It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to serve a standing rib roast but doing so will make any night feel more special. This Rosemary Garlic Herb Rib Roast is not only delicious but sure to impress.
Pin Rosemary Garlic Herb Rib Roast to make later.
What is a rib roast?
Rib roasts are the cream of the crop when it comes to beef roasts. It is a tender, flavorful, and expensive cut of meat taken from the rib section.
Even though it is expensive, sometimes supermarkets will have it on sale around the holidays. Because it’s so expensive, you don’t want to cook it to well done. I don’t suggest rare either because it’s not a safe temperature.
This prime rib roast should be cooked between medium rare and medium for the best flavor.
What ingredients do I need for a flavorful prime rib recipe?
A rib roast is very conducive to various flavors and rubs.Β
- Standing Rib Roast – 4 – 6 pound size feeds four people.
- Unsalted Butter – you’re going to add salt so stick with unsalted here.
- Garlic – just a few cloves are needed.
- Rosemary – you’ll need a few sprigs.
How to cook Rosemary Garlic Herb Rib Roast on a Rotisserie
More than 25 years ago we bought a Showtime Rotisserie. “Set it and Forget It” was their marketing slogan. I remember when we first got it we watched the whole chicken we were cooking baste itself and we were thrilled with the result. Moist and juicy.
No more buying store-bought rotisserie chicken. I can make my own and I have made many through the years. We are on our third rotisserie we use it so much.Β
If you don’t have a rotisserie, you can certainly make this in a conventional oven and those instructions are in the notes in the recipe card below.
What should the internal temperature be for a prime rib roast?
It doesn’t matter if you cook a standing rib roast in a rotisserie or in the oven, the temperature should be the same for both cooking methods.
Doneness | Temperature to Remove from Oven | Target Temperature after Resting |
Rare | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
Medium | 115Β°F – 120Β°F | 125Β°F – 130Β°F |
Medium Rare | 125Β°F – 130Β°F | 135Β°F – 140Β°F |
Medium Well Done | 135Β°F – 140Β°F | 145Β°F – 150Β°F |
Well Done | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
To make sure you get the temperature exactly where you want it use an instant read thermometer. My favorite is the Thermapen from Thermoworks. It’s pricy but it’s trustworthy and accurate. I use it for everything from chicken to beef and from the oven to the grill.
If you enjoy this rosemary garlic herb rib roast try a new cooking method with this smoked prime rib.

More Special Occasion Meals
We love to make this rib roast for Easter or Christmas. More special occasion meals include:
- Rosemary Roasted Cornish Hens – perfect for any occasion. Everyone gets their own serving.
- Caprese Chicken with Bacon – Suitable for an intimate dinner for two or a dinner party with friends.
- Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Roll-Ups – Delicious and impressive.

Rosemary Garlic Herb Rib Roast
Rosemary Garlic Rib Roast makes an impressive dinner for any holiday or family gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 4 - 6 pound standing rib roast
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 springs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring roast to room temperature.
- In a small saucepan melt the butter with the chopped rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the roast on the rotisserie spit. Brush the rib roast with the butter mixture.
- Cooking time will vary according to the size of the roast and your rotisserie. Cook per instructions for your rotisserie. You usually cook it so many minutes per pound. Each rotisserie is differnet.
- Let rest 15 minutes prior to carving.
Notes
For oven preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 450Β°F.
2. Prepare the meat according to the directions above. Roast on a rack in a shallow pan for 25 minutes.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 350Β°F and roast for 16 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 135Β°F to 140Β°F for a medium-rare center. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
karens kitchen stories says
That’s just gorgeous. I love the even baking and the pink from end to end!
Sherri says
LOL! Reminds me of my 10-year old and the first time she tried prime rib. She was totally hooked! We have one of those “set it and forget its” too…somewhere…in the garage. π Maybe we’ll have to bust it out to try this amazing prime rib you’ve got me drooling over. Gorgeous! π
Jacqueline Debono says
Your rib roast looks perfect. I don’t have a rotisserie so would have to make it in the oven. But love the garlic rosemary butter idea. Do you serve that separately like a gravy or baste the meat with it?
Natalie says
Looks so delicious and would make a great healthy dinner!
Holly Flaxbeard says
Oh this screams holiday food! I can see my extended family gathering around the table ready to enjoy this meal. Easter, Christmas, New Years, the possibilities are many!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Oh this looks absolutely delicious and so full of flavour! Love a rib roast!
Lauren says
I don’t particularly care for ham, so always do pork for Easter. Might have to throw this roast on the menu next year! Or maybe Father’s Day!!
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
This looks so good and I love garlic! Happy National Garlic Month!
Christie says
You can never go wrong with a good rib roast!! Looks and sounds delicious.
Jan Thomas says
My family would love this! Looks so tender and juicy!
Wendy Klik says
My son loves prime rib too. I try to make it each time he comes home on leave.
Carlee says
Mmmmmmmm! We love a good rib roast. Now I want a rotisserie!