Ina Garten’s Standing Rib Roast is a stunning centerpiece for any holiday meal or special occasion. This bone-in prime rib roast is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs, then roasted low and slow for a tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked beef with a flavorful crust. The reverse-sear method ensures even cooking, resulting in a mouthwatering standing rib roast that will impress your guests.
What Is Ina Garten’s Standing Rib Roast?
A standing rib roast is a bone-in prime rib that “stands” on its rib bones while roasting. This method enhances air circulation, leading to even cooking and superior flavor. Ina Garten’s approach involves a slow-roast technique, followed by a high-heat sear to create a golden-brown crust while keeping the interior perfectly pink and juicy.

Other Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Boneless Prime Rib Roast
- Ina Garten’s Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib
- Ina Garten Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Standing Rib Roast
- Tender and juicy meat – Slow roasting ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Rich, savory crust – The reverse-sear method locks in flavor.
- Elegant and impressive – Perfect for holidays and gatherings.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – Uses simple seasonings for the best taste.
- Pairs well with a variety of sides – Completes potatoes, vegetables, and sauces beautifully.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Standing Rib Roast
- 1 standing rib roast (bone-in prime rib, 4-7 ribs, about 8-12 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Standing Rib Roast
Step 1: Prepare the Rib Roast
- Remove the roast from the fridge at least 2 hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature for even cooking.
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels to help form a crispy crust.
Step 2: Season the Roast
- Make the herb rub – In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the roast – Rub the seasoning mixture all over the roast, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Slow Roast the Standing Rib Roast
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) for a slow, even cook.
- Place the roast in a roasting pan – Position it bone-side down on a rack inside the pan.
- Roast for 3 to 4 hours – Cook until the internal temperature reaches:
- 120°F (49°C) for rare
- 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare (recommended)
- 130°F (54°C) for medium
Step 4: Rest and Sear
- Rest the roast – Remove it from the oven and tent it with foil for 30-45 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Increase oven temperature to 500°F (260°C) – Just before serving, return the roast to the oven for 5-10 minutes to create a crispy, golden crust.
Step 5: Carve and Serve
- Slice the roast – Use a sharp knife to carve thick or thin slices against the grain.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy with horseradish sauce, au jus, or your favorite sides.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Standing Rib Roast?
- Creamy mashed potatoes – A perfect side to soak up the juices.
- Yorkshire pudding – A classic pairing for prime rib.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Adds a crunchy, caramelized contrast.
- Green beans almondine – A fresh and flavorful side.
- Horseradish sauce – Provides a spicy, tangy kick.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Standing Rib Roast
- Use a meat thermometer – Ensures perfect doneness.
- Let it rest – Helps retain juices for a tender roast.
- Reverse-sear for the best crust – Slow roasting followed by high heat creates a crispy exterior.
- Choose high-quality beef – Prime-grade or choice-grade beef yields the best results.
- Don’t over-season – Let the natural flavor of the beef shine.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Standing Rib Roast
- Garlic butter finish – Brush with garlic butter before searing for extra richness.
- Mustard and herb crust – Add Dijon mustard for tangy depth.
- Smoked prime rib – Cook on a smoker for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Cracked peppercorn crust – Adds a bold, peppery bite.
- Balsamic glaze – Drizzle with balsamic reduction for a hint of sweetness.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Standing Rib Roast
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for longer storage – Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Store au jus separately – Keeps the meat moist when reheating.
Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Standing Rib Roast
- Oven method – Reheat at 275°F for 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Sous vide method – Place slices in a sealed bag and warm in 130°F water for the best texture.
- Stovetop method – Sear slices in a pan with butter for a quick reheat.
FAQs
What is the difference between a standing rib roast and a prime rib?
A standing rib roast and prime rib come from the same cut of beef, but the key difference is in preparation. A standing rib roast is typically roasted bone-in, allowing it to “stand” on the bones, which enhances flavor and even cooking. Prime rib, on the other hand, can be bone-in or boneless and is often served with au jus.
How long should I let a standing rib roast rest before carving?
Let the roast rest for at least 30-45 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender roast when sliced.
What temperature should I cook a standing rib roast?
The ideal internal temperature depends on your preferred doneness:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) (Recommended for best flavor and texture)
- Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
- Well-done: 145°F+ (63°C+)
Should I cook a standing rib roast covered or uncovered?
A standing rib roast should be cooked uncovered to allow the exterior to develop a golden, crispy crust. Covering it traps steam, which can soften the crust and prevent proper browning.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Standing Rib Roast is an elegant, foolproof recipe that delivers tender, juicy meat with a rich, flavorful crust. Whether served for Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving, or a special celebration, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try this perfectly seasoned and roasted standing rib roast for a luxurious meal that everyone will love!
PrintIna Garten Standing Rib Roast
A standing rib roast is a bone-in prime rib that “stands” on its rib bones while roasting. This method enhances air circulation, leading to even cooking and superior flavor. Ina Garten’s approach involves a slow-roast technique, followed by a high-heat sear to create a golden-brown crust while keeping the interior perfectly pink and juicy.
- Prep Time: 15
- Resting time: 120
- Cook Time: 150
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 standing rib roast (bone-in prime rib, 4–7 ribs, about 8–12 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rib Roast
- Remove the roast from the fridge at least 2 hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature for even cooking.
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels to help form a crispy crust.
Step 2: Season the Roast
- Make the herb rub – In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the roast – Rub the seasoning mixture all over the roast, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Slow Roast the Standing Rib Roast
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) for a slow, even cook.
- Place the roast in a roasting pan – Position it bone-side down on a rack inside the pan.
- Roast for 3 to 4 hours – Cook until the internal temperature reaches:
- 120°F (49°C) for rare
- 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare (recommended)
- 130°F (54°C) for medium
Step 4: Rest and Sear
- Rest the roast – Remove it from the oven and tent it with foil for 30-45 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Increase oven temperature to 500°F (260°C) – Just before serving, return the roast to the oven for 5-10 minutes to create a crispy, golden crust.
Step 5: Carve and Serve
- Slice the roast – Use a sharp knife to carve thick or thin slices against the grain.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy with horseradish sauce, au jus, or your favorite sides.