Poor Man's Prime Rib

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Poor Man's Prime Rib - Rich, savory, and tender sirloin roast cooked to perfection and amazingly seasoned; a budget-friendly way to enjoy the decadent flavors of prime rib without breaking the bank.

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This Poor Man's Prime Rib gives you all the rich, savory, goodness of a traditional prime rib without all of the cost and without compromising on tenderness or flavor.

It's a more budget-friendly way to enjoy all the irresistible tastes of a rich roast without breaking the bank! And speaking of poor man's recipes, make sure to check out this Poor Man's Lobster. One of my favorite ways to prepare cod!

The roast is perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs and spices so it's sure to satisfy your tastebuds. Serve it alongside fresh roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, and you'll have the best fancy, yet affordable, dinner on your hands! This recipe proves that you can still get a flavorful dinner from a simple roast!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Affordable - By using a budget-friendly cut of meat such as sirloin tip roast, this recipe is much more cost-effective than using a prime rib. Using sirloin allows you to enjoy an experience similar to prime rib without the extra expense!
  • Tender and delicious - The savoriness and decadent richness of this recipe is undeniably irresistible and will not leave you disappointed! 
  • Leftovers - Leftovers of this Poor Man's Prime Rib can be prepared in a variety of ways, whether it's in sandwiches, tacos, or sliders. 
  • Healthier option - A lean cut like sirloin tip roast provides a healthier alternative to cuts with more fat, while still offering a good source of protein!
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Ingredients

Grab the ingredients below to make this Poor Man's Prime Rib!

ingredients for making seasoned sirloin tip roast

Sirloin tip roast - This cut of beef is super flavorful and lean cut, making it healthier while still maintaining those delicious flavors. Sirloin tip is also budget-friendly compared to prime rib yet still offers a classic beef roast taste that everyone will love. 

Minced garlic - Enhances the flavor of the roast and complements the natural flavors of the beef, making it a key seasoning in this recipe 

Smoked paprika - Adds a rich, smoky element to the roast that balances the savory flavors of the dish. Smoked paprika pairs well with the other seasonings and works with them to create the perfect harmony of flavors. 

Fresh chopped rosemary - Adds a bold and distinct taste that goes great alongside the other seasonings. The bright green of the fresh rosemary also adds to the visuals and presentation of the roast. 

Fresh chopped thyme - Brings a slight citrusy flavor to the beef that complements the rest of the herbs used. Similar to rosemary, thyme also adds to the visual appeal of the roast.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Add a small amount of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix for a hint of heat!
  • If you have kosher salt on hand, use it in place of table salt to avoid any discoloration of the roast.
  • Feel free to add in other seasonings and herbs such as oregano or basil for even more flavor. 
  • You can also use top sirloin, center-cut roast, or top round instead of sirloin tip roast!
  • Serve with a red wine sauce, mushroom gravy, horseradish cream sauce, or a classic balsamic glaze to elevate this dish even further.

How to Make Poor Man's Prime Rib

Once you've gathered all your ingredients, follow the steps below for a budget-friendly tender roast.

glass bowl filled with sides and olive oil
  1. Step 1: Prepare the rub as directed in the recipe card below and mix the olive oil, minced garlic, and blended spices together in a small bowl.
sirloin tip roast covered with olive oil and a spice rub
  1. Step 2: Coat the entire roast with the rub, wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate overnight, then allow it to come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before cooking.
Sirloin tip roast rubbed with spices in a baking pan
  1. Step 3: Remove plastic wrap and place roast in a roaster with a cover.
Cooked sirloin tip roast in a baking pan
  1. Step 4: Roast at 450ºF for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 325ºF and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 120ºF for medium rare. Allow to rest before slicing and serving.
sliced sirloin tip roast with dry rub

Helpful Tips

  • A good thermometer is useful but not absolutely necessary. You can get one with a remote, or one with two temperature displays to make the cooking process easier. 
  • While the roast is resting after cooking, you can reheat vegetables or prepare other dishes in the oven as you wait. 
  • Try to avoid opening the oven too much during the cooking process, as you don't want to lose too much heat and prevent the proper-cooking of the roast. This is where a good thermometer comes in handy. 
  • The accuracy of your oven thermostat and the size of the roast can affect the outcome of your roast.
  • Use any leftover juices in the pan to make a gravy by removing any solids, heating in a pan, and thickening with a roux. 
  • Avoid the rump or any bottom round roast, as they may not offer the same tenderness and rich flavor as other cuts.
white plate with two pieces of prime rib

Recipe FAQs

How Do I Know When the Roast is Finished Cooking?

To ensure that your roast is done cooking, use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature of the roast is around 120ºF for medium rare, and around 145ºF for medium. The thermometer should be inserted into the thickest section of the roast.

How Long Will it Take to Cook the Roast?

Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the roast and desired doneness. As a general guideline, plan for approximately 15 minutes of cooking time per pound at 325ºF, but always use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Why Do You Need to Allow a Roast to Rest After Cooking?

Resting allows the juices in the meat to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast, so let the meat rest for about 15-20 minutes after cooking.

Can You Cook Poor Man's Prime Rib in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, sirloin tip roast can be cooked in a slow cooker for a tender and flavorful result. Simply season the roast, place it in the slow cooker with your choice of liquid or broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.

How Can I Calculate How Much Meat I Need For a Large Party?

An easy way to calculate how much roast you should prepare for a large party is by planning for each guest to consume around ½ to ¾ pound of cooked meat. With a 4 lb. sirloin tip roast, you should be able to serve around 5-8 people, with some leftovers.

sliced pieces of prime rib on wooden cutting board

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storage Instructions

After the roast cools to room temperature, place the leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the leftovers for longer storage, place the roast in a freezer-safe container and store for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, allow the roast thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through.

close up of pieces of prime rib garnished with thyme on a white plate

More Recipes You'll Love

Looking for sides to serve with the roast? Try these:

sliced pieces of prime rib on wooden cutting board

Poor Man's Prime Rib

Rich, savory, and tender sirloin roast cooked to perfection and amazingly seasoned; a budget-friendly way to enjoy the decadent flavors of prime rib without breaking the bank.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Servings: 8
Calories: 218kcal
Author: Sara
adjust servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 4 pound sirloin tip roast
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme

Instructions

  • To make the rub, put salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme in a food processor or spice grinder. Blend until fine.
  • In a small mixing bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, and blended spices together.
  • Cover the entire roast with the rub.
  • Wrap roast in plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.
  • Remove roast from refrigerator and allow it to come to room temp for 1-2 hours.
  • Remove plastic wrap and place roast in a roaster with a cover.
  • Roast at 450ºF for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325ºF and cook until desired temperature is reached. For medium rare, remove from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 120ºF. (I cooked this roast for a total of about 65 minutes.)
  • Loosely tent roast with foil and allow to rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For medium rare temp, remove from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 120ºF. (I cooked the roast for a total of about 65 minutes).
  • Add a small amount of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix for a hint of heat!
  • If you have kosher salt on hand, use it in place of table salt to avoid any discoloration of the roast.
  • Feel free to add in other seasonings and herbs such as oregano or basil for even more flavor. 
  • You can also use top sirloin, center-cut roast, or top round instead of sirloin tip roast!
  • Serve with a red wine sauce, mushroom gravy, horseradish cream sauce, or a classic balsamic glaze to elevate this dish even further.

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 669mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.03g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 3mg
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5 from 1 vote

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