• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
BeeyondCereal
  • Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
    • Resources
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    BeeyondCereal » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Poor Mans Prime Rib

    Modified: Oct 17, 2023 Published: Feb 18, 2023 by Nicole Durham This post may contain affiliate links. 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.77 from 13 votes

    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.

    Recipe: $23.28 | Per Serving: $3.88 | Servings: 6

    sliced beef roast to look like prime rib.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • 🍯 Why This Recipe Works
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🧾 Substitutions
    • 🔪 Instructions for Poor Mans Prime Rib
    • 🍴 Recipe Tips
    • 🍳 Reheating
    • 🥗 Side Dishes
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Storage
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • ❤️ More Delicious Main Dish Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍯 Why This Recipe Works

    1. It's more budget-friendly. Spending $50-$60 for an actual prime rib can be a hard price tag to swallow, but $15-$20 is much easier for grocery shopping on a budget, and it's even better if you can find the meat marked down.
    2. It's easy to make. Preheat the oven, rub some seasonings, cook for a few minutes, and then turn off the oven. This recipe is so simple and easy that it's perfect for anyone who doesn't want to leave the oven on for hours.
    3. It's perfect for celebrations! Whether you're planning to Celebrate Easter On A Budget, make it a Christmas dinner tradition, or Valentine's dinner for two, this poor man's prime rib recipe is perfect for any occasion.

    🥘 Ingredients

    labeled ingredients needed to make poor mans beef roast.

    Ingredient Notes:

    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.

    For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.

    🧾 Substitutions

    Beef roast. Top loin roast is most similar to prime rib, but the Eye of round roast, when cooked properly, is a great substitute because there's a lot less fat and more meat. Other boneless beef roasts can be used instead. Rump roast, chuck roast, and round bottom roast have all been tested with this recipe.

    Italian seasoning. I like to use Italian seasonings instead of individual seasonings because it's a blend of thyme, sage, rosemary, oregano, and others. You can use individual seasonings like thyme, sage, and rosemary if desired.

    Paprika. You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika. This adds a little color and flavor that really pairs well with the meat and other seasonings.

    🔪 Instructions for Poor Mans Prime Rib

    Step 1: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.

    seasonings in a bowl.

    Step 2: Add your seasonings to a small bowl.

    mixed seasoning blend in a bowl.

    Step 3: Mix together to combine.

    seasoning sprinkled on top of beef roast.

    Step 4: Sprinkle the seasoning over the beef roast.

    seasoning covered 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.

    seasoning covered beef roast in a roasting pan.

    Step 6: Place the seasoned roast into a baking dish or roasting pan. Do not cover or add anything else to this pan.

    cooked beef roast in a roasting 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 temp should have reached 145 degrees F, but it could be lower than that when you check the temp at this point, thanks to the resting period. Expect it to look 10-20 degrees lower than expected. When you slice into the meat, you'll see that it is fully cooked and is 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.

    half of a sliced beef roast for poor mans roast on a juice covered cutting board.

    🍴 Recipe Tips

    1. Position Fat Layer. When prepping your roast, remember to position the fat layer up in the baking dish. This simple step keeps your meat moist and helps that fat crisp up just right during baking.
    2. Adjust Oven Temp. After putting the roast in the oven, remember to lower the temperature right away. This helps prevent the skin from overcooking and ensures the roast ends up just the way you want it, not too rare or overdone.
    3. Monitor Cooking Time. The 2.5 hour wait time is standard, but note that many different things can affect this, including the type of oven you have and the size/type of the roast.
    4. Use Meat Thermometer. For precise temperature monitoring, consider investing in an In-Oven Meat Thermometer, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
    5. Check After 2 Hours. Alternatively, check the roast's status after approximately 2 hours of resting in the oven. That should give you a good idea of where it's at.
    6. Aim for 145°F. When aiming for a desired level of doneness, such as rare or medium, a target temperature of 145°F ensures a delectably juicy outcome. 145F for rare and up to 160F for medium. Prime ribs are usually served "rare," so the goal is 145F.
    7. And here's a pro tip. Before hosting a dinner party or serving guests, I highly recommend trying the recipe at least once. This allows you to become familiar with the cooking process and ensures you're prepared for any surprises.
    8. For instance, I've found that 3-5 pound roasts can reach 145°F in the thickest part after just 45 minutes of resting in the oven. Keep in mind that while the standard waiting time is typically 2.5 hours, factors like oven type and roast size can influence cooking time.

