Prime rib is a delicious, classic main course for special occasions like holidays and celebrations. But prime rib roasts can be expensive, especially when feeding a crowd. A 10 pound prime rib is a sizable roast that can serve anywhere from 8-14 people depending on the thickness of the slices. When shopping for prime rib, you’ll want to understand what impacts the price per pound so you can find the best value.
What is Prime Rib?
Prime rib comes from the rib section of beef and is known for its marbling, tenderness and flavor. It consists of ribs 6 through 12 of the cow. Prime rib roasts are most often seasoned simply with just salt and pepper so the flavor of the beef itself can shine. It is then slow roasted in the oven which allows the marbling or internal fat to melt into the meat, basting it during cooking. This results in a juicy, tender and wonderfully beefy tasting roast.
The term “prime rib” can cause some confusion when shopping. Technically, prime rib refers to roasts from the rib section that are graded USDA prime, which is the highest quality grade beef. However, the term prime rib has become commonly used for any rib roast, even if it’s choice or select grade. When buying, look for the USDA grade stamp to know the true quality grade of the meat.
Understanding Grades of Beef
There are eight different grades of beef set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The top three grades most commonly found at the grocery store are:
- Prime – This is the highest grade, only about 2% of all beef earns the prime distinction. It has abundant marbling which provides flavor, tenderness and juiciness. Prime roasts and steaks are sold to fine restaurants and specialty markets.
- Choice – This is the grade most commonly found at the grocery store. It has a good amount of marbling and fat streaking which adds a lot of flavor. Choice roasts and steaks will be nicely juicy and flavorful.
- Select – This grade has less marbling so the beef will be slightly tougher and drier. It can still be flavorful and juicy if cooked properly but will benefit from marinades and rubs.
Lower grades like Standard and Commercial are frequently used for ground beef or cubed steak. The prime grade with its abundant marbling is ideal for prime rib roasts. But choice grade will still be flavorful and worthy of a special occasion meal, at a lower price point.
Cost Breakdown of a Prime Rib Roast
A prime rib roast can cost anywhere from $150 to over $500 depending on the:
- Grade of beef (Prime, Choice or Select)
- Weight and size of the roast
- Quality and reputation of the butcher shop
- Location and cost of living in that area
To get a good idea of cost for a prime rib roast:
- Check prices online at reputable butcher shops or high end grocery stores in your area.
- Call and speak with the butcher to understand grade options and costs.
- Factor approx. 1 lb of bone per 5 lbs of meat so a 10 lb roast will yield about 8 lbs of edible meat.
- Figure an estimated $17-$25 per pound for Prime grade rib roast.
- $12-$17 per pound for Choice grade.
Based on this, you can expect to pay:
- About $160 to $240 for a Prime grade 10 lb roast.
- $120 to $170 for a Choice grade 10 lb roast.
Of course there are always deals and sales, so you may find prices even lower at times!
How to Get the Best Deal on Prime Rib
Here are some tips for getting the best price on a prime rib roast:
- Check weekly ads and look for manager’s specials, holiday sales and butcher shop promotions. Great time to buy are leading up to the winter holidays.
- Join loyalty programs at grocery chains to receive discounts and extra coupons for beef.
- Ask the butcher counter if they have any prime rib roasts about to pass their sell-by date that they can offer a deal on.
- Buy towards the end of the day when butchers are looking to sell product versus having to throw it away.
- Purchase your roast ahead of time and freeze it yourself until you are ready to thaw and cook.
Average Cost of Other Types of Ribs
In addition to prime rib, there are other ribs cuts that come at a more affordable price:
Ribeye Roast
- Made from the ribeye or centermost portion of the rib primal.
- Tender like prime rib, but slightly less fat and marbling.
- Costs approximately $7-$12 per pound.
Back Ribs
- Comes from the upper ribcage near the spine.
- Meatier than spare ribs but less than prime rib.
- Costs approximately $5-$8 per pound.
Short Ribs
- Cut from the beef plate primal below the prime rib.
- Contains a lot of connective tissue so requires slow moist cooking.
- Costs approximately $6-$10 per pound.
While these ribs are all more affordable, they lack the prestigious prime rib flavor and texture. But they can still make for delicious roasts or barbecued ribs done properly.
