Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This prime rib recipe with a zesty horseradish cream sauce is perfect for special occasions or a comforting weekend meal. The flavorful herb and spice rub combined with a creamy, tangy sauce makes every bite memorable and tender.

Ingredients
- 1 4-rib rib roast (8-9 pounds)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 1 red sweet pepper, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 1 cup sour cream or crema
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons cayenne
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (spicy variety) (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Ensure the rib roast is completely thawed and brought to room temperature. Pat it dry thoroughly with a towel.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine the garlic, jalapeno, red sweet pepper, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, olive oil, and all the rib rub spices (paprika, cayenne, granulated garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, brown sugar, sea salt, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, chili powder if using). Process until a smooth paste forms. Add more olive oil if the paste is too dry.
- Step 3: Slice quarter-inch slits into the roast at intervals to help the seasoning penetrate. Rub the entire surface of the meat, including inside the slits, with the seasoning paste.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven and bake the rib roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to sear the exterior.
- Step 5: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. Baste the roast every 30 minutes with the pan juices. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; remove the roast at 120°F (49°C) for rare.
- Step 6: Remove the roast from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest; the internal temperature will rise to 125-130°F (52-54°C), reaching medium-rare doneness.
- Step 7: While the roast rests, prepare the horseradish cream sauce by whisking together sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish.
- Step 8: Carve the rested rib roast and serve it alongside the horseradish cream sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the roast in the seasoning paste overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne and chili powder to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness and avoid overcooking.
- The horseradish sauce can be made a day ahead to let flavors meld.
Storage
Store leftover prime rib covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the horseradish cream sauce in a separate airtight container. Reheat the beef gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying out, and serve the sauce chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook a smaller or larger rib roast using this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust cooking times based on the weight of the roast. Estimate about 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F after the initial sear, but always rely on a meat thermometer for best results.
What if I don’t have a food processor for the seasoning paste?
You can finely mince the garlic, jalapeno, and sweet pepper by hand, then mix thoroughly with the herbs, spices, and olive oil until well combined. The paste won’t be as smooth but will still impart great flavor.
PrintPrime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce Recipe
This Prime Rib recipe features a flavorful seasoning paste made with garlic, jalapeno, sweet pepper, fresh herbs, and a robust spice rub. The rib roast is roasted first at high heat to develop a crust, then slow-cooked to a perfect rare to medium-rare finish, and served with a tangy horseradish cream sauce for an indulgent and impressive main course.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Prime Rib Roast
- 1 4-rib rib roast (8–9 pounds)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 1 red sweet pepper, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- ¾ cup olive oil
Rib Rub
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (spicy variety) (optional)
Horseradish Cream Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream or crema
- ¼ cup prepared horseradish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Dry: Ensure your rib roast is completely thawed and brought to room temperature. Pat the roast dry with a towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Paste: Add the garlic, jalapeno, red sweet pepper, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, olive oil, and all rib rub spices into a food processor. Process into a smooth paste, adding a little more olive oil if the mixture seems too dry.
- Rub: Make quarter-inch deep slits at intervals all over the roast. Rub the seasoning paste thoroughly over the entire surface of the meat, massaging it into the slits and crevices for maximum flavor infusion.
- Bake at High Heat: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the rib roast in the oven and roast for 15 minutes to develop a rich crust.
- Cook at Lower Heat: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Continue roasting the rib, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; remove when it reads 120°F (49°C) for rare.
- Rest: Remove the roast from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes. During resting, the roast’s internal temperature will rise to 125-130°F (52-54°C), reaching a perfect medium-rare doneness.
- Sauce: While the roast rests, whisk together sour cream or crema, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Transfer to a serving dish.
- Serve: Carve the rested prime rib into slices and serve hot with horseradish cream sauce alongside.
Notes
- Bringing the rib roast to room temperature before cooking ensures even roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature for desired doneness.
- Basting helps keep the roast moist and adds flavor from the pan juices.
- The resting period allows juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- The horseradish cream sauce can be adjusted for heat by varying the amount of horseradish.
- Optional chili powder in the rub adds a subtle spicy kick if desired.
Keywords: prime rib, rib roast, horseradish sauce, holiday roast, beef roast, herb rub, baked beef

