Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger: Price, Calories & Review 2026
The Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger is the most premium item currently on Hardee’s charbroiled burger lineup — stacking a 100% Angus beef patty with au jus-dipped prime rib slices, garlic cheddar sauce, and grilled onions on a brioche bun. It sits at the top of the menu for price and ambition, and it targets customers who want something noticeably upscale from a fast-food chain. Here is everything you need to know before you order.
Quick Answer: The Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger features a charbroiled Angus beef patty topped with prime rib slices dipped in au jus, garlic cheddar sauce, and grilled onions on a toasted brioche bun. Approximately 850 calories and 42g protein. Priced around $7.99–$9.49. Worth ordering if you want Hardee’s most premium burger — not the right call for value-focused or lighter-meal customers.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~850 (NutriScan) |
| Protein | ~42g |
| Patties | 1 Angus beef patty + prime rib slices |
| Bun Type | Toasted brioche-style |
| Availability | Participating locations only — limited time |
| Best For | Premium beef experience, indulgent meal |
What’s on the Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger?
According to the official Hardee’s menu at hardees.com, the Prime Rib Burger contains:
| Ingredient | Included |
|---|---|
| 100% Angus beef patty (charbroiled) | ✅ Yes |
| Prime rib slices (dipped in au jus) | ✅ Yes |
| Signature au jus | ✅ Yes |
| Garlic cheddar sauce | ✅ Yes |
| Grilled onions | ✅ Yes |
| Toasted brioche-style bun | ✅ Yes |
| Lettuce | ❌ No |
| Tomato | ❌ No |
| Pickles | ❌ No |
| Mayonnaise | ❌ No |
| American cheese | ❌ No |
What makes this build unusual is the double beef concept — a charbroiled Angus patty on the bottom and au jus-dipped prime rib slices on top. The au jus step saturates the prime rib with slow-simmered beef flavor before it ever hits the bun, adding moisture and depth that dry beef slices cannot deliver.
The garlic cheddar sauce is sharper and more assertive than the Special Sauce on the Famous Star — it matches the richness of the prime rib rather than contrasting it. Grilled onions provide the only sweetness in the build, keeping the sandwich from reading as entirely one-note savory.
Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger Price
| Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Prime Rib Burger (solo) | $7.99 – $9.49 |
| Prime Rib Burger Combo | $11.49 – $13.49 |
| Double Prime Rib Burger | $9.99 – $11.49 |
Prices vary by location and franchise operator — some markets run closer to $7.99, others closer to $9.49 for the same sandwich. My Rewards members received a $5.99 promotional launch price through the Hardee’s app at launch. Always confirm at hardees.com or the Hardee’s app before visiting.
At $8–$9 for a solo burger, this is Hardee’s most expensive standard menu item. The premium is partly justified by the double beef concept — two cuts of beef in one sandwich is genuinely different from any other Hardee’s burger. Whether that difference justifies a $2–$3 premium over the Famous Star depends entirely on your expectations.
Calories & Nutrition Facts
Data source: NutriScan (nutriscan.app) — Official Hardee’s nutritional PDF does not list specific values for the Prime Rib Burger at this time. Check hardees.com/nutritional-info for official figures when available.
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~850 |
| Protein | ~42g |
| Total Fat | ~52g |
| Saturated Fat | ~20g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50g |
| Sodium | Not available — check hardees.com/nutritional-info |
Is it high calorie? Yes — 850 calories for the burger alone is roughly 42% of a standard 2,000-calorie daily diet before fries or a drink are added. A full combo pushes the total to approximately 1,550–1,700 calories.
Is it suitable for high-protein diets? 42 grams of protein per sandwich is a solid number for a single meal. However, the 52 grams of total fat means the overall macro profile is not particularly clean — grilled chicken options deliver similar protein at significantly lower fat and calorie counts.
Is It Healthy?
