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Tasty Christmas Prime Rib with Rich Beef Jus

This Tasty Christmas Prime Rib with Rich Beef Jus is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday feast. With a beautifully seasoned crust, tender juicy interior, and a deeply flavorful homemade beef jus, this recipe delivers pure luxury with every bite. Using a combination of prime rib, roasted vegetables, aromatic herbs, and oxtails simmered in broth and dark grape juice (a halal-friendly wine substitute), the resulting sauce is rich, velvety, and bursting with festive warmth. The prepared horseradish cream adds a cool, tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the warm, savory beef. Whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner, New Year celebration, or a special winter gathering, this show-stopping roast guarantees a memorable and delicious holiday meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Prime Rib
  • 6 lb prime rib or beef rib roast
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp diamond kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp coarse black pepper
  • 1 tsp beef base
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 onion large, quartered
  • 2 large carrots chopped
  • 3 celery ribs chopped
  • 1 bay leaf large
Beef Jus
  • 3 lbs oxtails
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef stock
  • ½ cup dark grape juice halal replacement for red wine
Horseradish Cream
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 5 tbsp prepared horseradish
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce halal
  • Salt and pepper

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Large roasting pan
  • Heavy pot or Dutch oven
  • Fine strainer
  • Baking sheet
  • Tongs
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Aluminum foil
  • Meat thermometer
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step 1: Pat the prime rib dry and place it on a roasting pan.
    Step 2: Rub the roast with olive oil, kosher salt, coarse black pepper, garlic, and beef base.
      Step 3: Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaf around the roast.
        Step 4: Roast at 450°F (230°C) for 20 minutes to develop a crust.
          Step 5: Reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for 1½–2 hours or until internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness:
          1. Medium-rare: 130–135°F
          2. Medium: 140–145°F
          Step 6: Transfer the roast to a board, tent with foil, and rest for 20 minutes.
            Step 7: To make the jus, brown the oxtails in a heavy pot for deep flavor.
              Step 8: Add tomato paste and cook briefly until darkened.
                Step 9: Pour in beef stock and dark grape juice, scraping the pot to release browned bits.
                  Step 10: Add roasted vegetables from the pan to the pot for extra flavor.
                    Step 11: Simmer for 1.5–2 hours until the liquid reduces and becomes rich.
                      Step 12: Strain and discard solids, then adjust seasoning.
                        Step 13: Mix sour cream, horseradish, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper to make the horseradish cream.
                          Step 14: Slice the rested prime rib and serve with warm beef jus and horseradish cream.

                            Notes

                            🧊 Storage & Reheating
                            Refrigerator
                            3–4 days in airtight containers.
                            Freezer
                            Slices freeze well for up to 2 months.
                            Reheating
                            Oven: 275°F for 10–12 minutes
                            Skillet: Low heat with a splash of jus
                            Microwave: 45 seconds on low
                            🥄 Variations
                            ⭐ Simple Herb Prime Rib
                            Use only salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary.
                            ⭐ Garlic Butter Crust
                            Add 3 tbsp softened butter to the rub.
                            ⭐ Spicy Holiday Rib Roast
                            Add chili flakes or smoked paprika.
                            ⭐ Citrus Herb Prime Rib
                            Add orange or lemon zest to the seasoning.
                            ⭐ Boneless Version
                            Cooks slightly faster—reduce 10–15 minutes.
                            ⭐ Slow Roasted Prime Rib
                            Roast at 250°F for 4–5 hours until 125°F internal, then sear.
                            ❓ 10 FAQs
                            1. Can I make this halal?
                            Yes — using dark grape juice instead of wine keeps it 100% halal.
                            2. Should I remove the bone?
                            No — bone-in gives better flavor and juiciness.
                            3. Why start at high heat?
                            It creates a deep golden crust.
                            4. Do I need a thermometer?
                            Highly recommended for perfect doneness.
                            5. Can I prepare the roast ahead?
                            Yes — season 12–24 hours ahead for deeper flavor.
                            6. What sides pair best?
                            Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, Christmas salads, Yorkshire pudding.
                            7. Can I skip the oxtails?
                            You can — but they make the jus extremely rich.
                            8. Can I make the jus thicker?
                            Yes — reduce longer or whisk in 1 tsp cornstarch.
                            9. Is horseradish cream necessary?
                            Optional — but amazing with roast beef.
                            10. How do I slice prime rib?
                            Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
                            🏁 Conclusion
                            This Tasty Christmas Prime Rib with Rich Beef Jus is the perfect holiday showstopper — tender, juicy, deeply seasoned, and bursting with festive flavor. The dark grape juice adds richness to the sauce while keeping everything halal, and the horseradish cream brings a cool, creamy contrast that elevates every bite.
                            Serve it as your Christmas centerpiece and prepare for compliments all night long.