Texas Grass Fed Prime Rib - Perfect Thanksgiving Roast

When Thanksgiving gatherings call for something beyond the traditional turkey, a grass-fed beef rib roast delivers an unforgettable gourmet centerpiece that honors both heritage and health. This majestic roast transforms your holiday table into a celebration of God's provision through regenerative ranching practices that build soil, nourish livestock, and create nutrient-rich meat for your family.

Texas ranches raising cattle on native pasture produce beef that's supposed to taste clean, flavorful, and delicious – the way quality meat was meant to be before industrial grain finishing. When you order online from local farms practicing grass-fed and grass-finished methods, you're choosing premium meats raised without the use of antibiotics, hormones, or steroids. Many ranches now offer convenient shipping, making it easier than ever to access pasture raised meats from regeneratively managed farms.

What is Prime Rib?

Prime rib is the crown jewel of beef roasts, cut from the rib primal section between ribs six through twelve. Also called a standing rib roast, this impressive gourmet cut features exceptional marbling, rich beefy flavor, and remarkable tenderness when prepared properly. The "standing" name comes from traditional roasting with the bones facing down, elevating the meat above the pan for even cooking and maximum flavor.

A bone-in prime rib roast from grass-fed cattle differs significantly from conventional grain-finished beef. Cattle raised on Texas pasture develop deeper, more complex flavors reflecting the diverse grasses and forbs they graze throughout the year. The meat features a cleaner taste with superior omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and essential nutrients from sun-exposure and natural grazing patterns that grain-fed beef simply cannot match.

Grassfed beef from regeneratively managed ranches builds soil health while producing some of the highest quality, most delicious meat available. These cattle live humanely on open pasture, harvested at their natural pace without antibiotics or growth hormones common in conventional beef programs. The result is tender, juicy beef that represents what Angus beef and other premium breeds were meant to taste like when raised properly.

How to Cook Prime Rib - The Fundamentals

Cooking a prime rib roast successfully requires understanding three critical elements: temperature control, timing, and rest periods. The reverse-sear method produces consistently excellent results by cooking low and slow initially, then finishing with high heat for a perfect crust on the beef. This rib roast recipe works beautifully whether you're preparing grass-finished beef from a local farm or premium meat ordered online with shipping directly to your door.

Selecting Your Bone-In Rib Roast

When choosing your roast from a ranch, butcher, or farm, consider these factors:

• Size: Plan 1 to 1.5 pounds per person for bone-in roasts

• Bone-in vs. boneless: Bones add flavor and create natural roasting rack

• Marbling: Look for even fat distribution throughout the meat

• Color: Deep red indicates proper aging and grass-fed quality

• Fat cap: A good external fat layer bastes the roast during cooking

For Thanksgiving gatherings of 6-8 people, a three or four-rib roast provides generous portions with leftovers for sandwiches, tacos, and other delicious meals. When ordering beef online with shipping, reserve your roast early as premium grass fed meats from quality beef programs sell out quickly during holiday season.

How to Cook Prime Rib in Oven - Step by Step

Ingredients for Grass-Fed Beef Rib Roast

For the Roast:

• 1 bone-in grass-fed rib roast (6-8 pounds, 3-4 ribs)

• 3 tablespoons coarse sea salt

• 2 tablespoons fresh cracked black pepper

• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

• 2 tablespoons grass fed beef tallow (or grass fed butter), softened

For Au Jus:

• Reserved pan drippings from the roast

• 2 cups grass fed beef bone broth

• 1 cup dry red wine

• 2 bay leaves

• Fresh thyme sprigs

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan with rack

• Meat thermometer (instant-read recommended)

• Sharp carving knife from your butcher or quality kitchen supplier

• Kitchen twine (if needed)

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Instructions for Perfect Prime Rib Roast Recipe

1. Bring to Room Temperature (2-3 hours before cooking)

Remove your grass-fed rib roast from refrigeration 2-3 hours before cooking. This crucial step ensures even cooking throughout the beef roast. Pat completely dry with paper towels – moisture prevents proper crust formation on the meat.

2. Season Generously

In a small bowl, combine sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Mix the softened grass fed beef tallow into the herb mixture to create a paste. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the roast, ensuring complete coverage on all sides of the beef. The fat helps herbs adhere while adding rich flavor to the meat.

