My Foolproof Christmas Prime Rib (With Coke Au Jus)

This is our Christmas dinner every year... no experimenting, no stress, no overthinking.

Just a perfectly cooked prime rib, creamy mashed potatoes, simple green beans, and an au jus so good people ask for the recipe before they finish their plate.

And here’s the secret: I use a seasoned prime rib packet and a can of Coke. That’s it.

What You’ll Need

•   1 prime rib roast (4–6 pounds)

   •   1 packet My Family's Seasoning Prime Rib Seasoning (I buy at Publix)

   •   1 can Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)

How I Make It

1. Take the prime rib out of the fridge 1–2 hours before cooking so it can come to room temperature.

2. Rub the entire roast generously with the seasoning packet.

3. Place the roast fat-side up in a roasting pan.

4. Pour the entire can of Coke into the bottom of the pan... do not pour it over the meat.

5. Roast uncovered at 450°F for 20 minutes.

6. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches:  120–125°F for rare or  130–135°F for medium-rare

7. Remove from the oven and let the roast rest for 20–30 minutes before slicing.

I always cook by temperature, not time. Every oven (and every roast) is different.

The Best Part: Coke Au Jus

While the prime rib rests, I turn the pan drippings into the easiest au jus.

• Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat.

• Skim off excess fat if needed (leave some ... flavor matters).

• Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom.

Taste and adjust:

Add a splash of beef broth if it’s too strong

• Add a tiny splash of Worcestershire if you want more depth (optional)

• Strain if you prefer a smooth au jus or serve it just like it is.

No flour. No thickening. Au jus should be light, savory, and perfect for dipping.

What We Serve With It

This is our classic Christmas plate:

   •   Creamy mashed potatoes

   •   Simple green beans

   •   Prime rib sliced thick

   •   Au jus poured generously over everything

It’s cozy, traditional, and exactly what Christmas dinner should feel like.

Why This Recipe Never Fails

• The Coke keeps the meat tender and juicy

• The sugar helps caramelize the outside

• The seasoning packet does all the heavy lifting

• The au jus makes the whole plate shine

It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes almost no effort.

And honestly? Those are my favorite kind.