When the days turn cold, and you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and impressive, a rib roast is the answer. Inspired by the hearty, home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, this rib roast recipe is designed to deliver a tender, juicy, and flavorful centerpiece for any special occasion, or simply a satisfying family dinner. This recipe takes the classic rib eye roast and elevates it with a robust herb and spice rub, ensuring every slice is packed with deliciousness. Forget bland roasts – this is about creating a truly memorable culinary experience right in your own kitchen.
Why This Pioneer Woman Style Rib Roast Works
The beauty of this rib roast lies in its simplicity and reliance on quality ingredients. Just like the Pioneer Woman’s approach to cooking, we focus on enhancing the natural flavors of the beef with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. This recipe isn’t about complicated techniques; it’s about understanding the fundamentals of roasting and letting the ingredients shine.
Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
- Flavorful Herb and Spice Rub: A blend of tri-color peppercorns, kosher salt, rosemary, thyme, and garlic creates a crust that’s both savory and aromatic, penetrating the meat as it roasts.
- High-Heat Sear, Low-Heat Roast: Starting with a high-temperature sear in a skillet locks in the juices and develops a beautiful brown crust. The oven then takes over at a lower temperature to cook the roast evenly and to tender perfection.
- Resting is Key: Allowing the roast to rest after cooking is crucial. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Inspired by a Trusted Source: Taking cues from the Pioneer Woman’s renowned beef recipes ensures a reliable and delicious outcome. Her ranch-style cooking emphasizes flavor and simplicity, making this recipe approachable for home cooks of all levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Pioneer Woman Rib Roast
To create this mouthwatering rib roast, gather these simple yet impactful ingredients:
- Boneless Rib Eye Roast: Choose a roast that is well-marbled for maximum flavor and tenderness. A 3-4 pound roast will serve approximately 6-8 people.
- Olive Oil: For searing the roast and helping the rub adhere.
- Tri-Color Peppercorns: Offer a more complex pepper flavor than black peppercorns alone.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture for a better crust.
- Dried Rosemary & Thyme: Classic herbs that complement beef beautifully. Dried herbs work perfectly well and are convenient to keep on hand.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, roughly chopped, add a pungent and savory note.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting Your Rib Eye
Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly cooked rib roast, reminiscent of Pioneer Woman’s comforting style:
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Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the rib eye roast on all sides for about 3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This searing step is crucial for flavor development and locking in juices.
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Prepare the Herb & Spice Rub: Crush the tri-color peppercorns using a meat pounder or rolling pin. In a bowl, combine the crushed peppercorns with kosher salt, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and chopped garlic.
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Preheat Oven and Season the Roast: Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 500°F (260°C). Pat the herb and spice mixture all over the seared rib eye roast, ensuring an even coating.
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Roast at High Heat: Place the seasoned roast on a metal rack set inside a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 500°F (260°C). This initial high heat helps to create a beautiful crust.
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Reduce Heat and Continue Roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Continue roasting for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers your desired level of doneness.
- For medium-rare: 135°F – 140°F (57°C – 60°C)
- For medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and shape of your roast and your oven.
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Rest the Roast: Once cooked, remove the rib roast from the oven and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. This resting period is essential for juicy and tender meat.
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Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the rib roast against the grain and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Rib Roast, Pioneer Woman Style
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Investing in a reliable meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring your rib roast is cooked to your preferred level of doneness. An instant-read thermometer is ideal for accuracy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there’s enough space around the roast in the pan for even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the herb and spice rub to your liking. You can add other herbs like oregano or change the proportions.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): While dried herbs are convenient, fresh rosemary and thyme can also be used. Use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the herb rub a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. You can also sear the roast earlier in the day and keep it refrigerated until ready to roast.
Serving Suggestions for Your Rib Roast
This Pioneer Woman inspired rib roast is a versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Classic Sides: Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, green beans, glazed carrots.
- Salads: A fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the roast.
- Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
- Sauces: While this roast is flavorful on its own, you can serve it with a simple au jus or a creamy horseradish sauce.
Enjoy Your Homemade Rib Roast
This Pioneer Woman style rib roast recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its flavorful herb crust and tender, juicy interior, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or any time you want to enjoy a truly satisfying and comforting meal. Bring the warmth and deliciousness of ranch-style cooking to your table with this unforgettable rib roast.
Rib Eye Roast Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 752kcal
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb Boneless Rib Eye Roast
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Tri-Color Peppercorns
- 2 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 2 tsp Dried Thyme
- 4 cloves Garlic, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear rib eye roast on all sides for about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a metal rack in a roasting pan.
- Crush peppercorns and combine with kosher salt, rosemary, thyme, and garlic in a bowl.
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Pat peppercorn mixture all over the roast.
- Roast at 500°F (260°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 300°F (150°C) and roast for another 30-35 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 135°F – 140°F (57°C – 60°C) for medium rare and 145°F (63°C) for medium.
- Remove from oven, cover with foil, and rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Calories: 752kcal
- Mention @RotiNRice or tag #RotiNRice if you try this recipe!