3. Preheat and Position

Preheat your oven to 250°F. Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Place the rib roast bone-side down on a roasting rack inside your pan. The bones create a natural roasting rack, elevating the meat for even heat circulation around the beef.

4. Slow Roast to Temperature

How long to cook prime rib roast depends on desired doneness and size. For a 7-pound grass-fed beef roast:

• Rare (120°F): 2.5-3 hours

• Medium-rare (125°F): 3-3.5 hours

• Medium (135°F): 3.5-4 hours

Insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the beef roast, avoiding bone contact. Grass finished beef often cooks 15-20% faster than grain-fed meat due to leaner composition, so begin checking temperature at the 2.5-hour mark for optimal tenderness.

5. Rest the Roast

When your beef roast reaches 5 degrees below target temperature, remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. This critical rest period allows:

• Juices to redistribute throughout the meat

• Temperature to rise another 5-10 degrees (carryover cooking)

• Easier, cleaner carving

• More tender, delicious results

Rest for 20-30 minutes minimum. Larger roasts benefit from up to 45 minutes rest time before serving.

6. Finish with High Heat Sear

Increase oven temperature to 500°F. Remove foil from rested beef and return to oven for 8-10 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning. This reverse-sear technique creates restaurant-quality results with a crispy exterior and perfectly pink, juicy interior on your rib roast.

How to Make Prime Rib Au Jus

While your roast rests, create a simple, flavorful au jus that showcases the natural beef flavor:

1. Pour pan drippings into a fat separator or measuring cup

2. Skim excess fat, reserving 2 tablespoons

3. Place roasting pan over two burners on medium-high heat

4. Add reserved fat back to pan

5. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits with wooden spoon

6. Reduce wine by half (about 3-4 minutes)

7. Add grass fed beef bone broth, bay leaves, and thyme

8. Simmer 10-15 minutes to concentrate flavors from the meat

9. Strain through fine mesh sieve

10. Season with sea salt and black pepper

This natural au jus requires no thickeners or artificial ingredients – just pure beef flavor enhanced by wine and herbs from your grass-fed rib roast.

How to Carve Prime Rib

How to carve a rib roast properly ensures beautiful presentation and maximum tenderness:

1. Place roast bone-side up on cutting board

2. Run your knife along the bones to separate them from the meat

3. Set bones aside (save for beef bone broth!)

4. Turn roast cut-side down

5. Slice across the grain into ½ to ¾-inch thick slices

6. Serve immediately with au jus alongside

For bone-in presentation, you can also slice between each rib bone, creating impressive individual portions of grass-fed beef for your guests.

How to Cook a Small Prime Rib Roast

How to cook a small rib roast (2-3 ribs, serving 4-6) follows the same method with adjusted timing:

• Use 225°F for initial roasting

• Check beef temperature starting at 1.5 hours

• Reduce high-heat sear to 6-7 minutes

• Smaller roasts cook faster and require more attention to prevent overcooking the meat. Consider this option for intimate Thanksgiving gatherings or smaller families seeking premium grass-fed beef without excess leftovers.

How Much Prime Rib Per Person

Planning your rib roast size depends on bone-in versus boneless cuts:

Bone-in prime rib roast: 1 to 1.5 pounds per person

• Accounts for bone weight

• Provides generous portions of meat

• Allows for delicious leftovers

Boneless rib roast: ¾ to 1 pound per person

• No bone weight to consider

• Easier carving of the beef

• Less dramatic presentation

For Thanksgiving celebrations, err on the generous side when ordering grass fed meats. Leftover beef creates incredible sandwiches alongside bacon for breakfast, hash, and stroganoff throughout the holiday weekend – truly some of the best tasting meals you'll enjoy.

What Sauce Goes with Prime Rib

While au jus provides classic accompaniment for beef roast, consider these complementary sauces using natural ingredients from your local farm:

Horseradish Cream:

• 1 cup grass fed sour cream

• 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish

• 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Sea salt and black pepper

Herb Butter:

• ½ cup grass fed butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, pressed

• Zest of 1 lemon

Rosemary Red Wine Reduction:

• 2 cups dry red wine

• ½ cup grass fed beef bone broth

• 3 fresh rosemary sprigs

• 2 tablespoons raw honey

• 2 tablespoons grass fed butter

Each sauce complements the natural flavor of grass-finished beef without overwhelming the quality meat.

