This Paula Deen Foolproof Prime Rib is a tender and perfectly cooked recipe, which uses a clever, hands-off oven method to ensure a juicy, beautifully pink roast every time. It’s the ultimate showstopper for a holiday dinner, a classic, foolproof recipe that takes the stress out of roasting.
Paula Deen Foolproof Prime Rib Ingredients
A simple, classic combination for a truly spectacular roast.
- 4 pounds boneless prime rib roast
- 1/4 cup olive oil OR softened unsalted butter
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (a mix of thyme, rosemary, & basil or parsley is great)
- 1 heaping teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
How To Make Paula Deen Foolproof Prime Rib
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy, hands-off roasting method.
- Bring Roast to Room Temperature: This is a crucial first step. Place the roast on a plate and let it sit on the counter for 3 to 4 hours to come to room temperature.
- Prep the Oven and Herb Rub: Preheat your oven to a very hot 500°F (260°C). In a small bowl, combine the softened butter or olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and black pepper.
- Season the Roast: Pat the room-temperature roast dry with paper towels. Spread the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of the roast. Season it generously all over with the garlic salt.
- The “Foolproof” Roasting Method: Place the seasoned roast in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated 500°F oven for exactly 20 minutes (for a 4lb roast). Then, turn the oven completely OFF. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR AT ALL for the next 2 hours. The residual heat of the oven will continue to cook the roast perfectly and gently.
- Rest, Slice, and Serve: After exactly 2 hours, remove the roast from the oven. Let it rest on the carving board for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

Recipe Tips
For the most perfect, juicy, and evenly cooked prime rib.
- Why is bringing the roast to room temperature so important? A large cut of meat like a prime rib roast needs to be at a uniform temperature before it goes into the oven. This is the single most important step for ensuring it cooks evenly all the way through. A cold roast will result in an overcooked exterior and a raw center.
- How does the closed-oven method work? This method uses a high initial blast of heat to create a beautiful crust on the outside of the roast. Then, the trapped residual heat in the well-insulated oven acts like a gentle, slow cooker, perfectly and evenly cooking the inside of the roast to a beautiful medium-rare without any risk of overcooking.
- Can I adjust the cooking time for a different sized roast? Yes. A general rule of thumb for this method is to roast at 500°F for 5 minutes per pound. For example, a 5-pound roast would cook for 25 minutes, and a 6-pound roast for 30 minutes, before turning the oven off for 2 hours.
- Can I use a meat thermometer? For guaranteed perfect results, a meat thermometer is always your best friend. After the 2 hours of resting in the off-oven, the internal temperature should read around 130-135°F for a perfect medium-rare.
What To Serve With Foolproof Prime Rib
Classic pairings that make for an unforgettable holiday meal.
This spectacular roast is the centerpiece of any special occasion dinner. Serve it with classic steakhouse sides like:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or a rich potatoes au gratin
- Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans
- Fluffy Yorkshire puddings or soft potato rolls
- A simple horseradish cream sauce or a rich au jus
- A full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Bordeaux.
How To Store Foolproof Prime Rib
Making the most of your delicious leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover sliced prime rib in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- How to Use Leftovers: Leftover prime rib is a true luxury! Thinly slice it for the most incredible roast beef sandwiches, chop it up for a steak salad, or gently reheat it in some leftover gravy or au jus.
Paula Deen Foolproof Prime Rib Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Fat: 48 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, it is safe and it works! This method relies on a modern, well-insulated oven that can hold its heat effectively. It’s a time-tested technique for achieving a perfectly even, edge-to-edge pink roast.
If you have an older oven that you know loses heat quickly, this method may not be for you. In that case, a more traditional low-and-slow roasting method would be more reliable.
Yes, you can use a bone-in roast. The bones act as an insulator, so you will need to add to the initial cooking time. A good rule of thumb is to increase the initial high-heat roasting time to 6-7 minutes per pound.
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Paula Deen Foolproof Prime Rib Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy and foolproof method for a perfect prime rib roast, featuring a garlic-herb crust and a juicy, tender, edge-to-edge pink medium-rare interior every time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Let the 4lb roast sit at room temperature for 3-4 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- Mix the oil/butter, garlic, fresh herbs, and pepper to form a paste. Rub this all over the roast. Season generously with garlic salt.
- Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook at 500°F for exactly 20 minutes.
- Turn the oven completely OFF. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR for the next 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, remove the roast from the oven.
- Let it rest on a carving board for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Bringing the roast to room temperature before cooking is the most crucial step for even results.
- This closed-oven method is designed for a modern, well-insulated oven.
- For different sized roasts, adjust the initial cooking time to 5 minutes per pound.
- A meat thermometer is the best way to guarantee your desired level of doneness (130-135°F for medium-rare).