15 Recipes Fit for a Cowboy

Whether you spend time on a ranch, are a fan of old Westerns or have been playing country music albums on repeat, you might have cowboys on the brain. Try one of these recipes – many of which offer meaty, Tex-Mex flavors – that seem to have been made with cowboys in mind. From Cowboy Cookies, which are as sweet as they are energy-packed, to easy-sipping Ranch Water, you don’t have to be a cowboy to get a taste of the West.

Start with Cowboy Caviar. You can thank Oklahoma for this easy, bright and tangy salad. It’s made with one of the state’s staple crops, black-eyed peas – or cowpeas as some in the “Sooner State” like to say. With bursts of corn, tomato and pepper, it's a salad that can be served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for a picnic or tailgate party.

Ree’s recipe for a big pot of beans is a little sweet, a little spicy and a lot satisfying. This “classic cowboy side” is made with a bit of bacon for heft, and chili powder for some zip and color. A generous helping of these thickly sauced pinto beans will keep you powered through the day.

This simple drink traces its roots to Austin though there are several stories claiming its exact origins. Just stir together tequila blanco and fresh lime juice, then top with sparkling mineral water for an ultra-refreshing drink, especially on a hot day.

Butter requires very little to make it taste delicious, but in this recipe, the herbs, garlic and chile take it over the top. You can use Ree’s Cowboy Butter for mashed potatoes, or spread it on freshly baked bread.