Cooking like a Cowboy: Easy Western-Inspired Recipes for Beginners

by Beth Hendersons

With TV chefs like The Pioneer Woman, cowboy cooking is becoming increasingly popular. Not only are these classic recipes tasty, but they also inspire visions of eating around a campfire on a beautiful prairie. Whether you are cooking on the stove or by the campfire, these simple, rustic recipes have bold flavor and are perfect for beginners!

We’ve pulled together some of our favorite cowboy-inspired dishes you can easily make, even if you’re just starting your culinary journey.

1. Classic Cowboy Beans

Beans are a staple in Western cooking. They are easy to make and are very versatile.  Once you feel confident with the classic recipe, you can get creative by adding other vegetables, seasonings, and beans. This recipe, known as “cowboy caviar,” combines kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans with bacon, onions, and a touch of barbecue sauce. Cowboy beans can be served alone or with grilled meat and cornbread.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of kidney beans
  • 1 can of pinto beans
  • 1 can of black beans
  • 4 slices of bacon
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet or crockpot (medium-high heat), cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and chop into small pieces.
  2. In the same pan, sauté the onion until it becomes fragrant and translucent.
  3. Rinse and drain the beans before adding them to the onions.
  4. Add barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and bacon.
  5. Stir everything together and simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you are using a crockpot, turn the temperature down to hold before serving. 
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Cowboy Breakfast Skillet

Skillets are a great way to get creative in the kitchen. You can combine a wide variety of vegetables and meat with eggs for a fantastic breakfast. This version combines eggs, meat, and potatoes. The cowboy breakfast skillet is a great option for feeding a large group!

Ingredients:

  • 2 large potatoes, diced
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 pound of sausage, bacon, or chorizo
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • Additional vegetables, tomatoes, jalapeno, etc. (optional)
  • Sprinkle of cheese (optional)
  • Salsa (optional)
  • Hot Sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, brown your selected meat. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the diced potatoes and cook until golden and crispy.
  3. Add the onion and bell pepper (and other optional vegetables), cooking until softened.
  4. Return the sausage to the skillet, and then crack the eggs over the mixture.
  5. Turn down heat to medium.
  6. Cover and cook until the eggs are set to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Chuckwagon Chili

Chili is a classic cowboy recipe. It’s easy to make on the stove or over a campfire with minimal ingredients. Chuckwagon chili was named after the food wagons used during cattle drives. It’s a one-pot meal that combines beef, beans, and spices for a comforting meal and is perfect for large groups. Pair it with cornbread for a tasty meal!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can of kidney beans
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef.
  2. Drain grease.
  3. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  4. Stir in the chili powder and cumin, and cook for another minute.
  5. Add the beans, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the chili for about 30 minutes.
  6. Serve with optional sour cream and shredded cheese.

Whether you're making cowboy beans, a cowboy breakfast skillet, or a pot of chuckwagon chili, these recipes are a perfect introduction to cowboy cooking. They are easy, taste great, and are perfect for large groups. Time to grab your apron, turn on your stove, and start cooking like a cowboy!

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