    🍳 Reheating

    Reheat your thin slices of prime rib for about 1 minute on a plate in the microwave.

    🥗 Side Dishes

    This recipe goes well with so many different dishes! I'd suggest serving it with Cast Iron Green Beans, Instant Pot Asparagus, or Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Carrots.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Storage

    Slicing Strategy: Slice only half of your roast at a time, serving the sliced portion and saving the rest for later. This prevents the roast from drying out prematurely.

    Refrigeration: Store leftover roast in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    Is it better to cook prime rib slow or fast?

    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.

    Do you leave prime rib covered or uncovered?

    You should leave your roast uncovered when baking as it will help to get a nicer skin and will allow it to cook properly.

    What temp should prime rib be before cooking?

    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.

    What is a cheaper alternative to prime rib?

    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.

    Sliced "poor man's" prime rib roast on wooden cutting board with carving knife and fork.

    ❤️ More Delicious Main Dish Recipes

    • a bowl full of soup.
      Poor Man's Beef Stew (Stove Top)
    • two hot dogs on buns with toppings on a plate in front of an instant pot.
      Instant Pot Hot Dogs
    • two stacked chicken nugget wraps.
      Chicken Nugget Wraps
    • sliced meatloaf on a wooden cutting board.
      Meatloaf Without Eggs

    If you tried this Poor Mans Prime Rib, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would truly appreciate it!

    📖 Recipe

    up close view of sliced poor mans beef roast on a plate with more in the background on a wooden cutting board
    Print Recipe
    4.77 from 13 votes

    Poor Mans Prime Rib

    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.
    Prep Time 9 minutes mins
    Cook Time 21 minutes mins
    Rest 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 hours hrs
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 327kcal
    Cost Recipe $23.28 / Serving $3.88
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Roasting pan
    • Carving Knife
    • In-Oven Meat Thermometer

    Ingredients

    • 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)
    • 3 pound beef eye of round roast (room temp) *see notes ($22.38)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
    • Add your seasonings to a small bowl.
    • Mix together to combine.
    • Sprinkle the seasoning over the beef roast.
    • Rub the seasoning over the roast well to coat it completely in seasoning. You may have some seasoning blend left over.
    • Place the seasoned roast into a baking dish or roasting pan. Do not cover or add anything else to this pan.
    • Place the pan into the oven.
    • IMMEDIATELY TURN DOWN THE HEAT TO 475 DEGREES F.
    • Roast for 7min per pound. So a 3 pound roast is 21 minutes and a 4 pound roast is 29min, etc. If the roast gets "too dark" on the crust for your liking, you can loosley place a large piece of foil on top to prevent it from browning further.
    • TURN OFF THE OVEN. Let the roast sit in the hot oven for the next 2-2.5 hours UNDISTURBED. Do not open the door at all while waiting. Have Patience. At this point your roast will only be about 60-70degrees F in temp, the residual heat in the oven will cook it the rest of the way.
    • Remove the roast from the oven.
    • The internal temp should have reached 145 degrees F, but it could be lower than that when you check the temp at this point thanks to the resting period. This means that it came up to temp and then started dropping down again. You will know for sure once you slice into the roast and see how "done" it is.
    • Place roast onto a large cutting board, and have a towel handy, it will be juicy. Carve your roast into thin slices and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Top Loin Roast: Similar to prime rib, but Eye of Round Roast is a lean alternative.
    • Fat Layer Placement: Position fat layer up for juicier, crispier roast.
    • Oven Temperature: Immediately reduce temperature to avoid overcooking.
    • Cooking Time: 2.5 hours is standard, but can vary based on oven and roast size.
    • Meat Thermometer: Aim for 145°F for rare; consider In-Oven Meat Thermometer for precision.
    • Timing Check: After 2 hours, assess roast doneness.
    • Practice Recipe: Test run recommended to ensure timing and gauge readiness.
    • Reheating: Microwave thin slices for 1 minute on plate.
    • Storage: Slice half, store remaining in airtight container for up to 4-5 days in fridge