Keto / Low-carb: The Prime Rib Burger has approximately 50g of carbohydrates from the brioche bun. Ordering it protein-style — no bun, wrapped in lettuce — removes the majority of those carbs and brings the carb count down to roughly 8–10g. This makes it a viable keto option with the bun removed.
Weight loss: At 850 calories for the sandwich alone, this burger uses a large portion of a typical daily calorie budget in one meal. It is not a practical everyday choice for weight loss — the Famous Star at 660 calories is a more manageable option for calorie-conscious customers.
High protein: 42g of protein is respectable, but the Charbroiled Chicken Club Sandwich delivers 36g at just 550 calories — making it the more efficient protein choice per calorie on the Hardee’s menu. The Prime Rib Burger wins on total protein but not on protein-to-calorie efficiency.
How Does It Taste?
The brioche bun is soft and slightly enriched — it absorbs moisture from the au jus-dipped prime rib without falling apart, which is the right call for this build. A firmer bun would create textural competition with the filling; brioche stays out of the way and lets the beef carry the sandwich.
The charbroiled Angus patty at the base delivers the familiar Hardee’s open-flame flavor — slightly smoky crust, juicy interior. It is the foundation of the sandwich, not the star. The prime rib slices on top are noticeably different in texture: softer, with the grain of slow-roasted beef, and saturated with au jus flavor that reads more like a French dip sandwich than a conventional burger.
The garlic cheddar sauce is the most assertive element — creamy with a sharp garlic note that lingers. It works against the richness of the prime rib but can feel heavy if you are not expecting it. There are no pickles, no tomato, and no acid anywhere in the build, which means there is nothing to cut through the richness between bites.
Overall, this sandwich eats heavy and rich from start to finish. The grilled onions provide the only contrast — a mild sweetness that briefly interrupts the savory-fat register. If you enjoy beef-forward, sauce-heavy sandwiches with no vegetable balance, this delivers well. If you want something lighter or more varied in flavor, it is not the right order.
Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger vs Famous Star with Cheese
Most logical comparison — both are single-patty Angus beef burgers, but they represent opposite ends of the Hardee’s menu philosophy.
| Feature | Prime Rib Burger | Famous Star with Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Patties | Angus patty + prime rib slices | Single Angus patty |
| Calories | ~850 | 660 |
| Protein | ~42g | 28g |
| Price | $7.99–$9.49 | $5.49–$6.29 |
| Best For | Premium indulgence | Everyday balanced burger |
1. Which should most customers choose?
The Famous Star — it is more balanced, better value, and a more reliable everyday order. The Prime Rib Burger suits a specific craving, not a general visit.
2. Which delivers better value?
The Famous Star, clearly. It costs $2–$3 less and delivers a complete, satisfying sandwich. The Prime Rib Burger’s premium is justified by ingredient quality, not by a proportionally better eating experience for most customers.
3. Which is the larger burger?
The Prime Rib Burger — the addition of prime rib slices on top of the standard patty makes it a more substantial sandwich by volume. It also has 190 more calories and 14 more grams of protein.
4. Taste profile comparison (ingredient-based):
The Famous Star has a more complex flavor profile — Special Sauce, fresh vegetables, pickles, and beef create multiple distinct notes in each bite. The Prime Rib Burger has a simpler but more intense profile — two beef proteins, one assertive sauce, and grilled onions with no acidic or fresh vegetable contrast.
Is It Worth Ordering?
Pros:
- ✅ Genuinely unique — double beef concept not available elsewhere on the Hardee’s menu
- ✅ Strong protein content at 42g per sandwich
- ✅ Premium ingredient quality — prime rib dipped in au jus is a meaningful differentiation
- ✅ Garlic cheddar sauce adds real flavor complexity
Cons:
- ❌ Expensive for fast food at $7.99–$9.49
- ❌ High calorie and fat load — 850 calories before any sides
- ❌ Limited-time availability — not guaranteed at your location
- ❌ No vegetable balance — the flavor profile is one-dimensional for some palates
- ❌ Execution quality may vary by location
The Prime Rib Burger delivers what it promises for the right customer — a rich, beef-forward, premium sandwich with a flavor profile unlike anything else currently on the Hardee’s menu. The honest drawbacks are the price, the calorie load, and the limited-time availability risk. If you visit specifically for this burger and your location no longer carries it, the trip is wasted. Check availability before you go.
