If you’re looking for a stunning centerpiece for your holiday feast, the Classic Christmas Prime Rib is just the ticket! This recipe has been a beloved tradition in my family, bringing everyone together around the table for many festive occasions. The rich flavors and tender meat truly make this dish special, perfect for cozy family gatherings or even a grand dinner party. Despite its impressive appearance, making this prime rib is easier than you think!

This recipe shines not only during the holidays but also on busy weeknights when you want to treat your loved ones to something delicious. It’s all about taking simple ingredients and turning them into an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices makes every bite of this prime rib incredibly flavorful.
Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you can whip up this dish without feeling overwhelmed.
Family-Friendly Appeal: This classic dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at any gathering.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prepare some elements ahead of time, making your cooking process smoother on the big day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients that will come together beautifully to create the Classic Christmas Prime Rib. Each item plays an important role in building those amazing flavors we all love!

For the Prime Rib

6-pound (2800g) prime rib or beef rib roast
3 tablespoons (30g) diamond kosher salt or 2 tablespoons (30g) morton’s kosher salt
1 tablespoon (6g) coarse black pepper
3 tablespoons (40g) olive oil

For the Broth

3 pounds (1360g) oxtails, neck bones, or meaty beef bones
1 teaspoon beef base
6 cups low-sodium beef stock
1/2 cup (120g) dry apple vinegar
5 cloves garlic
2 large carrots, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon (13g) tomato paste
2 sprigs thyme
1 large bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Horseradish Sauce

1 cup sour cream
5 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 1800 minutes
Cook Time: 180 minutes
Total Time: 1920 minutes

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

Swap the protein: If you’re not in the mood for prime rib, try using a different cut of beef like ribeye or even a leg of lamb.
Add a twist to the sauce: Consider adding fresh herbs like dill or chives for a flavor boost in your horseradish sauce.
Change up the veggies: You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips to bring more variety to your broth.
Make it spicy: If you enjoy heat, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix!

How to Make Classic Christmas Prime Rib

Step 1: Prepare the Rub

Start by creating a delicious rub for your prime rib. Combine kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple mixture enhances the natural flavors of the meat while creating a nice crust when it cooks. Massage it into every nook and cranny of that beautiful roast!

Step 2: Sear the Meat

In a hot pan with olive oil, sear each side of the prime rib until it’s browned. This step is crucial as it locks in those tasty juices and gives depth to the overall flavor. Plus, who doesn’t love that golden-brown caramelization?

Step 3: Build Your Broth

While your meat is searing, let’s prepare that savory broth! In another pot, combine oxtails and meaty bones with garlic, carrots, celery, onion, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, and beef stock. This aromatic mixture will infuse all its goodness into your final dish.

Step 4: Roast Your Prime Rib

Now comes the best part! Place your seared prime rib on top of your broth mixture in a roasting pan. Roast it slowly in the oven until it’s cooked to perfection—this allows those flavors from the broth to penetrate deep into the meat.

Step 5: Make Your Horseradish Sauce

While everything is roasting away nicely, whisk together sour cream with horseradish, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise in a small bowl. This zesty sauce pairs beautifully with your prime rib—adding that tangy kick everyone loves!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your prime rib rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Resting helps redistribute those juices throughout the meat so every bite stays moist and flavorful. Serve it up with that fantastic horseradish sauce on the side!

Enjoy sharing this Classic Christmas Prime Rib with friends and family—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Classic Christmas Prime Rib

Making a classic Christmas prime rib is all about the details, and these tips will help you achieve that perfectly juicy roast your family will rave about.

Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a well-marbled prime rib for maximum flavor and tenderness. The fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat juicy and enhancing its rich taste.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the kosher salt! A good rub creates a flavorful crust that seals in moisture. Allowing the meat to rest with the seasoning for a few hours (or overnight) enhances the flavor even more.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To achieve your desired doneness, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. This ensures you avoid overcooking and can serve a perfectly pink roast.
Rest Before Carving: Patience pays off! Letting your prime rib rest for at least 20-30 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent slice.
Make a Flavorful Au Jus: Use beef bones and stock to create a delicious au jus that complements the richness of the prime rib. It’s an easy way to elevate your meal with deep, savory flavors.

How to Serve Classic Christmas Prime Rib

Presenting your classic Christmas prime rib is just as important as preparing it. Here are some ideas to make it visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

Garnishes

Fresh Herbs: Sprigs of rosemary or thyme add a pop of color and fragrance to your dish, enhancing its festive appeal.
Caramelized Onions: Sweet, caramelized onions not only add flavor but also create an inviting look when draped over slices of prime rib.

Side Dishes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic make for a perfect pairing; they soak up all those delicious juices from the prime rib.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and slightly crunchy, these carrots bring brightness to your plate and balance out the richness of the beef.
Sautéed Green Beans Almondine: Fresh green beans tossed with toasted almonds provide both texture and flavor, making them a delightful complement to your main dish.
Creamed Spinach: This classic side is rich and comforting. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of prime rib, creating a well-rounded meal.

With these serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Classic Christmas Prime Rib is not only a showstopper for your holiday table, but it also shines when it comes to meal prep. Preparing this dish in advance can save you time and stress during the festive season.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the prime rib to cool to room temperature before storing.
Wrap the leftover meat tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped prime rib in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the prime rib into portions before freezing.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label with the date and type of dish for easy identification.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best results.

Reheating

Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Place the prime rib slices in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture.
Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. Serve with your favorite sides!

FAQs

Have questions about making this delicious Classic Christmas Prime Rib? Here are some common inquiries!

How do I ensure my Classic Christmas Prime Rib is perfectly cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is key! Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Letting it rest afterward will help redistribute juices, enhancing flavor and tenderness.

Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While prime rib is traditional, you can substitute with a beef rib roast or another cut of your choice. Just adjust cooking times according to the size and cut.

What sides pair well with Classic Christmas Prime Rib?

Classic sides include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Don’t forget some flavorful horseradish sauce to complement the richness of the meat!

How should I serve my Classic Christmas Prime Rib?

Slice against the grain for tender pieces and arrange them on a platter. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for an elegant touch!

Final Thoughts

This Classic Christmas Prime Rib recipe isn’t just about creating a meal; it’s about bringing loved ones together around the table during the holidays. I hope you enjoy every step of making this delightful dish as much as you enjoy sharing it with family and friends. Happy cooking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and delicious flavors!

Classic Christmas Prime Rib

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 180 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in a festive feast with our Classic Christmas Prime Rib, the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings! This elegant dish features succulent beef, seasoned to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices, making it a showstopper at any table. Its tender texture and rich flavors will have your guests coming back for more, ensuring that every bite is a memorable experience. Ideal for both special occasions and cozy family dinners, this easy prime rib recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Paired with a zesty horseradish sauce, it’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

6-pound beef rib roast
3 tablespoons diamond kosher salt or 2 tablespoons morton's kosher salt
1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds meaty beef bones
1 teaspoon beef base
6 cups low-sodium beef stock
1/2 cup dry apple vinegar
5 cloves garlic
2 large carrots, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 sprigs thyme
1 large bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup sour cream
5 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise

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Instructions

Prepare the rub by mixing kosher salt and black pepper. Massage into the prime rib.
In a hot pan with olive oil, sear all sides of the prime rib until browned.
For the broth, combine meaty bones with garlic, carrots, celery, onion, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, and beef stock in a pot.
Place the seared prime rib on top of the broth mixture in a roasting pan.
Roast in the oven until cooked to your desired doneness.
Whisk together sour cream, horseradish, dijon mustard, and mayonnaise for the horseradish sauce.
Let the prime rib rest before slicing and serving with sauce.