Stuffed prime rib is an excellent choice for enhancing a special occasion or holiday feast. People celebrate this delicious cut of beef for its rich flavor and tender texture, which becomes even more appealing when paired with savory stuffing.
In this article, we explain how to prepare a tasty stuffed prime rib, including a straightforward recipe and key cooking tips. Whether you are an experienced chef or new to the kitchen, our guide to selecting the ideal prime rib and achieving perfect cooking results will help ensure an unforgettable meal.
Picking the Right Roast
When it comes to picking the perfect prime rib roast for your stuffed prime rib, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, look for a cut that has a nice amount of marbling. Marbling is those little streaks of fat running through the meat, which will help keep it juicy and flavorful during cooking. A well-marbled roast is a must, but chunks of fat are a no-go. Avoid roasts with large sections of fat inside the meat that you can’t trim off.
Next, consider the type and size of the roast. A bone-in roast usually offers more flavor than a boneless prime rib roast and the bones can also help keep the meat moist as it cooks. Aim for about 1 pound of roast per person you’re feeding to make sure you have enough.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a butcher if you can’t find what you need. They can provide insight into what’s fresh and might even have some tips on how to prepare your stuffed prime rib like a pro.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Prime Rib
Follow these tips to make your stuffed prime rib a success:
- Use plenty of seasoning: Don’t be shy with your seasoning—prime rib has a rich flavor that benefits from a bold, savory blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Season both the outside and the cavity of the meat to fully infuse flavor into each bite.
- Use the right stuffing technique: For the best results, gently create a pocket in the prime rib and fill it with your chosen stuffing. Avoid cutting all the way through the meat; instead, carve a space that holds the stuffing in place as it cooks, allowing flavors to meld beautifully without falling apart.
- Be careful about overfilling your prime rib: Overstuffing can lead to uneven cooking and may cause the stuffing to spill out. Aim to fill the pocket about three-quarters full to leave room for the stuffing to expand slightly during cooking.
- Rest after cooking: Once your stuffed prime rib reaches the desired doneness, let it rest for at least 15–20 minutes. Resting helps redistribute the juices, resulting in a more tender, juicy roast and allowing the stuffing to settle into the meat.
- Storing leftover stuffed prime rib: Wrap leftovers tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container after they cool for about one hour, then refrigerate. Leftovers should be used within 3–4 days for the best flavor and texture.
- Reheating stuffed prime rib: For best results, reheat stuffed prime rib in the oven. Place it in a preheated 300°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through, to retain moisture and avoid drying out. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a bit of beef broth for added juiciness.
Stuffing Variations
Creative stuffing variations can elevate your stuffed prime rib and give you some different flavors to test out. Here are some enticing ideas for stuffing your prime rib:
- Garlic and herb butter: Minced garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and softened butter make a rich filling that infuses the meat with aromatic flavors.
- Mushroom and spinach: If you’re a lover of savory flavors, this stuffing is for you. Mix sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach to add an earthy depth to the prime rib.
- Blue cheese and walnuts: For a bold flavor profile, combine crumbled blue cheese with chopped walnuts. This stuffing adds a creamy texture and nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with prime rib.
- Bacon and onion jam: The sweetness of caramelized onions combined with crispy bacon contrasts one another well.
- Herbed breadcrumbs: This is a simple yet effective option. Mix seasoned breadcrumbs with parsley, oregano, and parmesan for a crunchy texture and straightforward flavors.
Stuffed Prime Rib Recipe
Once you feel ready to make stuffed prime rib on your own, try this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Stuffing
- 1 ½ cups cubed day-old bread
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
For the Roast
- 1 bone-in prime rib roast (about 4-5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
For the Stuffing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add the olive oil, mixing until the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the beaten egg to the mixture to help bind the stuffing together. The stuffing should be moist but not too wet; if needed, add more breadcrumbs or a splash of chicken broth.
- Set aside while you prepare the prime rib.
For the Roast
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Using a sharp knife, create a deep pocket in the center of the prime rib without cutting through the meat. This pocket will hold the stuffing.
- Generously season the entire roast with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the pocket with the stuffing mixture, pressing it firmly inside. Be careful not to overfill.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Spread the Dijon mustard along the prime rib. Then, rub the spice mixture on the outside of the prime rib.
- Place the stuffed prime rib on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
- Roast the prime rib for 20 minutes until a golden-brown crust begins to form. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare, which should take about 1 ½ to 2 hours, depending on the size of the roast.
- Once done, remove the prime rib from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.
Conclusion
Stuffed prime rib is an excellent centerpiece for a special meal, whether you want an upgraded version of a typical family dinner or are serving it as a highlight for a holiday spread. Bookmark this page for quick access to the stuffed prime rib recipe when you’re ready to make it.
For more cooking guides and recipes, visit Steak University.
Stuffed Prime Rib
Ingredients
For the Stuffing
- 1 ½ cups cubed day-old bread
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large egg beaten
For the Roast
- 1 bone-in prime rib roast about 4-5 lbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
For the Stuffing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add the olive oil, mixing until the ingredients are well combined.
- Add the beaten egg to the mixture to help bind the stuffing together. The stuffing should be moist but not too wet; if needed, add more breadcrumbs or a splash of chicken broth.
- Set aside while you prepare the prime rib.
For the Roast
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Using a sharp knife, create a deep pocket in the center of the prime rib without cutting through the meat. This pocket will hold the stuffing.
- Generously season the entire roast with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the pocket with the stuffing mixture, pressing it firmly inside. Be careful not to overfill.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Spread the Dijon mustard along the prime rib. Then, rub the spice mixture on the outside of the prime rib.
- Place the stuffed prime rib on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
- Roast the prime rib for 20 minutes until a golden-brown crust begins to form. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare, which should take about 1 ½ to 2 hours, depending on the size of the roast.
- Once done, remove the prime rib from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.