Average Cost per Serving of Prime Rib
To estimate the per serving cost of a prime rib roast:
- Start with the total poundage and subtract approximately 1 lb of bone per 5 lbs of meat.
- Next, determine the total edible poundage.
- Figure the total cost of the roast based on approximate cost per pound.
- Divide the total cost by the edible poundage to get cost per pound.
- Estimate that each guest will eat approximately 3/4 lb to 1 lb of meat.
- Multiply your cost per pound by the serving size to determine the per serving cost.
Here is an example of the costs for a 10 lb prime rib roast:
| Total Roast Weight | 10 lbs |
|---|---|
| Bone Weight (1 lb per 5 lbs meat) | 2 lbs |
| Edible Meat Weight | 8 lbs |
| Total Roast Cost | $160 (at $20/lb) |
| Cost Per Pound | $20 |
| Serving Size | 3/4 lb |
| Cost Per Serving | $15 |
Based on this, each 3/4 lb serving from a 10 lb prime rib roast costs approximately $15 when buying the meat at $20 per pound. Of course, the grade and quality will impact the costs per pound and per serving.
How Many People Will a 10 Pound Prime Rib Feed?
A 10 lb prime rib roast will feed anywhere from 8-14 people depending on the thickness of the slices. To estimate:
- Figure you will get around 8 lbs of edible cooked meat from a 10 lb roast after carving off the bones.
- Recommend allowing 3/4 lb – 1 lb per adult guest for standard servings.
- For heartier appetites go with 1 – 1 1/4 lbs per person.
- Carve thin slices if you want your roast to feed more people.
- With 3/4 lb servings, an 8 lb roast will feed 10-11 people.
- With 1 lb servings, an 8 lb roast will feed 8 people.
The advantage of prime rib is that leftovers hold up beautifully. You can refrigerate carved leftovers for up to 4 days. Prime rib makes amazing sandwiches the next day too. So don’t be afraid to go big on your roast and enjoy the leftovers!
How Long Does it Take to Cook a 10 Pound Prime Rib?
A good general rule of thumb is to roast a prime rib at 450°F for the first 15 minutes per pound, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue roasting at about 15 minutes per pound for medium-rare doneness. Here are more specifics:
- For a 10 lb roast, start at 450°F for a total of 2 hours 30 minutes (10 lbs x 15 minutes per pound).
- Then reduce oven to 350°F and continue roasting approximately 2 hours 30 minutes more.
- This will total 5 hours for a juicy medium-rare internal temperature of about 135°F.
- Use a meat thermometer to check temperature, not time alone.
- For more rare roast, cook to 125-130°F. For more well-done roast, cook to 145°F.
Keep in mind that every oven runs slightly differently in terms of true temperature and hot spots. Get to know your oven’s capabilities. Also let the roast rest at least 15-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips for Finding and Cooking the Perfect Prime Rib
Here are some extra tips to ensure prime rib success:
- Shop early – Prime rib roasts are popular for the holidays. Shop a week or two early for the best selection.
- Select the roast size – Choose your roast based on the number of guests. Estimate 1/2 to 1 lb per person.
- Look for marbling – For most flavor and tenderness, pick a roast with generous marbling throughout.
- Dry brine – For extra flavor and tenderness, dry brine with salt 6-24 hours before roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer – Don’t rely solely on time. Use a thermometer for perfectly cooked results.
- Rest before carving – Letting the roast rest allows juices to redistribute for better flavor.
- Carve across the grain – Slicing across the grain makes the prime rib more tender to bite into.
- Use leftovers – Sliced prime rib makes amazing sandwiches. Shred and add to pasta or eggs too.
Conclusion
A prime rib roast can be the star centerpiece of a special holiday meal or momentous occasion. While an excellent prime rib is indeed a splurge, it offers delicious flavor and prestige worth celebrating. With some shopping savvy and cooking know-how, you can serve up this incredible roast to wow your guests without breaking the bank. A 10 lb prime rib can feed anywhere from 8-14 people for a cost of approximately $15 per serving. While pricey, the experience of enjoying perfectly roasted prime rib is a wonderful treat and memory maker.