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Planning a holiday feast in Wisconsin often starts with one important question: how much prime rib per person should you buy? The answer depends on whether your roast is bone-in or boneless, who is coming to dinner, and how many leftovers you want for those cozy next-day sandwiches. At Wilson Farm Meats in Elkhorn, our family has helped neighbors plan memorable meals for generations. This guide gives you simple, reliable portions, plus tips for budgeting, cooking, and ordering your roast from a trusted local butcher.

How Much Prime Rib Per Person: The Quick Answer

If you want a fast rule of thumb for how much prime rib per person you need, use these guidelines:

  • Bone-in prime rib: plan on about 1 pound per adult for a sit-down dinner
  • Boneless prime rib: plan on 1/2 to 3/4 pound per adult
  • Children under 10: 1/3 to 1/2 of an adult portion
  • If you want leftovers: add 1/4 pound per person
  • If your guests are big eaters or it is the main focus of the meal: add about 25 percent

These numbers work well for most Wisconsin holiday gatherings, whether you are hosting a Christmas dinner in Walworth County or a New Year’s celebration near Lake Geneva.

How much prime rib per person

Bone-In vs Boneless: What Changes

Bone-In Rib Roast Portions

Bone-in rib roasts are classic and impressive. The bones add flavor and help protect the meat during roasting, but they also add weight that you will not eat. A good estimate is that the bones account for about 25 to 35 percent of the weight. That is why most hosts plan 1 pound per adult for bone-in roasts. If you know your roast has larger bones or you have hearty appetites, bump that to 1.25 to 1.5 pounds per adult.

  • Standard holiday dinner: 1 pound per adult
  • Hearty appetites or thin-sliced carving: 1.25 pounds per adult
  • Light eaters with many sides: 0.75 to 0.9 pound per adult

As a general guide, a 3-rib roast typically serves 5 to 6 adults, a 4-rib roast serves 6 to 8, and a full 7-rib roast can serve 10 to 14 depending on appetites and slice thickness.

Boneless Rib Roast Portions

Boneless roasts give you more edible meat per pound and are simple to carve into even slices. When planning how much prime rib per person for boneless cuts, most hosts do well with 8 to 12 ounces per adult. If you expect big eaters or want generous leftovers, plan on a full 12 ounces or even 1 pound per adult.

  • Standard holiday dinner: 8 to 10 ounces per adult
  • Hearty appetites or planned leftovers: 12 ounces to 1 pound per adult
  • Kids: 4 to 6 ounces each

Portion Planning Calculator You Can Use at Home

Use this easy step-by-step method to calculate how much to order from Wilson Farm Meats.

  1. Choose your roast type: bone-in or boneless
  2. Count your guests: number of adults and number of children
  3. Rate appetites: light, average, or hearty
  4. Decide on leftovers: none, a little, or a lot
  5. Multiply: use the portion numbers below
  6. Round up: roasts are sold in whole pound increments

Portion numbers to use:

  • Bone-in: 1 pound per adult for average appetites
  • Bone-in: 1.25 pounds per adult for hearty appetites or planned leftovers
  • Boneless: 0.6 pounds per adult for light to average appetites
  • Boneless: 0.75 to 1 pound per adult for hearty appetites or leftovers
  • Children: half an adult portion is usually enough

Real-World Examples

  • Example 1: 8 adults, 2 kids, bone-in, average appetites, no leftovers. Adults: 8 pounds. Kids: about 1 pound total. Order a 9 to 10 pound bone-in roast. A 3-rib roast should be close.
  • Example 2: 6 adults, 4 teens, boneless, hearty eaters, want leftovers. Adults: 6 x 1 pound = 6 pounds. Teens: 4 x 0.75 pound = 3 pounds. Add 2 pounds for leftovers. Order an 11-pound boneless roast.
  • Example 3: 12 adults, bone-in, lots of sides, some guests prefer lighter portions. Adults at 0.9 pound each is 10.8 pounds. Round up to a 12-pound roast or consider a 4-rib plus 3-rib roast for flexible carving.

