This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love. Read the full disclosure here
Cowboys were known for their rugged lifestyles, long days on the trail, and simple, hearty meals that could be cooked over an open fire. These cowboy recipes reflect the resourcefulness and flavor of those days, with dishes that are hearty, satisfying, and full of down-to-earth charm.
Whether you’re looking to relive the days of the Old West or just want a taste of traditional cowboy cooking, these 27 cowboy recipes will transport you back to the days of cattle drives, campfires, and open ranges.
Cowboy Stew
Cowboy stew is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground beef, beans, potatoes, and vegetables.
This filling stew was a staple for cowboys on the trail, providing them with the energy they needed for long days of work.
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread was a favorite among cowboys, baked in cast iron skillets over an open flame. This classic cowboy recipe is slightly sweet, golden on the outside, and soft on the inside, perfect for serving alongside stew or chili.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cowboy Beans
Cowboy beans are a savory mix of pinto beans, bacon, and spices, simmered to perfection. This dish is often served as a side, but it’s filling enough to be a meal on its own, packed with rich flavors and smoky notes.
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak is a Southern classic that was popular among cowboys for its crispy coating and tender meat. This dish involves breading and frying beef steak, then serving it with creamy gravy, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Cowboy Chili
Cowboy chili is a rich and robust dish made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and plenty of spices. Perfect for warming up on chilly nights, this chili is a campfire favorite that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Dutch Oven Pot Roast
Cooked in a Dutch oven, this pot roast is a slow-cooked meal that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Cowboys would often prepare this dish with whatever meat and vegetables they had on hand, resulting in a rustic, comforting meal.
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy caviar is a zesty and fresh salad made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and peppers. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it the perfect side for any cowboy meal or a healthy snack on the go.
Campfire Biscuits
Campfire biscuits are fluffy, golden, and perfect for baking over an open flame. These simple biscuits were a cowboy staple, often served with gravy or slathered in butter and honey for a satisfying start to the day.
Sourdough Pancakes
Sourdough pancakes were a breakfast favorite among cowboys, made with sourdough starter for a tangy flavor. These pancakes are light, fluffy, and perfect for drizzling with syrup or topping with fruit for a hearty morning meal.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cowboy Coffee
Cowboys often brewed their coffee over an open fire, creating a strong, bold flavor that helped them power through long days. This simple, no-frills coffee is brewed in a pot over the fire and served black, just the way cowboys liked it.
Cowboy Baked Beans
Cowboy baked beans are cooked low and slow with molasses, brown sugar, and bacon for a sweet and savory flavor. This dish is perfect for campfire cookouts or backyard barbecues, offering a hearty side that pairs well with grilled meats.
Campfire Potatoes
Campfire potatoes are sliced and cooked with butter, onions, and seasonings in foil packets over the fire. These potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, making them a favorite for outdoor cooking.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Chuckwagon Beef and Beans
Chuckwagon beef and beans is a one-pot meal combining tender beef, beans, and smoky spices. This dish was often cooked by chuckwagon chefs during cattle drives, providing cowboys with a protein-packed, energy-boosting meal.
Cowboy Quesadillas
Cowboys on the trail would often whip up quick meals with tortillas and whatever ingredients they had on hand. These cowboy quesadillas are filled with beef, cheese, and beans for a simple yet delicious meal.
Grilled Cowboy Steaks
Grilled cowboy steaks are thick, juicy cuts of beef cooked over an open flame for a smoky, charred flavor. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a cowboy-style cookout, served with your favorite sides.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cowboy Meatloaf
This hearty cowboy meatloaf is made with ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, and a rich tomato glaze. It’s a filling dish that’s perfect for a family meal or feeding a hungry crowd after a long day.
Campfire Sausages
Campfire sausages are grilled directly over the fire for a smoky, savory flavor. They’re a simple and quick option for a cowboy breakfast or dinner, served with a side of eggs or beans.
Cowboy Breakfast Skillet
The cowboy breakfast skillet is a hearty dish made with eggs, potatoes, bacon, and cheese cooked together in a cast iron skillet. This meal provides the energy needed for a busy day on the range and is perfect for starting any day off right.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
Dutch oven peach cobbler is a sweet, fruity dessert cooked over the fire with fresh peaches and a simple biscuit topping. This classic cowboy dessert is comforting and delicious, perfect for enjoying under the stars after a long day.
Cowboy Shepherd’s Pie
Cowboy shepherd’s pie is a twist on the classic dish, with layers of seasoned beef, beans, and mashed potatoes. This satisfying dish is easy to prepare in a cast iron skillet and makes a great one-pot meal.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Barbecue Cowboy Ribs
These barbecue cowboy ribs are slow-cooked until tender and slathered in a smoky, tangy sauce. Perfect for cookouts, these ribs are full of bold flavors that will transport you straight to the open range.
Cowboy Crack Dip
Cowboy crack dip is a cheesy, savory dip made with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning. This dip is the perfect appetizer for a cowboy-style gathering, served with chips or crackers.
Campfire Corn on the Cob
Campfire corn on the cob is grilled over the fire and slathered with butter and seasoning for a smoky, sweet flavor. This simple side dish is a favorite for outdoor cooking and pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cowboy Pork Chops
Cowboy pork chops are seasoned with spices and grilled to perfection over an open flame. These flavorful chops are hearty and satisfying, perfect for any cowboy-inspired dinner.
Cast Iron Apple Pie
Cowboys often made pies over the fire using cast iron skillets, and this apple pie is a delicious nod to that tradition. With a flaky crust and sweet apple filling, it’s the perfect dessert after a hearty cowboy meal.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
This cowboy cornbread casserole combines layers of cornbread, beef, and cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a one-pan dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Campfire S’mores
No cowboy meal is complete without classic campfire s’mores, made by roasting marshmallows and sandwiching them with chocolate between graham crackers. This sweet treat is a favorite among campers and cowboys alike, offering the perfect ending to any outdoor meal.
More from Bullock’s Buzz
- 8 Irresistible Desserts That Will Make Your Taste Buds Sing!
- The 15 Candies Kids Hate Getting on Halloween
- 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Your First Massage
- Understanding the Divorce Process: 6 Legal Facts Worth Knowing
- Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Big Day
Like Bullock’s Buzz’s content? Follow us on MSN.