A cherished tradition, made for a well-earned day of rest
🌟 Introduction
Some meals are more than dinner — they’re a thank-you, a pause, a moment of comfort wrapped in tradition. Making a prime rib roast the Sunday before Christmas is exactly that kind of meal. It’s not rushed, not squeezed between shifts or obligations. It’s prepared on a quiet day off, when the table is calm and the company is cherished.
This is a meal made with intention: a beautifully roasted prime rib, creamy mashed potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, and rich au jus. A feast meant to say, “You work hard. Sit down. Relax. This is for you.”
📜 A Brief History of Prime Rib
Prime rib, also known as standing rib roast, has long been a celebratory centerpiece in American and British holiday cooking. Traditionally served for Christmas, New Year’s, or special Sundays, it symbolized abundance and care.
Before restaurants popularized it, prime rib was a home-cooked reward meal — slow-roasted, carved at the table, and served with simple sides that let the beef shine. Even today, it remains a symbol of warmth, generosity, and tradition.
Prime rib is built on patience and respect for the meat:
Bring the roast to room temperature
Season generously
Roast hot, then low
Rest — this step is crucial
This method ensures a tender interior and a flavorful crust.
👩🍳 Instructions & Cooking Methods
Step 1: Bring to Room Temperature
Remove the roast from the refrigerator 2–3 hours before cooking. This allows even roasting.
Step 2: Season the Roast
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
Rub the roast all over with olive oil. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme, then coat the roast generously.
Place fat-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
Step 3: High-Heat Start
Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to develop a beautiful crust.
Step 4: Slow Roast
Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Continue roasting until internal temperature reaches:
120–125°F for rare
130–135°F for medium-rare
140°F for medium
(About 15 minutes per pound, but always use a thermometer.)
Step 5: Rest the Roast
Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
🥣 Making the Au Jus
Place the roasting pan over medium heat. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 5–7 minutes. Season to taste.
Strain if desired.
❤️ Why People Love This Meal (The Lovers)
Holiday traditionalists treasure its ritual
Meat lovers crave the tenderness and flavor
Hard-working partners appreciate the care behind it
Families remember these meals for years
It’s not just the roast — it’s the feeling that comes with it.
🔥 Methods & Variations
Garlic-crusted: Add minced fresh garlic
Herb butter: Mix softened butter with herbs and spread before roasting
Reverse-sear method: Roast low first, sear at the end
Boneless roast: Shorter cooking time, same seasoning
🧡 Conclusion
This prime rib isn’t just about Christmas — it’s about making space for someone you love when life doesn’t slow down on holidays. A quiet Sunday, a perfectly roasted piece of beef, and a table full of comfort.
