This Crock Pot Beef Prime Rib Roast is a tender and flavorful recipe, which uses bone-in beef rib roast and fresh garlic. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 5 hours and 20 minutes.
Crock Pot Beef Prime Rib Roast Ingredients
For the Roast:
- 5 to 6 lb bone-in beef rib roast
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 cup Progresso™ beef-flavored broth
For the Creamy Horseradish Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
How To Make Crock Pot Beef Prime Rib Roast
- Make the butter rub: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Prep the slow cooker and roast: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray and pour in the beef broth. Rub the roast with vegetable oil.
- Sear the roast: In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the roast ribs-side down for 4 minutes. Turn and sear all other sides for 1 to 3 minutes each, using tongs to hold it upright as needed.
- Slow cook: Place the roast ribs-side down in the slow cooker. Rub the butter mixture over the top and sides. Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 5 hours, depending on desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook for 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours (internal temp 135°F). For medium, cook 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours (internal temp 145°F).
- Rest and carve: Transfer roast to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare horseradish sauce: While the roast rests, mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Serve with sliced roast.

Recipe Tips
- How to know when prime rib is done:
Use a meat thermometer—135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. - Do I need to sear the roast before slow cooking?
Yes, searing helps lock in flavor and gives the crust a rich, caramelized texture. - What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Use 1 teaspoon dried thyme as a substitute. - Can I cook this on High?
Low is recommended for even cooking and tenderness. Cooking on High may cause uneven results. - Is the horseradish sauce optional?
Yes, but it pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of the beef.
What To Serve With Prime Rib Roast
This rich roast pairs well with classic, comforting sides:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic green beans
- Yorkshire pudding
- Caesar salad
How To Store Prime Rib Roast
Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Prime Rib Roast Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 3g
- Protein: Approx. 40g
- Fat: Approx. 28g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 12g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 115mg
- Sodium: Approx. 420mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make prime rib in the crock pot ahead of time?
Yes—cook and cool completely, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Why sear before slow cooking?
Searing builds deep, complex flavor and improves the texture of the crust.
Can I skip the horseradish sauce?
Yes, though it complements the roast beautifully. You can also use au jus or gravy.
How do I slice prime rib properly?
Let it rest fully, then slice across the grain into even pieces using a sharp carving knife.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat slices gently in a covered pan with a splash of broth or in the oven at low heat.
Try More Recipes:
Crock Pot Beef Prime Rib Roast
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings20
minutes5
hours420
kcalThis slow-cooked prime rib roast is richly seasoned, perfectly tender, and finished with a creamy horseradish sauce for a true holiday-worthy meal.
Ingredients
- For the Roast:
5 to 6 lb bone-in beef rib roast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 cup Progresso™ beef-flavored broth
- For the Sauce:
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
- Mix butter rub: Combine butter, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Prep slow cooker: Spray with cooking spray and add beef broth. Rub roast with oil.
- Sear roast: Sear ribs side down for 4 minutes; brown remaining sides for 1–3 minutes each.
- Cook: Place roast in slow cooker ribs-side down. Rub with butter mixture. Cook on Low for 3–5 hours to desired doneness.
- Rest: Transfer to cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Make sauce: Mix all horseradish sauce ingredients. Slice roast and serve with sauce.
