Knowing what to do with prime rib bones isn’t something we’re born with; no one teaches you about it at school, and there are plenty of other things you’d rather be googling. While not the most glamorous subject to discuss, it’s worth it if you love prime rib the way I do.
What To Do With Prime Rib Bones
Make the most of this expensive cut by incorporating its flavors into future culinary endeavors. Use the broth to make rice, noodles, sauces, stews, and soups. The bones themselves contain the same bold flavors, and you can extract them with a good bone broth recipe.

How To Use Prime Rib Bones Effectively
Using the bones for other uses means you’ll get the most bang for your buck. It’s always good to get more bangs for each buck…honestly, I never understood that phrase.
At A Glance
- Make beef bone broth
- Make beef barley soup
- Use for presentation purposes
- Compost
#1 Make Beef Bone Broth
This is the most popular and most straightforward use for your prime rib bones. There are tons of different recipes to help you make it, but half the fun is making it your own.
The basics are simple, add your bones to water and any vegetables you want, then gently simmer for up to 24 hours. You don’t have to go that long, but the longer you simmer, the more concentrated your flavor will be, which means you’ll need less of it when you use it, so it will last longer.
If you add more flavor via vegetables and seasonings, then you won’t have to simmer for as long. But that also means you’ll leave delicious flavor trapped in your prime rib bones forever and ever!
#2 Make Beef Barley Soup
Can you make plenty of soups with beef bone broth? Yes. Are any of them as good as Beef Barley Soup, though? No.
If you live in a cold climate, you can probably attest to the savory and warming flavor of a homemade beef barley soup. Made with root vegetables, potatoes, and various herbs and spices, this age-old dish has been served by Grandmothers for generations.
Use your beef bone broth as a base, and if you can, even save the smaller prime rib bones to be used directly in this soup. Bones that still have some meat on them will work even better.
This is also a health conscience option if you keep the salt to a minimum. A broth-based stew that is low in calories and high in protein. It makes a great lunch at work to get you through those sluggish afternoons.
#3 Use As A Garnish
If you don’t have the time to make broth or soup, there’s still a way to breathe new life into those delicious (and expensive) bones.
If you’re presenting your prime rib to a table of people, you want it to look good and show off your skills, especially if the in-laws are there. Since we eat with our eyes first, you can use the bones as a presentation piece.

Chef Tip: Have your butcher cut the bones off your prime rib, then tie them back on. This will ensure you get the flavor from them during the cook but will be easier to remove when you’re done.
Take the time to cook and slice your prime rib carefully, so they’re all uniform. Separate the bones and arrange them like fallen dominoes around the top of your display dish. For added effect, lay them on bright green leaves of lettuce for color.
A decorative cutting board works best, but any large platter will do. The idea is to present the meat and let everyone know that you are the best chef in the world, or at least in the room.
#4 Compost
After you’ve eaten your prime rib, made beef bone broth, and overdosed on beef barley soup, knowing what to do with prime rib bones is rare, but they are STILL useful.
If you have a garden, then the best thing you can do is stock it with nutrient-rich soil. Beef bones provide the necessary micro and macro nutrients every garden needs to produce plump and delicious vegetables.
To use your prime rib bones, you must first boil them anyway, as raw bones will create an evil stench and possibly attract unwanted wildlife. For fast results, cut the bone up into smaller pieces; this will help it decompose faster and release all its flavor to your future vegetables.
Bonus Tip: Freeze Your Prime Rib Bones
If you don’t have the time to make soup or broth before putting them in your compost, then throw them in a Ziploc or wrap them in plastic wrap and throw them in the freezer. They’ll keep for months, and when you’re ready to use them, just let them defrost in the fridge overnight, and you’re all set!
FAQ
Why Are Prime Rib Bones Worth Saving?
Prime rib bones are worth saving, so you can incorporate their unique flavor into future dishes. By making broth, you can use that to enhance the flavor of many other recipes. Prime rib bones can also be used as a garnish or compost. They provide the soil with the necessary micro and macronutrients plants and vegetables need.
Is Prime Rib Bone Broth Good For You?
Yes, prime rib bone broth is good for you. It’s a low-calorie way to add intense beef flavor to vegetables, rice, or any other dish. It’s water-based, so there are no carbohydrates, but it can be high in sodium. Be sure to monitor the levels of salt you add when making your broth if you plan to make it as healthy as possible.
Are Prime Rib Bones The Best Bone For Flavor?
No, prime rib bones are not the best bone for flavor. The best bones for flavor come from the leg of the cow as it has a high concentration of marrow. Prime rib bones only have a minimal amount of marrow which is where the signature beef flavor comes from but relies mainly on the fat side for flavor.
Can I Give Prime Rib Bones To My Dog?
No, you cannot give prime rib bones to your dog. You can if they are raw, but why would you want to give your dog the best part? Once bones have been cooked, they become brittle, which is unsafe for your pooch to munch on despite how much they might like it. The bone shards can cause digestive problems, so keep all cooked bones away from Rover.
Final Thoughts
I bet you didn’t think your prime rib bones had so many uses. Now that you know what to do with prime rib bones, I’m sure you’ve got one foot out the door on your way to grab a monster 6-bone prime rib right now.
Choose the rack with the thickest bones, and don’t forget to ask the butcher to prep them for you. Your butcher will be happy to help someone so knowledgeable who appreciates the value of this incredible cut of beef.