Rib roast, also known as prime rib, is a classic centerpiece for holiday dinners and special occasions. When it comes to mastering this impressive cut of beef, few names are as trusted as the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Her rib roast recipe is celebrated for its simplicity and incredible flavor, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels. This guide will walk you through creating a show-stopping rib roast inspired by the Pioneer Woman, ensuring a tender, juicy, and flavorful main course that will impress your family and guests.
Why the Pioneer Woman Rib Roast Recipe is a Must-Try
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, has built a culinary empire on approachable, family-friendly recipes that deliver big flavors without complicated techniques. Her rib roast recipe is no exception. What makes it so special?
- Simplicity: The ingredient list is short and sweet, focusing on quality beef and simple seasonings that enhance, rather than mask, the natural flavor of the rib eye.
- Flavor Depth: By using a combination of dried herbs and a generous crust of pepper and salt, the recipe creates a savory and aromatic roast that is deeply satisfying.
- Reliability: The Pioneer Woman’s recipes are known for being well-tested and reliable. This rib roast recipe provides clear instructions and cooking times, helping even novice cooks achieve perfect results.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A rib roast is inherently impressive, and the Pioneer Woman’s version is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special celebration.
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Rib Roast
To recreate this delectable rib roast, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Boneless Rib Eye Roast: Choose a 3-4 pound boneless rib eye roast for a family dinner. Adjust size accordingly for larger gatherings.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing and to help the seasoning adhere to the roast.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture for a better sear.
- Tri-Color Peppercorns: Provide a robust pepper flavor and visual appeal. Black peppercorns can be substituted if tri-color is unavailable.
- Dried Rosemary: Adds a classic savory, piney aroma that complements beef beautifully.
- Dried Thyme: Offers an earthy and slightly minty flavor, enhancing the herbal notes of the rosemary.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves, minced, infuse the roast with pungent, savory depth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Rib Roast Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create a rib roast that rivals the Pioneer Woman’s:
- Prepare the Roast: Pat the rib eye roast dry with paper towels. This helps create a beautiful sear.
- Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear all sides of the roast for about 3 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Searing locks in juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor. Transfer the seared roast to a metal rack set inside a roasting pan.
- Make the Herb and Pepper Rub: Crush the tri-color peppercorns using a meat pounder or rolling pin in a plastic bag. In a bowl, combine the crushed peppercorns with kosher salt, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and minced garlic.
- Season the Roast: Generously rub the peppercorn and herb mixture all over the seared rib eye roast, ensuring all surfaces are well coated.
- Roast at High Temperature: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place the roasting pan with the seasoned rib roast in the hot oven and roast for 20 minutes. This high initial heat helps to create a flavorful crust.
- 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 135°F – 140°F (57°C – 60°C) for medium-rare, or 145°F (63°C) for medium. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and shape of your roast, so a meat thermometer is crucial.
- Rest the Roast: Remove the rib roast from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Tips for a Perfect Pioneer Woman Rib Roast
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is indispensable for roasting meat to the desired level of doneness. An instant-read thermometer is ideal for checking the internal temperature accurately.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the rib roast before roasting is a crucial step for developing deep flavor and a beautiful brown crust.
- Resting is Key: Resist the temptation to slice into the roast immediately after it comes out of the oven. Resting is essential for a juicy and tender rib roast.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: While the recipe provides a guideline, feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and herbs to your personal preference.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): While the original recipe uses dried herbs effectively, you can certainly substitute fresh rosemary and thyme for an even more vibrant flavor if desired. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Serving Suggestions for Your Rib Roast Masterpiece
A delicious rib roast deserves equally delightful side dishes. Consider serving your Pioneer Woman inspired rib roast with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and onions roasted alongside the rib roast are classic and complementary.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A comforting and rich side that pairs perfectly with beef.
- Yorkshire Pudding: A traditional accompaniment to roast beef, Yorkshire pudding adds a light and airy element to the meal.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a welcome contrast to the richness of the roast.
- Au Jus or Red Wine Reduction: Serve with pan juices or a simple au jus for dipping, or create a flavorful red wine reduction to drizzle over the sliced roast.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Rib Roast Recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to create a memorable and delicious centerpiece for a special meal. With its straightforward approach and emphasis on flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Follow these steps, embrace the simplicity, and get ready to enjoy a rib roast that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, just like Ree Drummond would make. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to impress with your own Pioneer Woman inspired rib roast!