How to Smoke Prime Rib

For outdoor cooking enthusiasts, smoking a rib roast creates incredible flavor that honors Texas BBQ traditions:

1. Season beef roast and bring to room temperature as above

2. Prepare smoker to maintain 225-250°F

3. Use oak, hickory, or mesquite wood for authentic Texas flavor

4. Place rib roast bone-side down on grate

5. Smoke until internal meat temperature reaches 120°F (rare) or 125°F (medium-rare)

6. Remove and rest 20 minutes

7. Finish with high-heat sear over hot coals or in 500°F oven

How long to smoke a rib roast typically takes 3-4 hours for a 7-pound grass-fed beef roast. The slower cooking at lower temperatures produces incredibly tender, smoky results that showcase premium pasture-raised meat.

How to Grill Prime Rib

Grilling a rib roast creates delicious charred flavor perfect for outdoor gatherings:

1. Set up two-zone fire with hot and cool sides

2. Season beef as directed above

3. Sear roast on hot side, 4-5 minutes per side

4. Move to cool side, close lid

5. Cook to desired internal temperature

6. Rest 20-30 minutes before carving the meat

This method works beautifully with grass-fed beef from local farms, creating tender, juicy results with natural smoke flavor.

How to Reheat Prime Rib

Leftover beef roast deserves gentle reheating to maintain quality and tenderness:

Oven Method (Best):

1. Preheat oven to 250°F

2. Place sliced beef in baking dish

3. Add ¼ cup au jus or bone broth

4. Cover tightly with foil

5. Heat 15-20 minutes until warmed through

Sous Vide Method (Ideal):

1. Vacuum seal sliced meat with au jus

2. Heat water bath to 130°F

3. Submerge for 45 minutes

4. Briefly sear in hot cast iron if desired

Avoid microwave reheating, which toughens grass-fed beef and creates uneven heating that compromises the meat quality.

Why Choose Texas Grass Fed Prime Rib for Thanksgiving

Selecting a grass-fed rib roast for your Thanksgiving celebration aligns with biblical stewardship principles while supporting regenerative agriculture. Cattle raised on diverse Texas pasture:

• Build soil organic matter through managed grazing on native grass

• Sequester atmospheric carbon in healthy grasslands

• Support native wildlife and pollinators across the pasture

• Create nutrient-rich meat without antibiotics or growth hormones

• Strengthen local farming communities and food security

When you choose regeneratively raised beef from a ranch or local farm, you're voting for land healing, animal welfare, and human health with every purchase. Your Thanksgiving roast becomes more than a meal – it represents faithful stewardship of God's creation through supporting sustainable beef programs.

Non-GMO feed isn't even necessary when cattle graze exclusively on pasture, as grass-fed and finished beef relies solely on forage rather than grain. These cattle live as the cow was designed – roaming pasture, grazing grass, and building soil health naturally.

Traditional Thanksgiving Sides for Prime Rib

Complement your grass-fed rib roast with these classic accompaniments featuring premium ingredients:

Vegetables:

• Roasted root vegetables with herbs and grass fed butter

• Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic vinegar

• Creamed spinach with raw cream

• Roasted asparagus with lemon

Starches:

• Garlic mashed potatoes with grass fed butter

• Yorkshire pudding made with grass fed tallow

• Wild rice pilaf with mushrooms

• Sourdough bread rolls with cultured butter

Salads:

• Mixed greens with pecans and raw honey vinaigrette

• Arugula salad with shaved parmesan

• Caesar salad with homemade dressing

Each side showcases premium ingredients that honor the quality of your grass-finished beef centerpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I let prime rib warm before cooking?

Yes, always bring your rib roast to room temperature 2-3 hours before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the beef and prevents a cold center with overcooked exterior on the meat.

Is prime rib the same as rib roast?

Essentially yes. "Prime rib" technically refers to USDA Prime grade beef, but the term is commonly used for any standing rib roast regardless of grade. "Rib roast" is the more accurate general term for this cut of meat.

How do you make au jus for prime rib?

Use pan drippings, red wine, and grass fed beef bone broth. Deglaze the roasting pan with wine, scraping up browned bits from the beef, then add broth and simmer to concentrate flavors. Strain and season to taste.

How to marinate prime rib?