Who Should Order This Burger?
| If You Want… | Order This? |
|---|---|
| Most premium Hardee’s burger | ✅ Yes — nothing else on the menu compares |
| Best everyday burger | ❌ No — choose Famous Star instead |
| Highest protein | ⚠️ Monster Burger has 55g vs 42g here |
| Best value | ❌ No — Famous Star is $2–$3 cheaper |
| Most unique flavor | ✅ Yes — French dip style is distinctive |
| Keto / low carb | ⚠️ Order without bun — 50g carbs otherwise |
| Lighter meal | ❌ No — 850 calories is a heavy order |
The Prime Rib Burger is best suited for beef enthusiasts who want Hardee’s most upscale option and customers who enjoy rich, sauce-forward sandwiches. It is not the right choice for first-time visitors, value-focused customers, or anyone wanting a lighter or more balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger?
The Prime Rib Burger costs approximately $7.99–$9.49 for the burger alone at most locations. The combo with fries and a drink runs approximately $11.49–$13.49. My Rewards members received a $5.99 promotional app price at launch. Prices vary by location — confirm at hardees.com or the Hardee’s app.
How many calories are in the Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger?
Approximately 850 calories per sandwich based on NutriScan data — official Hardee’s nutritional figures are not currently published for this item. Check hardees.com/nutritional-info for updated official data. Adding fries and a drink to make a full combo pushes the meal total to approximately 1,550–1,700 calories.
What comes on the Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger?
The Prime Rib Burger includes a 100% Angus beef patty, prime rib slices dipped in signature au jus, garlic cheddar sauce, and grilled onions on a toasted brioche-style bun. It does not include lettuce, tomato, pickles, American cheese, or mayonnaise.
Is the Hardee’s Prime Rib Burger worth it?
For customers who want Hardee’s most premium burger and enjoy rich, beef-forward sandwiches, yes. For value-focused customers or anyone who prefers a balanced sandwich with vegetables, the Famous Star with Cheese is a better choice at $2–$3 less.
Is it bigger than the Famous Star?
Yes. The Prime Rib Burger adds prime rib slices on top of the standard Angus patty, making it larger by volume than the Famous Star. It also has approximately 190 more calories and 14 more grams of protein.
Is the Prime Rib Burger a limited-time item?
Yes. The Prime Rib Burger launched as part of Hardee’s “Prime Experience” limited-time lineup in April 2026. It is available at participating locations only. Confirm availability through the Hardee’s app or hardees.com before visiting.
Can I order it without the bun (keto)?
Yes. Ask for the Prime Rib Burger protein-style or no bun — it will be served wrapped in lettuce. This removes the brioche bun and reduces carbohydrates from approximately 50g down to roughly 8–10g, making it compatible with keto and low-carb diets.
Can I customize the Prime Rib Burger?
Standard condiment customizations apply — you can request to add or remove toppings. You cannot substitute the prime rib slices or garlic cheddar sauce for items outside the standard build. Some locations may allow addition of cheese or other toppings for an extra charge.
Final Verdict
Main strengths:
- ✅ Genuinely unique double beef concept — not available elsewhere on the menu
- ✅ Premium ingredient quality with au jus-dipped prime rib slices
- ✅ Strong protein content at 42g per sandwich
Main weaknesses:
- ❌ Expensive for fast food at $7.99–$9.49
- ❌ High calorie load — 850 calories before sides
- ❌ Limited-time availability — may not be at your location
- ❌ No vegetable balance — the flavor profile is one-dimensional for some palates
Who should order it: Customers who want Hardee’s most premium burger and enjoy rich, beef-forward sandwiches. Not for value-focused customers or anyone wanting a lighter meal.
