When it comes to special dinners, there’s nothing quite like a Prime Rib Roast with Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This elegant yet hearty meal is sure to impress your guests, whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a family gathering. The prime rib roast is cooked to perfection with a crispy, golden crust, while the creamy garlic mashed potatoes complement it beautifully. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making this show-stopping meal, from preparation to serving.
Prime Rib Roast with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This recipe serves 6–8 people and can be prepared in approximately 25 minutes, with a cooking time of 2–2½ hours depending on the roast’s size and your preferred doneness. After roasting, make sure to let the meat rest for about 20–30 minutes to lock in all the juices and flavors.
What is Prime Rib Roast with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
Prime rib roast, also known as standing rib roast, is a flavorful, tender cut of beef that’s traditionally served during special occasions. It’s known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, this dish becomes an ultimate comfort food. The garlic mashed potatoes are made with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, mashed with garlic, butter, and heavy cream to create a silky-smooth texture.
Origin of the Recipe
The Prime Rib Roast has long been a favorite in many culinary traditions. It traces its roots back to the classic roasts enjoyed by families in Europe. The concept of pairing prime rib with mashed potatoes goes back to 18th-century British culinary practices, where roasted meats and potatoes were staples of the festive dinner table. Over time, this dish spread to the United States and became a hallmark of special gatherings, holidays, and family dinners.
Ingredients for Prime Rib Roast and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For the Prime Rib Roast:
- 1 (5–6 lb / 2.2–2.7 kg) bone-in prime rib (or boneless if preferred)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm heavy cream or milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions for Prime Rib Roast
1. Bring to Room Temperature
Before cooking, remove the prime rib roast from the fridge about 2 hours ahead of time. Letting the meat come to room temperature ensures even roasting.
2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature will help create the crispy outer crust on the roast.
3. Prepare the Herb Rub
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to form a paste.
4. Season the Roast
Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Rub the herb mixture all over the roast, making sure to cover the fat cap and sides. The seasoning helps lock in flavor and create a delicious crust.
5. Roast (High Heat First)
Place the roast bone-side down in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Roast at 450°F (230°C) for about 20 minutes to form a nice crust.
6. Lower the Temperature
After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting. Roast for about 15 minutes per pound of meat. The internal temperature should reach:
- 120°F (49°C) for rare
- 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare
- 140°F (60°C) for medium
7. Rest Before Slicing
Once the roast reaches your desired doneness, transfer it to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let the meat rest for 20–30 minutes. The temperature will rise an additional 5–10°F during this resting period.
Step-by-Step Directions for Garlic Mashed Potatoes
1. Boil Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Add the garlic cloves. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15–18 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes well.
2. Mash and Mix
Return the drained potatoes and garlic to the pot. Add butter and begin mashing until smooth. Slowly stir in the warm heavy cream or milk, adjusting the consistency as desired. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Finish
Once mashed, garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Add a pat of butter on top for extra creaminess if desired.
Variations
While this Prime Rib Roast and Garlic Mashed Potatoes combination is fantastic as is, you can make a few tweaks for different flavors and textures:
- Herb Variations: Try swapping rosemary and thyme for oregano or sage to create different flavor profiles.
- Mashed Potato Add-ins: Add cream cheese, sour cream, or parmesan cheese to your mashed potatoes for a richer taste.
- Spicy Rub: If you love a little heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the prime rib rub for a spicy kick.
- Gravy: Serve with a rich beef gravy made from the pan drippings for a comforting finish.
FAQs
1. How do I know when the prime rib is cooked to the right temperature?
A meat thermometer is your best friend when cooking prime rib. For rare, aim for 120°F (49°C), for medium-rare 130°F (54°C), and for medium 140°F (60°C).
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best to cook the prime rib roast fresh, you can prepare the garlic mashed potatoes in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them before serving.
3. Can I use a boneless prime rib?
Yes! Boneless prime rib works well for this recipe, but it may cook slightly faster than a bone-in roast.
4. What should I serve with prime rib?
Some great side dishes to pair with prime rib include roasted vegetables, green beans almondine, yorkshire pudding, and au jus made from the pan drippings.
Conclusion
A Prime Rib Roast with Garlic Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate dish to impress your guests and make any occasion memorable. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply treating your family to a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s the ideal way to make your dinner special.
Follow the simple instructions and chef’s tips to ensure your prime rib is perfectly cooked, and your mashed potatoes are irresistibly creamy. Enjoy this classic dish with loved ones, and savor the joy that comes from creating something extraordinary.
Print
Prime Rib Roast with Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe: A Show-Stopping Dinner Perfect for Any Special Occasion
- Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Prime rib roast, also known as standing rib roast, is a flavorful, tender cut of beef that’s traditionally served during special occasions. It’s known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, this dish becomes an ultimate comfort food. The garlic mashed potatoes are made with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, mashed with garlic, butter, and heavy cream to create a silky-smooth texture.
Ingredients
For the Prime Rib Roast:
1 (5–6 lb / 2.2–2.7 kg) bone-in prime rib (or boneless if preferred)
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
3 lbs (1.4 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic, peeled
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
¾ cup (180ml) warm heavy cream or milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring to Room Temperature
Before cooking, remove the prime rib roast from the fridge about 2 hours ahead of time. Letting the meat come to room temperature ensures even roasting.
2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature will help create the crispy outer crust on the roast.
3. Prepare the Herb Rub
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to form a paste.
4. Season the Roast
Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Rub the herb mixture all over the roast, making sure to cover the fat cap and sides. The seasoning helps lock in flavor and create a delicious crust.
5. Roast (High Heat First)
Place the roast bone-side down in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Roast at 450°F (230°C) for about 20 minutes to form a nice crust.
6. Lower the Temperature
After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting. Roast for about 15 minutes per pound of meat. The internal temperature should reach:
120°F (49°C) for rare
130°F (54°C) for medium-rare
140°F (60°C) for medium
7. Rest Before Slicing
Once the roast reaches your desired doneness, transfer it to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let the meat rest for 20–30 minutes. The temperature will rise an additional 5–10°F during this resting period.
Notes
This prime rib roast paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes makes a perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners or special occasions. Let the roast rest before slicing for maximum juiciness, and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation. Leftovers also make incredible sandwiches the next day!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with mashed potatoes
- Calories: 680
Keywords: Prime rib dinner, Garlic mashed potatoes recipe, Roast beef with mashed potatoes, Classic prime rib roast, Holiday prime rib
