There’s something about a ribeye roast that just makes people pause mid-sentence. It’s bold. It’s rich. And when it’s cooked right, you don’t forget it. This recipe is for the folks who want big flavor but don’t want to mess around with sugars, starches, or the kind of ingredients that make you feel heavy and slow afterward.
This is the roast I make when I want dinner to feel like a small celebration, but without the usual bloat and regret. And if you’ve never mixed horseradish and cream, you’re in for a real “where has this been all my life” moment. Let’s get into it.
What You’ll Need For Keto Ribeye Roast Recipe
For the Ribeye Roast:
- 1 bone-in ribeye roast (about 4–5 lbs, get the bone in if you can—it adds flavor)
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper (fresh cracked, don’t skip this)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- A few sprigs of rosemary and thyme (optional, but it adds a nice earthiness)
- A meat thermometer (not optional—don’t eyeball this, trust me)
For the Horseradish Cream:
- 1 cup sour cream (full fat, no shortcuts)
- 2–3 tbsp prepared horseradish (the kind in the fridge section, not the dry shelf stuff)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A squeeze of lemon (optional, but brightens it up)
Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Keto Horseradish Cream Ribeye Roast
(You can print this or keep it propped open next to the cutting board. I’ll keep it simple.)
1) Let the meat rest. Seriously.
Pull the ribeye roast out of the fridge and leave it on the counter for about 45–60 minutes before you do anything. You want it closer to room temperature so it cooks evenly. Cold meat into hot oven = cooked outside, raw inside. Nobody wants that.
During this time, go ahead and mix your horseradish cream. Just toss all the cream ingredients into a bowl, stir it up, taste it, and adjust. Like more heat? Add another spoon of horseradish. It’ll sit in the fridge until serving time, and trust me—it gets better as it waits.
2) Preheat your oven. Get it hot.
Crank your oven to 500°F (260°C). You won’t cook it at this temp the whole time, but this blast of heat gives you that nice crust without needing to sear on the stovetop.
3) Season like you mean it.
Take your roast and pat it dry with some paper towels. Then rub it all over with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. You want every surface to get attention. If you’re using herbs, tuck the rosemary and thyme under the roast or on top—it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
4) Into the oven. Don’t open the door.
Put the roast in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet, bone side down. Roast it at 500°F for 15 minutes. This is your crust-making phase. After 15 minutes, drop the heat to 325°F (165°C) and keep roasting until the internal temperature hits your goal:
- 120°F for rare
- 130°F for medium-rare (my personal favorite)
- 140°F for medium
Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part—not touching bone—for the most accurate read. Depending on your oven and roast size, this could take 60–90 minutes. Don’t guess. Use the thermometer.
5) Rest, rest, rest.
Once your roast hits the temp you want, pull it out and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 20–30 minutes. The juices need time to settle, or you’ll slice into a puddle. This step isn’t optional unless you like dry meat and sad feelings.
6) Slice and serve with that cream.
Carve your roast against the grain (just means the opposite direction the muscle fibers run), serve it up, and spoon that horseradish cream over the top or on the side. It’s cool and sharp and wakes up every bite.
How to Not Mess It Up
- Don’t skip the meat thermometer. The roast doesn’t forgive guesswork.
- Don’t go cheap on the horseradish. The fridge-section stuff is cold-packed and stronger.
- Make sure you rest the meat. Not for looks—for taste and texture.
- Keep it keto. Everything here is low-carb, high-fat and protein-rich. You don’t need potatoes. Pair it with roasted asparagus, cauliflower mash, or even a handful of greens tossed in olive oil and lemon.
Ribeye Roast Leftovers (if there are any…)
Here’s what I do if I’ve got leftover roast:
- Cold roast beef slices with mustard on a lettuce wrap
- Quick steak and eggs the next morning
- Toss it into a skillet with zucchini noodles for a fast dinner
Conclusion
This ribeye roast with horseradish cream has become a bit of a weekend tradition in my house. It’s not fussy, it fills the room with the kind of smell that makes people wander in from outside asking what’s cooking, and it fits right into the kind of eating that makes your body feel good, not weighed down.
If you’re new to keto or just tired of cooking meat that tastes like nothing, this is one to bookmark. You don’t need a culinary degree. Just some salt, a solid roast, and the guts to let your meat rest.
If you’ve made this before and want to put a twist on it, try adding a bit of grated fresh horseradish to the cream or even a spoon of Worcestershire to the rub. But honestly? Keep it simple the first time. Let the meat and cream do the heavy lifting.
PrintKeto Horseradish Cream Ribeye Roast Recipe
Tender ribeye roast with a bold horseradish cream sauce. This keto-friendly dinner is packed with flavor, low in carbs, and easy enough for anyone to cook.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Oven roasted
- Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
For the Ribeye Roast:
-
1 bone-in ribeye roast (4–5 lbs)
-
2 tbsp kosher salt
-
1 tbsp black pepper
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
4 garlic cloves, smashed
-
Fresh rosemary and thyme (optional)
For the Horseradish Cream:
-
1 cup full-fat sour cream
-
2–3 tbsp prepared horseradish
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
-
Take roast out of the fridge and let sit at room temp for 1 hour.
-
Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
-
Pat roast dry, rub all sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic. Add herbs if using.
-
Place roast in a pan, bone side down. Roast at 500°F for 15 minutes.
-
Lower heat to 325°F (165°C). Roast until internal temp is 130°F for medium-rare (about 60–90 mins).
-
While it cooks, mix all cream sauce ingredients in a bowl. Chill in fridge.
-
Remove roast from oven, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 25 minutes.
-
Slice against the grain. Serve with chilled horseradish cream.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer for best results. Adjust horseradish in sauce to your heat level. Let the meat rest before slicing so it stays juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cut of meat is best for a keto ribeye roast?
Bone-in ribeye is ideal for a keto roast because it’s marbled with fat and stays juicy while roasting. The fat helps with flavor and fits perfectly with keto diet goals, low carb, high fat, and full of protein.
Can I make horseradish cream ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s actually better that way. Making the horseradish cream a few hours (or even a day) ahead gives the flavors time to come together. Just keep it cold in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when my ribeye roast is done?
Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. Don’t go by time alone—ovens vary, and a thermometer takes the guesswork out. Let it rest before slicing or the juices will run out.