A rib roast typically doesn't need marinating due to its natural tenderness and marbling, especially with grass-fed beef. A dry rub applied several hours before cooking or overnight allows seasonings to penetrate while maintaining the beef's natural flavor.

Can dogs have prime rib bones?

Cooked bones pose serious hazards for dogs, including splintering that can cause intestinal blockages or perforations. Never give cooked rib bones to dogs. Save them for making nutrient-rich bone broth from your grass-fed beef instead.

How to age prime rib in the refrigerator?

Dry-aging beef at home requires specific conditions: 34-38°F temperature, 80-85% humidity, and good air circulation. Place unwrapped rib roast on a wire rack over a pan in the back of your refrigerator for 7-21 days, trimming any dried exterior before cooking the meat.

Where to buy prime rib near me?

Source grass-fed rib roast from local regenerative ranches, farmers markets, or direct-to-consumer farms. Texas Grass-fed Farms will soon offer grass-fed and finished beef raised locally on Texas pasture – sign up at texasgrassfedfarms.com to be notified when we launch. Many farms now offer beef online with shipping directly to your door. Call ahead to reserve your roast for Thanksgiving, as availability of premium grass fed meats may be limited during the holiday season.

What are beef cuts from the rib section?

The rib primal yields several premium beef cuts including ribeye steak, cowboy steak, tomahawk steak, and of course the standing rib roast. All showcase the superior marbling and flavor that make rib cuts so delicious and tender.

Can I buy grass fed beef online?

Yes, many ranches and farms now offer grass-fed beef online with shipping across Texas and beyond. This makes it convenient to access premium, pasture-raised meats from regenerative farms even if you don't live near a local farm. Order early for holiday roasts as inventory sells out quickly.

Sourcing Quality Grass Fed Beef Cuts

When selecting your rib roast, seek out farms and ranches committed to regenerative practices. Quality grass-fed and grass-finished beef comes from cattle that:

• Graze diverse pasture year-round (supplemented with hay during winter)

• Never receive grain, even for finishing

• Live humanely without confinement

• Grow at natural pace without antibiotics or hormones

• Build soil health through managed rotational grazing

Texas Grass Fed Farms is preparing to launch with premium pasture-raised meat from our ranch, connecting families with beef raised regeneratively on Texas pasture. Whether you're looking for a holiday rib roast, everyday ground beef, steak cuts, or even sausages and bacon, we're committed to providing the highest quality, most nutrient-rich meat available while building healthy soil for future generations. Sign up at texasgrassfedfarms.com to be notified when we begin offering beef online with convenient shipping across Texas.

Honoring God's Provision Through Prime Rib

Gathering around a beautifully prepared grass-fed rib roast this Thanksgiving reminds us of God's abundant provision and our call to faithful stewardship. The cattle grazing on restored Texas pasture, the soil building organic matter beneath their hooves, and the families nourished by nutrient-dense beef all reflect the interconnected blessings of creation care.

When you cook a prime rib roast using these methods, you're not just preparing a meal – you're participating in a food system that honors creation, supports family farms and ranches, and builds health for generations to come. May your Thanksgiving table overflow with gratitude for these gifts and renewed commitment to stewardship that reflects God's heart for His creation.

The premium quality of grass-finished beef, the tender texture of properly prepared meat, and the delicious flavor of pasture-raised cattle all testify to the wisdom of working with creation rather than against it. Supporting local farms practicing regenerative agriculture means investing in healthy soil, clean water, thriving ecosystems, and nutritious food – exactly what beef is supposed to provide when raised with care and stewardship.

Want to be notified when Texas Grass-fed Farms launches? We're building something special – premium grass-fed and finished beef, pasture-raised poultry, pastured pork, and other farm products raised regeneratively on Texas pasture. Sign up at texasgrassfedfarms.com to join our waiting list and be the first to know when we begin accepting orders. As a launch subscriber, you'll receive exclusive updates about our beef program, ranch practices, seasonal availability of premium beef cuts like bone-in prime rib roasts, and special introductory offers.

Have questions about cooking grass-fed beef or regenerative ranching? Reach out to our team – we're passionate about helping Texas families discover nutrient-rich, ethically raised meat while building healthy soil for future generations. Whether you're interested in learning more about our upcoming beef program, want to know which beef cuts we'll offer, or have questions about grass fed meats including steak, ground beef, roasts, and even bacon, we're here to connect you with quality meat raised regeneratively on Texas pasture.