This poor mans prime rib is a delicious main course perfect for holidays and fancy feasts while keeping your budget in check. Plan a whole meal for half the price and still get tender cuts of delicious meat.
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This poor mans prime rib recipe is one of our favorite go-to recipes and has been for a while now. We don't usually eat beef roasts due to the cost (pork roasts are cheaper), but that doesn't stop me from stocking up during a good sale!
While I usually use beef roast to make Slow Cooker Beef Roast, this recipe is even simpler.
Prime rib is an expensive cut of meat usually served around the holidays. The price tag is usually around $20 or more per pound. Our version gives us several pounds of meat for less than $20 in total!
Serve it up with some Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans, Creamy Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes, and Homemade Dinner Rolls for a fantastic feast.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Buzz From Readers
"We have made this multiple times. Always perfect! I do just the recipe as written. Perfectly tender!"
- Terrilyn
💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's more budget-friendly. Real prime rib can cost $50-$60, but this version typically runs $15-$20, and even less if you score a markdown.
- It's incredibly easy. Just season the roast, start it in a hot oven, then turn the oven off and let it work its magic. No long roasting time or complicated steps required.
- It's perfect for celebrations. Whether you're planning to Celebrate Easter On A Budget, making an Affordable Christmas Dinner, or enjoying a cozy Valentine's meal for two, this Poor Man's Prime Rib fits any special occasion without the big price tag.
🛒 Ingredients
Beef roast- You will want to make sure that you use BONELESS beef roast. Specifically, eye of round roast works best, but note that I have made this recipe with rump roast, chuck roast, and round bottom roast, and all have turned out deliciously.
Seasonings- You will want to use a blend of salt and pepper as well as other seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a delicious flavor combination. Note you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper if desired.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Beef Roast: Top loin roast is closest to prime rib, but eye of round is the best budget-friendly substitute because it's lean and very meaty when cooked properly. Other boneless roasts like rump roast, chuck roast, or bottom round also work well with this recipe.
Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is convenient because it blends thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, and more. You can replace it with individual herbs if preferred.
Paprika: Use regular or smoked paprika. Both add color and flavor, with smoked paprika giving a deeper, richer taste.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use cheaper cuts of beef. Eye of round is already one of the most affordable roasts, but rump roast, bottom round, or chuck roast also work well with this slow-roast method and cost even less.
Buy small & stretch with sides. Choose a 2-3 lb roast and pair it with inexpensive in-season veggies (potatoes, carrots, onions, or frozen vegetables) to keep the meal filling without extra meat.
Shop sales & markdowns. Look for manager's specials, holiday meat sales, or buy-one-get-one deals. Roasts freeze well for later.
Repurpose leftovers. Thinly slice leftover roast for sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, or beef-and-veggie stir fry to maximize value.
🥄 Instructions for Poor Mans Prime Rib
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
Step 2: Add your seasonings to a small bowl.
Step 3: Mix together to combine.
Step 4: Sprinkle the seasoning over the beef roast.
Step 5: Rub the seasoning over the roast well to coat it completely in seasoning. You may have some seasoning blend left over.
Step 6: Place the seasoned roast into a baking dish or roasting pan. Do not cover or add anything else to this pan.
Step 7: Place the pan into the oven.
Step 8: IMMEDIATELY TURN DOWN THE HEAT TO 475 DEGREES F.
Step 9: Roast for 7 min per pound. So a 3 pound roast is 21 minutes and a 4 pound roast is 29min, etc.
Step 10: TURN OFF THE OVEN. Let the roast sit in the hot oven for the next 2.5 hours UNDISTURBED. Do not open the door at all while waiting. Have Patience.
Step 11: Remove the roast from the oven.
The internal temperature should reach about 145°F, but it may read 10-20 degrees lower after the long resting period. This is normal. When you slice the roast, you'll see that it's fully cooked and no longer raw.
Step 12: Place roast onto a large cutting board, and have a towel handy. It will be juicy.
Step 13: Carve your roast into thin slices and serve immediately.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Position Fat Layer. Place the roast with the fat layer facing up so it bastes the meat as it cooks and crisps nicely.
- Adjust Oven Temp. After placing the roast in the oven, immediately lower the heat. This prevents the exterior from overcooking while the inside cooks gently.
- Monitor Cooking Time. The 2-2.5 hour resting time is standard, but oven type, roast size, and cut can change the timing. Always use the resting period as a guide, not a strict rule.
- Use Meat Thermometer. An in-oven thermometer gives the most accurate readings and helps ensure consistent results.
- Check After 2 Hours. If you're unsure, check the roast after about 2 hours of resting to gauge progress.
- Aim for 145°F. Prime rib-style roasts are typically served rare. Aim for 145°F for rare, up to 160°F for medium.
