the oven and continue cooking, checking the temperature every 10 minutes until it reaches your desired doneness.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
While a thermometer is the most accurate way to check the doneness, you can use the “touch test” to estimate if your roast is done. A rare roast will feel soft, medium will feel slightly firmer, and well-done will feel very firm.

How do I make the crust more flavorful?
For a more flavorful crust, add some Dijon mustard or horseradish to the seasoning paste before applying it to the roast.

Can I use a boneless prime rib?
Yes, you can use a boneless prime rib roast instead of bone-in. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the internal temperature.

What is the best side dish to serve with prime rib?
Prime rib pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a fresh salad. Don’t forget the horseradish or au jus sauce for extra flavor!

Easy Christmas Prime Rib

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 (5-6 lb) bone-in prime rib roast

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

• 1/2 cup beef broth (for roasting)

Directions

• Preheat the oven:
• Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature will help create a beautiful, caramelized crust on the prime rib.
• Prepare the seasoning rub:
• In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and onion powder (if using). Stir until well combined to form a thick paste.
• Prepare the prime rib:
• Pat the prime rib dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place the roast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Rub the seasoning paste all over the prime rib, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides.
• Roast the prime rib:
• Place the prime rib in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes at 450°F (232°C) to create a nice sear on the outside. Then, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your roast and the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
• Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• Well-done: 150°F (66°C) and above
• Rest the prime rib:
• Once the prime rib reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy roast.
• Make the au jus (optional):
• While the prime rib is resting, you can make a simple au jus sauce by placing the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of beef broth to the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly, then strain if desired.
• Serve and enjoy:
• Slice the prime rib into thick slices and serve with the au jus sauce on the side. Pair with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a perfect holiday meal.