Prime Rib for Two

By
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/9/21
Prime Rib for Two

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 90 mins
Total: 100 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
2284 Calories
161g Fat
66g Carbs
136g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 2284
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 161g 207%
Saturated Fat 63g 315%
Cholesterol 471mg 157%
Sodium 599mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 66g 24%
Dietary Fiber 10g 35%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 136g
Vitamin C 30mg 151%
Calcium 165mg 13%
Iron 17mg 97%
Potassium 3531mg 75%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

It's not always easy to find elegant recipes that aren't scaled for a dinner party, especially when it comes to beef, but this simple recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner for two, allowing you to serve your sweetie something really special and delicious without breaking the bank.

Prime rib of beef is so good because it is taken from the part of the cow that doesn't get much exercise. It's very tender and has a lot of fat, which gives it a mouth-watering flavor. And because this cut usually includes the bone, it has even more taste. You may need to order the prime rib beforehand from your butcher if you can't find the small size in the meat case at your supermarket. The beef should also be frozen before cooking, so plan ahead.

All you need to serve with this recipe are some steamed asparagus or green beans and a couple of glasses of red wine. Chocolate mousse would be perfect for dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1 (2 1/2-pound) prime rib of beef, frozen

  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Kosher salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves

  • 2 potatoes, scrubbed and pricked with a fork

  • 4 carrots, cut into chunks

  • Sour cream and chopped chives, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 F.

    Prime Rib for Two ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. Rub the frozen prime rib with the garlic cloves. Drizzle the olive oil over the meat and rub to coat. 

    steak rubbed with garlic and oil

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Rub the marjoram into the meat.

    steak rubbed with seasonings

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. Place the potatoes in a baking pan to create a bed for the meat to sit on.

    potatoes in a baking dish

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Place the rib on top of the potatoes.

    Place the rib on top of the potatoes

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Scatter the carrots around the meat and potatoes.

    Scatter the carrots around the meat and potatoes

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  7. Roast the frozen prime rib for 1 hour 15 minutes for rare or 1 hour 25 minutes for medium. The internal temperature should be 130 F for rare or 140 F for medium. 

    baked meat and vegetables, meat thermometer

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  8. Let the rib stand, covered with foil, for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute.

    meat and vegetables covered with aluminum foil

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  9. Slice into 1-inch pieces.

    prime rib sliced on a wood board

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  10. Serve with the potatoes and carrots, and sour cream and chives on the side if desired.

    Prime Rib for Two on a plate

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  11. Enjoy.

Why Start With Frozen Beef?

Beginning with a frozen piece of meat is a useful method when you plan on cooking the roast to medium-rare as the interior will stay nice and pink. You do need to double the time in the oven (which was done in this recipe), taking it from 15 minutes a pound to 30. However, if you have concerns over food safety or prefer a roast with very little color inside, start the recipe with a prime rib at room temperature. Make sure to cut the roasting time in half.

Tips

  • If you have purchased a larger piece of meat but still want to serve two people, slice the raw prime rib into sections and freeze the excess to cook later.
  • A boneless prime rib will cook faster than one that is bone-in so reduce the cooking time slightly and check the meat's temperature at intervals.