Prime Rib Cooking Time Per Pound Chart (Updated)

Prime Rib Cooking Time Per Pound Chart (Updated)

Cooking a prime rib can seem daunting, but if you follow this chart, it will be a breeze. This guide tells you how long to cook your prime rib per pound, so it is perfectly cooked every time.

Whether you cook for a small get-together or a large holiday feast, this chart has you covered! No matter how you slice it, prime rib is always a show-stopper at your holiday table.

But before serving this delicious roast, you need to know how long to cook it per pound.

Here’s a guide to help you out.

What is the best temperature to cook Prime Rib?

Prime rib cooking time and temperature

Prime rib is a luxurious cut of beef that is perfect for special occasions. When cooked correctly, it should be juicy and full of flavor.

So, what is the best temperature to cook prime rib?

The answer depends on your personal preferences. If you like rare beef, cook it at a lower temperature for a shorter period. If you prefer your beef to be more well-done, cook it at a higher temperature for longer.

The best temperature to cook prime rib is 325 degrees F. This will result in a perfectly cooked roast pink in the center and juicy throughout.

If you prefer your meat to be more well-done, you can cook it at a higher temperature, but the roast will be less juicy.

The best way to ensure that your prime rib turns out perfectly is to use a meat thermometer.

How long does it take to cook prime rib?

How long does it take to cook prime rib

Prime rib is a classic holiday roast, and for a good reason. This cut of beef is packed with flavor, and when cooked properly, it can be melt-in-your-mouth tender. Let’s find out the cooking timings at different temperatures:

Prime rib at 300ºF:

While there are many ways to cook prime rib, one of the most foolproof methods is to cook it at a low temperature. This ensures that the meat stays juicy and succulent without risking overcooking. So how long does it take to cook prime rib at 300°F?

The answer depends on the size of the roast.

  • For a 3-bone roast, you should plan on cooking it for approximately 3 hours.
  • For a 4-bone roast, cook time will be closer to 4 hours.
  • And for a 5-bone roast, you should plan on cooking for 5 hours.

Of course, these are just guidelines. Use this as your guide, and you’ll be sure to have a juicy, perfectly cooked prime rib every time.

Prime rib at 325ºF:

If you’re cooking your prime rib at a higher temperature, like 325°F, you’ll need to decrease the cooking time.

  • For a 3-bone roast, you should cook it for approximately 2½ hours.
  • For a 4-bone roast, cook time will be closer to 3½ hours. 
  • And for a 5-bone roast, you should plan on cooking for approximately 4½ hours.

Again, these are just guidelines, and your cook time may vary slightly.

Prime rib at 400ºF:

When cooking prime rib, there are a few things to remember. First, the size of the roast will affect the cooking time.

  • A 3-bone roast will need to cook for approximately 1½ hours.
  • A 4-bone roast will be closer to 2 hours. 
  • For a 5-bone roast, you should plan on cooking for approximately 2½ hours.

The temperature you cook your prime rib at will also affects the cooking time. If you’re cooking at a higher temperature, like 450°F, you’ll need to decrease a lot of cooking time compared to cooking at 325 F.

Prime Rib Cooking Time Per Pound Chart

It is important to note that the cooking times provided in this Prime Rib Cooking Time Per Pound Chart are only meant to be guidelines. Actual cooking times may vary depending on several factors, such as the type of oven used, the size and weight of the roast, etc.

Temperature (ºF)Cooking Time (per Pound)
200ºF45 Minutes
250ºF40 Minutes
275ºF35 Minutes
300ºF30 Minutes
325ºF25 Minutes
350ºF20 Minutes
375ºF15 Minutes
400ºF13 Minutes
450ºF8 Minutes

Remember that the roast will continue to cook after it is removed from the oven, so it is important to consider this when determining how long to cook the roast

As you can see from the chart, cooking times can vary quite a bit depending on the temperature you cook your roast at.

Bone-in Prime Rib Cooking Time Per Pound Chart

The cooking timings of bone-in prime rib are a bit different. Check out below:

Temperature (ºF)Cooking Time (per Pound)
200ºF50 Minutes
250ºF45 Minutes
275ºF40 Minutes
300ºF35 Minutes
325ºF30 Minutes
350ºF25 Minutes
375ºF20 Minutes
400ºF15 Minutes
450ºF8 Minutes

One Tip: if you are using an oven bag for cooking your prime rib, be sure to follow the instructions on the oven bag regarding cooking time and temperature.

Things to keep in mind while cooking prime rib

Seasoned prime rib

When it comes to prime rib, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to cook it perfectly.

  • First, you need to choose the right cut of meat.
  • Second, you must decide what temperature you want to cook your roast.
  • And finally, you need to choose the right cooking time.

When choosing the right cut of meat, you have a few options. You can choose a boneless roast, or you can choose a bone-in roast. Both types of the roast will taste delicious, but you should keep a few things in mind when deciding.

Internal temperature of cooked prime rib in the oven

To ensure that the meat is cooked evenly, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. The internal temperature should be between 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare prime rib. 

If you prefer your meat to be more well-done, cook it until the internal temperature reaches 145-155 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, remove the meat from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This will help to lock in the juices and ensure a delicious meal.

Keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook after it is removed from the oven, so it is better to err on the side of caution.

How do I know when the prime rib is done?

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also test for doneness by pressing on the roast with your finger.

One way to tell if a prime rib is done is to use the “touch test.” To do this, press gently on the top of the roast with your fingers. If the meat feels soft and yielding, it is probably rare.

If it feels firm but springy, it is probably medium-rare. If it feels very firm, it is probably well-done. However, remember that there is no substitute for a meat thermometer to ensure that your prime rib is perfectly cooked.

Tips and tricks for a better prime rib

Meat thermometer

1) One way to ensure that your prime rib is extra juicy and flavorful is to rub it with a mixture of herbs and spices before cooking.

2) Another way to flavor your prime rib is to cook it on a bed of aromatic vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery.

3) If you want a nice crust on your prime rib, you can coat it with olive oil and bread crumbs before cooking.

4) The general rule of thumb is that the higher the cooking temperature, the shorter the cooking time.

Final Words

Now that you know how to cook prime rib, it’s time to start! With a little planning and attention to detail, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and juicy prime rib that your family and friends will love.

Just remember to choose the right cut of meat, cook it at the right temperature, and don’t forget to let it rest before carving. With these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your guests and enjoy a delicious prime rib dinner.

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Candy Seideman has been cooking for most of her life. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family.