Oven-Roasted Prime Rib with Cajun Spice Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A succulent 12 oz prime rib roast seasoned with bold Cajun spices and slow-roasted to medium doneness, delivering a tender and flavorful centerpiece. This american-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs 12 oz prime rib roast, teaspoons 2 tsp smoked paprika, teaspoon 1 tsp garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 2 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the Cajun spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry the 12 oz prime rib roast with paper towels and rub evenly with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Then, coat the roast thoroughly with the prepared spice mix, pressing it onto all surfaces.
  3. Step 3: Place the seasoned prime rib on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium rare.
  4. Step 4: Remove the roast from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Prime Rib with Cajun Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Oven-Roasted Prime Rib with Cajun Spice Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 12 oz prime rib roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Prime Rib with Cajun Spice Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Oven-Roasted Prime Rib with Cajun Spice Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Oven-Roasted Prime Rib with Cajun Spice Rub?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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