Skip to Main Content

Prime Rib

What is prime rib?


Prime rib is one of the finest cuts of beef you can buy. Also known as a standing rib roast, pellet grill prime rib is a great choice for holiday dinner, an extra special romantic date, or any night when you want a fancy meal without a ton of effort. Comment end It’s especially popular on major holidays, such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

What cut of meat is prime rib?


The prime rib is cut from the primal rib of the cow and contains between 6 and 12 ribs. It’s cut from higher up on the cow which makes it more tender. The additional tenderness is because those higher-up cuts don’t get as much use, so they have great fatty marbling and they’re not as tough. It’s the opposite of tougher cuts like brisket, which come from parts of the cow that get used more in walking and standing. Tender cuts like the prime rib make up just 8% of the cow, so it’s more limited and may be more expensive than other cuts of meat.

Is Prime Rib the Same As Ribeye?


Ribeye steaks are also cut from the prime rib. Essentially, they are the same cut of meat, but ribeye is cooked and served as a steak, and a prime rib is cooked and served as a roast.

How Much Prime Rib Per Person?


As a general rule, we recommend a pound per person. Prime rib is typically between 6 and 12 pounds for a full rack, but a butcher can cut and sell any amount you want.

This is a carousel. Tab through the slides for content.

Top Prime Rib Recipes

One of the great things about prime rib is there are so many ways to cook it. Try experimenting with rubs, smoking wood, and other preparation techniques. The more recipes you try, the more you’ll love this cut. Here are a few of our favourite recipes.


How to Smoke a Prime Rib


Whether you’re new to smoking or just looking for a refresher, we’re here to help you make the perfect smoked prime rib. Check out our complete guide. It is full of essential information to help you get the best out of this cut.

This is a carousel. Tab through the slides for content.

How-Tos, Guides, and Tips & Tricks

Check out some of our tips from the pros below. You have questions and we have answers. Here are some of the most-asked questions about prime rib from buying to prepping to smoking. If you want to impress your friends and family, try a French roast. It looks incredible, and it’s surprisingly easy. Watch Matt “Sasquatch” Crawford show you how.


This is a carousel. Tab through the slides for content.

All Prime Rib Videos


Prime Rib Roast Recipe

There's nothing as impressive as golden brown salt and fat covered skin crackling on a huge cut of prime rib on the Traeger. You'll be tempted to lift that lid and just to gaze into its wonder. Don't do it.

Prep Time: 5 mins.

Cook Time: 3 hrs.

Serves: 8-12

Effort: 2/5

Ingredients -

  • One 5 to 7-pound bone prime rib roast, we recommend a pound per person
  • Traeger Prime Rib Rub, as needed

Preparations -

  1. 24 hours before cooking, evenly coat prime rib with Traeger Prime Rib Rub. Wrap with plastic and let sit for 24 hours.
  2. After 24 hours, set Traeger temperature to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat, with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
  3. Place the meat fat side up, directly on the grill grate, and cook for 30 minutes. Note: Starting at a higher heat will help to develop a crispy, rendered crust.
  4. After 30 minutes, reduce the grill temperature to 300 degrees. Continue to cook 3 hours or until cooked to desired internal temperature.
    • 120 degrees F for rare
    • 130 degrees F for medium-rare
    • 140 degrees F for medium
    • 150 degrees F for well done
  5. Remove from the grill and let rest 30 minutes at room temperature before carving.

This is a carousel. Tab through the slides for content.

What to Serve with Prime Rib

The right sides can make or break a meal. We recommend serving at least one carb and one vegetable with a smoked prime rib dinner. Here are a few of our favorite sides for smoked prime rib.


This is a carousel. Tab through the slides for content.

Recommended Products

To cook the best prime rib, you’re going to need the right tools.