Factors That Affect How Much Prime Rib Per Person

  • The menu: more hearty sides like cheesy potatoes, buttered rolls, and green bean casserole often mean smaller meat portions
  • Appetizers: a Wisconsin charcuterie board with summer sausage from Wilson Farm Meats or bacon-wrapped snacks can reduce main course portions
  • Doneness preferences: guests who love medium or medium-well may eat slightly more than rare-only fans
  • Time of day: lunch portions run smaller than dinner portions
  • Carving thickness: thick-cut slices use more meat per person than thin-sliced portions
  • Bone size and trim: some roasts have larger bones or thicker fat caps, which slightly lowers yield
  • Leftover plans: planning French dip sandwiches or breakfast hash tomorrow means buying extra today

Cooking and Carving Tips for the Perfect Prime Rib

Seasoning and Resting

For the best flavor, season well and early. A simple blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic makes the beef shine. Many Wisconsin home cooks dry-brine the roast by salting it 24 hours ahead and letting it rest in the refrigerator, uncovered, on a rack. Before roasting, let the roast sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes to promote even cooking.

Roasting Temperatures and Doneness

Use a reliable meat thermometer and cook by temperature, not by time alone. General guidance for pull temperatures before resting:

Many cooks roast at 325 degrees F until close to target temperature, then rest, and finish with a brief high-heat blast to crisp the exterior. Whatever method you use, rest the roast for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving so juices redistribute.

Carving for Maximum Yield

  1. Place the roast on a stable board and steady it with a carving fork
  2. For bone-in, run a long knife along the bones to separate the roast from the rack
  3. Set the boneless section cut-side down and slice into even, 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch slices for most guests
  4. Offer end cuts for those who enjoy a deeper crust and more doneness
  5. Save the bones for broth, au jus, or a cook’s treat

Leftovers: Plan Them In

Prime rib leftovers are a gift that keeps on giving. If you want a day or two of meals, add 1/4 to 1/2 pound per person to your buying plan. Store cooked slices in airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of serving. Eat within 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to keep the meat tender.

  • French dip sandwiches with a quick au jus made from roasted bones
  • Prime rib hash with farm eggs for breakfast
  • Beef and barley soup with Wisconsin root vegetables
  • Steak salads with blue cheese and cranberries
  • Street-style tacos with caramelized onions
  • Stroganoff or pasta with mushrooms and sour cream
  • Fried rice with peas and carrots

What To Do With the Bones

  • Roast the bones and simmer with onions, carrots, and celery for a rich stock
  • Make a classic au jus to serve with leftovers
  • Use the broth as a base for soups throughout winter

Budgeting for Your Roast in Wisconsin

Prime rib is an investment, especially for a holiday. The best way to budget is to calculate the total pounds you need, then multiply by the price per pound. Prices vary by grade, cut, and time of year, so buy early when you can and talk with a local butcher you trust. At Wilson Farm Meats, our team can walk you through options that fit your guest list and your budget.

  1. Pick bone-in or boneless based on your plan
  2. Calculate pounds needed using the portion guide
  3. Multiply by price per pound for an estimated total
  4. Add sides, rolls, and dessert costs for a complete holiday budget
  • Shop early: popular roast sizes sell fast near Christmas and New Year’s
  • Watch weekly specials and value boxes from Wilson Farm Meats
  • Balance your menu: pair a smaller roast with hearty sides and a second meat like ham or smoked sausage
  • Use leftovers: two or three extra pounds can cover multiple next-day meals
  • Ask about custom cuts to reduce trim waste and match your exact needs

Why Buy Your Prime Rib from Wilson Farm Meats

Wilson Farm Meats is a family-owned butcher shop in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, with a farming heritage that spans more than 150 years. Our team is dedicated to farm-to-table quality and friendly, knowledgeable service. When you shop here, you get locally raised beef, custom cut to your preferences, and the kind of personal guidance that helps you plan a stress-free holiday meal.

