Classic Prime Rib Dinner with Garlic Butter, Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Asparagus

Few meals feel as luxurious and comforting as a Prime Rib Dinner. Tender, juicy beef infused with garlic, butter, and herbs, served with silky mashed potatoes, crisp roasted asparagus, and a savory homemade au jus sauce — it’s an experience as much as a meal.

Perfect for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or any time you want to impress your guests (or treat yourself to something special), this meal is hearty, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make when you know the right techniques.

Let’s walk through how to make this restaurant-quality dinner right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Prime Rib:

1 large cut of prime rib roast (about 3–5 lbs for 4–6 servings)
1–2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Mashed Potatoes:

2 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (Yukon gold or russet work best)
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup heavy cream or warm milk (more if needed)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Asparagus:

6–8 asparagus spears
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Au Jus Sauce:

½ cup beef broth or pan drippings
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of garlic powder
Optional: splash of red wine for depth

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Prime Rib

Let the prime rib rest at room temperature for about 1 hour before cooking — this ensures even roasting.

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

In a small bowl, mix together the butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to create a fragrant garlic-herb butter rub.

Pat the roast dry with paper towels, then drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. Rub the garlic-herb butter mixture all over the roast, coating it evenly.

Pro Tip: A dry surface helps create that signature crust when searing, so don’t skip patting the meat dry!

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over high heat until very hot. Add a small drizzle of olive oil, then sear the prime rib on all sides for 2–3 minutes per side, until a rich brown crust forms.

This locks in the juices and adds incredible flavor.

Step 3: Roast the Prime Rib

Once seared, transfer the skillet (or place the meat in a roasting pan) into the preheated oven.

Roast at 450°F (230°C) for 10 minutes to develop that beautiful crust, then reduce the heat to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting for:

15 minutes per pound for medium-rare (internal temp ~130°F / 54°C)
20 minutes per pound for medium (internal temp ~140°F / 60°C)

Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfection — this is the secret to restaurant-quality results.

Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the roast rest for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

Step 4: Make the Au Jus Sauce

While the prime rib rests, make your simple but delicious au jus sauce.

In the same pan you used for roasting, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to loosen up any browned bits from the pan (these are packed with flavor).

Add a pinch of garlic powder and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until slightly reduced and flavorful.

Optional: For extra richness, stir in a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of butter at the end.

Step 5: Make the Mashed Potatoes

While your roast cooks, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender — about 15–20 minutes.

Drain well and mash with butter, heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whip until creamy and smooth.

Pro Tip: Warm your cream or milk before adding it — it blends better and keeps the potatoes fluffy instead of gluey.

Step 6: Roast the Asparagus

Toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet.

Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, until tender-crisp and lightly golden.

For extra flavor, drizzle with lemon juice or sprinkle with grated Parmesan just before serving.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Slice the prime rib against the grain into thick, juicy slices. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.

Drizzle the warm au jus sauce over the beef (and maybe even a little on the potatoes — you deserve it).

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for presentation and dig in!

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (depending on size)
Rest Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours
Servings: 4–6

Why You’ll Love This Prime Rib Dinner

Restaurant-quality flavor: Juicy beef, crisp crust, and that luscious au jus sauce.
Perfectly balanced sides: Buttery potatoes and fresh asparagus complete the plate.
Holiday-worthy presentation: Elegant, hearty, and crowd-pleasing.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep everything in stages to keep dinner stress-free.

Tips for Success

Always use a meat thermometer — guessing doneness is risky with prime rib!
Let the meat rest before slicing — this keeps it juicy.
Don’t skip searing — that crust makes all the difference.
Save leftover drippings — they make the best gravy or au jus.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a low oven (around 275°F / 135°C) to avoid drying out.
Mashed potatoes and asparagus can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or butter.

Final Thoughts

This Prime Rib Dinner is the definition of classic comfort and elegance — tender beef, rich sauce, creamy potatoes, and crisp vegetables, all coming together in one stunning meal.

Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy date night, it’s a dish that turns any dinner into an occasion. Pair it with a glass of red wine and watch everyone at the table fall silent after the first bite — that’s when you know you’ve nailed it.