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1291mg | Potassium: 819mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 5mg
    Author Nicole Durham
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Tried this recipe?Mention @BeeyondCereal on Instagram and hashtag it #BeeyondCereal
    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used. To view how this recipe was calculated you can visit my Pricing Disclosure Page for more information.

    More Main Course Dishes for Dinner

    • sliced dill pickle egg salad sandwiches on a plate.
      Dill Pickle Egg Salad
    • a wooden spoon scooping into apple pie baked beans.
      Apple Pie Baked Beans
    • plates topped with strawberry blueberry pancakes, fresh berries, and whipped cream.
      Strawberry Blueberry Pancakes
    • two burger buns filled with cabbage tuna salad.
      Tuna Cabbage Salad

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rosa-Lauren Semien says

      April 07, 2025 at 7:54 pm

      How long should I leave it in the oven for Medium Well?

      Reply
      • Nicole Durham says

        April 07, 2025 at 7:56 pm

        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.

        Reply
    2. Dustin Derigo says

      March 30, 2025 at 1:55 pm

      5 stars
      Love the recipe and instructions...did not appreciate the ad with a dirty toilet in the middle of it! 🙁

      Reply
      • Nicole Durham says

        March 30, 2025 at 2:31 pm

        I'm so glad you loved the recipe and instructions! I completely understand how frustrating it can be when the ads aren’t ideal. Unfortunately, I don’t have control over the specific ads that show up, as they’re usually tailored based on browsing history and other factors (and they're automated by the ad network). Thanks for your understanding, and I hope it doesn’t take away too much from your enjoyment of the recipe!

        Reply
    4.77 from 13 votes (12 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Nicole from Beeyond Cereal

    Hey, I'm Nicole

    The proud owner and recipe developer behind BeeyondCereal. Here, I'm passionate about showing people how to navigate the kitchen with frugality in mind, whipping up family-friendly recipes that not only save money but also bring joy to every meal.

    Learn More→

    Summer Recipes

    • two loaves of snickerdoodle zucchini bread on a cutting board with two fresh zucchini.
      Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread
    • strawberry blueberry shortcake with fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream.
      Strawberry Blueberry Shortcake
    • a white bowl filled with orange fluff sald and topped with marshmallows and orange slices.
      Orange Creamsicle Fluff
    • angled view into a glass of ice cold lemonade with sliced lemons on a wooden cutting board and fresh lemons to the side.
      Single Serving Lemonade

    Trending NOW

    • a white bowl filled with cooked canned green beans.
      The Best Canned Green Bean Recipe
    • a bowl of creamy 5 ingredient mac and cheese.
      5 Ingredient Mac and Cheese
    • roasted chicken, carrots and potatoes in a baking dish with a sprig of rosemary on top.
      Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots
    • sliced banana bread on a wooden surface.
      Eggless Banana Bread
    • a sliced beef roast on a cutting board with carving utensils.
      Poor Mans Prime Rib
    • cinnamon rolls with icing on top in an 8x8 baking dish.
      Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls

    As Seen In

    as seen in various articles and websites.

    Footer

    ↑ Back to Top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Public Sharing Policy
    • Pricing Disclosure
    • Accessibility Statement

    Follow

    • Subscribe for FREE eBook
    • Follow on Facebook
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Follow on Pinterest

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Beeyond Cereal --Theme by Feast Design Co.

    promotional graphic for Poor Mans Prime Rib

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.