- Test the Recipe First. If serving guests, make this recipe once beforehand so you're familiar with how your specific oven handles the method. Smaller roasts (3-5 lbs) can sometimes reach 145°F after only 45 minutes of resting, so knowing your oven's quirks helps prevent surprises.
❄️ Storage and Reheating
Storage: For the best texture, slice only half the roast at a time and keep the rest whole. This helps prevent it from drying out. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Reheating: Reheat thin slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 1 minute, just until warmed through.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
This Poor Mans Prime Rib recipe goes well with so many different dishes! I'd suggest serving it with Cast Iron Green Beans, Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes, or Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Carrots.
- Cast Iron Green BeansRecipe $2.34 / Serving $0.39
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and CarrotsRecipe $4.39 / Serving $0.73
- Dairy Free Mashed PotatoesRecipe $2.42 / Serving $0.61
- Easy Yeast Rolls for BeginnersRecipe $1.06 / Serving $0.12
❓ Poor Mans Prime Rib FAQs
Slow cooking your roast will allow it to cook more evenly. Once a nice skin or crust has been formed, turn down the heat and allow the roast to cook low and slow for the perfect results.
You should leave your roast uncovered when baking as it will help to get a nicer skin and will allow it to cook properly.
It's best to use prime rib that is at or is close to room temperature rather than chilled and straight from the fridge. This is because it will cook more evenly and reach temperature faster.
Beef eye of round roast or other cut of beef roast can become a more frugal option that allows good taste and juicy red meat without the high price tag.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
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- Instant Pot Hot DogsRecipe $1.48 / Serving $0.19
- Chicken Nugget WrapsRecipe $3.93 / Serving $0.98
- Meatloaf Without EggsRecipe $6.99 / Serving $1.16
🐝 If you tried this Poor Mans Prime Rib, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Poor Mans Prime Rib
Ingredients
- 3 pound beef eye of round roast, room temperature - ($22.38)
- 1 tablespoon salt - ($0.02)
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper - ($0.24)
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning - ($0.16)
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder - ($0.16)
- ½ tablespoon onion powder - ($0.16)
- ½ tablespoon paprika, regular or smoked - ($0.16)
Instructions
- Prep oven. Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- Mix seasoning. Combine the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl.
- Season roast. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the roast and rub well to coat all sides.
- Start roast. Place the roast in a baking dish or roasting pan with no lid and no added liquid. Put the pan in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 475°F.
- Roast. Roast for 7 minutes per pound. For example, a 3 pound roast cooks for about 21 minutes. Loosely tent with foil if the crust darkens too quickly.
- Residual cook. Turn off the oven and leave the roast inside, completely undisturbed, for 2 to 2 ½ hours. Do not open the oven door during this time.
- Finish. Remove the roast from the oven. Internal temperature should be about 145°F for medium. Transfer to a cutting board, slice thinly, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut of Beef. Eye of round is a lean alternative to prime rib or top loin and benefits from precise timing.
- Fat Placement. If present, position the fat side up for better moisture and browning.
- Oven Timing. Cooking time may vary by oven and roast size. After 2 hours, doneness can be checked if needed.
- Thermometer. Aim for about 145°F for medium doneness. An in oven thermometer improves accuracy.
- Practice Run. A test run is recommended to learn your oven's timing.
- Reheating. Microwave thin slices for about 1 minute on a plate.
- Storage. Store sliced roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Nutritional Information
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Patrick A Sweeney says
I will do this on Sunday and will let you know. I am 75 and really enjoy trying something new Thank you so much. I've been divorced for 50 years and do get along with her very well but I asked you because she made this a couple years ago and if I ask her she gets that ex-wife smile and everyone just loves to see me and her having fun. We have 3 children 11 grandchildren and 9 and 1/2 greatgrandchildren and really enjoy the get togethers.
Patrick A Sweeney says
i bought 1 roast weighing 2-3/4 and 1 at 1-1/2lbs. could i put them in same roaster and cook using 4 lbs. as weight or cook them separately
Nicole Durham says
Honestly there's a big gap in size there. You can treat the two roasts the same and cook them together in one oven, but do not treat them like a 4lb roast.
Roast at 475°F for ~19 minutes
Then turn oven off and leave 2–2.5 hours
✔️ Bigger roast = perfect
✔️ Smaller roast = a bit more done
If possible I'd have an in-oven meat thermometer in both roasts so that they can be watched for doneness.
Rosa-Lauren Semien says
How long should I leave it in the oven for Medium Well?
Nicole Durham says
Even just 5-10 extra minutes in the oven with the heat on can lead to well done or medium well results. I strongly recommend using an in-oven thermometer to alert you when it's reached temp.
Terrilyn Angely-Levin says
We have made this multiple times. Always perfect! I do just recipe as written. Perfectly tender!
Dustin Derigo says
Love the recipe and instructions...