Poor Man’s Prime Rib

Ah, “Poor Man’s Prime Rib”! This is a budget-friendly alternative to the traditional prime rib roast but still delivers a rich, flavorful, and tender meat experience. It uses more affordable cuts of beef, like Chuck Roast, which can be prepared in a way that mimics the prime rib texture and flavor. Here’s how you can make Poor Man’s Prime Rib:

Poor Man’s Prime Rib Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb chuck roast (boneless or bone-in)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup beef broth (optional, for extra moisture)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Roast:

   • Take the chuck roast out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).

2. Season the Meat:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
   • Rub this mixture all over the chuck roast, ensuring it’s well-coated on all sides.

3. Sear the Roast (Optional but adds flavor):

   • In a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Once hot, sear the roast on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and crispy. This step helps lock in the flavors and adds a rich crust to the roast.

4. Roast the Chuck Roast:

   • After searing (or if skipping the searing step), place the roast in the oven.
   • Roast at 450°F for 15-20 minutes to develop a nice crust.
   • Lower the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the roast reaches your desired doneness:
     • Rare: 120°F (49°C)
     • Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
     • Medium: 140°F (60°C)
     • Well-done: 160°F (71°C)

5. Rest the Roast:

   • Once the roast is done, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

6. Slice and Serve:

   • Slice the roast against the grain to ensure it’s tender. The texture should be similar to prime rib, and the seasoning will give it that classic “roast beef” flavor.
   • Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple gravy made from the drippings.

Optional Gravy:

• To make gravy, place the pan drippings in a small saucepan, add a bit of beef broth, and simmer until the sauce thickens. You can also add a tablespoon of butter to enhance the richness.

Enjoy:

This Poor Man’s Prime Rib gives you that delicious, tender, and flavorful experience of prime rib but without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for a comforting Sunday roast, holiday meal, or any time you want the flavor of prime rib on a budget!