Poor Man’s Prime Rib
Easy Poor Man’s Prime Rib is a budget-friendly roast featuring juicy, tender chuck roast with a flavorful herb rub and a golden crust that mimics traditional prime rib. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners, it uses simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods to create an impressive, comforting meal.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Chuck roast (3-4 pounds)
- Garlic cloves (4-5, minced)
- Rosemary (fresh, 1 tablespoon)
- Thyme (fresh, 1 tablespoon)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Beef broth or water (1 cup)
- Prepare the Roast: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels to ensure a great crust. Combine minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create a flavorful rub. Rub this mixture all over the roast, pressing it in so every inch is coated.
- Sear the Meat: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until a rich, dark brown crust forms. This step locks in juices and builds deep flavor.
- Roast in the Oven: Place the seared roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour beef broth or water into the pan to keep the roast moist and catch drippings. Roast in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the roast from the oven and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices. Slice against the grain and serve.
Notes
- Let the chuck roast sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
- Rest the roast after cooking to keep the meat juicy.
- Searing the meat well creates the signature crust that mimics traditional prime rib.
- Save the pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Poor Man's Prime Rib, budget roast, chuck roast recipe, easy prime rib alternative, simple roast beef