  • Beef: locally raised and cut to order for freshness and flavor
  • Pork: heritage breed pork from our own Wilson Prairie View Farms in Walworth County
  • Poultry and seafood: a carefully chosen selection to round out your holiday menu
  • Specialty smoked meats: bacon, ham, bratwurst, wieners, summer sausage, liver sausage, and ring bologna made in our Elkhorn facility

We also offer custom processing for locally raised beef, pork, lamb, and veal. If you have special requests for your rib roast, like a specific number of ribs or a tied and trimmed roast, just ask. Our butchers enjoy helping families get exactly what they want.

Custom Processing and Special Orders

Planning a big gathering or looking for a specific size roast? Wilson Farm Meats can prepare bone-in or boneless rib roasts to your exact request. We can French the bones for a classic presentation, tie a boneless roast for even cooking, or split a larger roast into two smaller ones for faster roasting and flexible serving. Call ahead to reserve your preferred size and pick-up time.

Weekly Specials and Holiday Ordering Tips

  • Reserve early for Christmas and New Year’s week
  • Ask about weekly specials and value boxes to stretch your budget
  • Consider pairing your roast with our smoked ham or bratwurst for a Wisconsin-style spread
  • Plan pick-up a day or two before your meal and store the roast cold
  • If you need to freeze, ask for freezer-ready wrapping and thaw safely in the refrigerator

Visit Us in Elkhorn or Order Ahead

Wilson Farm Meats welcomes you to our Elkhorn store for friendly service and top-quality cuts. We are proud to be part of the local community and to help Wisconsin families make the holidays special.

Whether you are driving in from Lake Geneva, Delavan, or right here in Elkhorn, stop by and let our team help you plan the perfect roast, from selecting the right size to tips on seasoning and carving.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Much Prime Rib Per Person

  • How much prime rib per person for a bone-in roast? Plan on 1 pound per adult for average appetites. Increase to 1.25 pounds for hearty eaters or if you want leftovers.
  • How much prime rib per person for a boneless roast? Plan 8 to 12 ounces per adult. Go to 1 pound per adult for big appetites or planned leftovers.
  • How many people will a 5-pound boneless roast serve? At 10 ounces per person, a 5-pound boneless roast serves about 8 adults. At 12 ounces per person, it serves about 6 adults.
  • How many people will a 7-rib roast serve? A full 7-rib bone-in roast usually weighs 15 to 20 pounds and serves roughly 10 to 14 people, depending on appetites and slice thickness.
  • Do I need to order extra for end cuts? Not usually. End cuts are popular, but they come from the same roast. If many guests want thicker end cuts, plan an extra pound or two to be safe.
  • What if I am serving a buffet with several proteins? For a buffet with multiple meats, you can reduce to 6 to 8 ounces per adult for boneless or 0.75 pound per adult for bone-in, since guests will try a bit of everything.
  • How far in advance should I order my roast? For holiday weeks, reserve 1 to 2 weeks ahead to secure your preferred size. Wilson Farm Meats can help you choose the right roast and schedule a convenient pick-up time.
  • Can Wilson Farm Meats trim and tie my roast? Yes. We can French the bones, trim the fat cap to your preference, and tie boneless roasts for even cooking. Let us know what you would like when you order.

Make Your Holiday Memorable with Wilson Farm Meats

When you know how much prime rib per person to buy, the rest of the planning becomes easy. Choose bone-in or boneless, count your guests, and decide if you want leftovers. Then visit Wilson Farm Meats in Elkhorn for a roast that is locally raised, carefully cut, and ready for your oven. Our family has served Wisconsin families for more than 150 years, and we look forward to helping you create a warm, delicious holiday meal you will be proud to share.

How much prime rib per person