Wrangle up your loved ones for cowboy dinners. These hearty, rustic recipes are inspired by campfire cooking, life out on the range and good, simple ingredients.
Find Your Home on the Range with These Cowboy Dinners
Updated on Oct. 01, 2024
Cowboy Calico Beans
This is a tradition at the table when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls’ weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin. You can make a copycat of Trader Joe’s Cowboy Bark with just a few ingredients in no time.
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Cowboy Cornbread
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cornbread is richer and sweeter than others I’ve tried. It's especially delicious alongside ham and beans. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 345 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
If you’re looking for more bread recipes, here’s our cowboy bread recipe that will remind you of your school.
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Lone Star Pot Roast
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pot roast becomes especially delicious with the addition of chopped green chiles and taco seasoning. —Helen Carpenter, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 352 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 594mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
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Skillet Pork Chops
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays after the grandkids have gone home and we're too tired to prepare a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 390 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
Also try this cowboy chicken has the spicy, smoky flavors of the Old West. It’s a quick, one-skillet dinner for ranchers—or a hungry family.
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Potato-Sausage Foil Packs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We had these smoky campfire bundles at a friend's house for dinner and loved the simplicity of this great summer meal. Now we often make it for summer weeknight dinners. —Alissa Keith, Forest, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 344 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 990mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.
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Campfire Hash
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In our area we are able to camp almost all year-round. My family invented this recipe using ingredients we all love so we could enjoy them on the campfire. This hearty meal tastes so good after a full day of outdoor activities. —Janet Danilow, Winkleman, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 535 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1097mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein.
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Sweet Horseradish Glazed Ribs
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like to prep ahead of camping, roast these ribs, wrap them and finish with a sweet, savory sauce at your campfire or grill. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 690 calories, 42g fat (15g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 45g protein.
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Southwest Corn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law came up with this corn skillet dish one night for dinner. Everyone who tries it absolutely loves it! —Chandy Ward, Aumsville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 104 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Southwestern Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole for years. It tastes wonderful and fits nicely into our budget. Best of all, the recipe makes a second casserole to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 321 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
10/36
Texas Beef Barbecue
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A boneless beef roast simmers for hours in a slightly sweet sauce before it's shredded and tucked into rolls to make hearty sandwiches. This is a family favorite. —Jennifer Bauer, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
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Chicken Corn Fritters
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always loved corn fritters, but they weren't satisfying as a main dish. I came up with this recipe and was thrilled when my husband and our three young boys gave it rave reviews. The chicken and zesty sauce make these a wonderful brunch or lunch entree.
-Marie Greene, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter: 254 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
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Grilled Marinated Ribeyes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 570 calories, 40g fat (15g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein.
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Skillet Herb Bread
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We had a lot of family get-togethers while I was growing up. My grandmother, aunts and mom were all good cooks, and each had her own specialty when it came to bread. Mom's was my favorite—she created this recipe more than 40 years ago. The flavors call to mind the taste of cornbread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 275 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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Ranchero Supper
Total Time
15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty dish is fast and easy to fix after a busy workday. We like to use hickory and bacon baked beans and serve it with fruit or a green salad for a complete meal. —Karen Roberts, Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 511 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 30g protein.
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Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My rich and hearty chili is made with flavorful beef and ranch-style beans. It’s then layered with creamy cheese and fluffy cornbread for a comforting potluck meal. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 428 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Milk-Can Supper
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a slow-cooked version of a campfire classic. Pioneers and cowboys would cook this meal over a milk can on an open fire, letting the flavors and textures blend together. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 457 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 967mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
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Campers’ Coleslaw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crispy and crunchy, this old family slaw recipe makes a refreshing side dish for picnics and parties. —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 122 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
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Pigeon River Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a picnic on the Pigeon River, we made chicken marinated in yogurt with a touch of cayenne. It’s delectable warm or cold. —Lib Jicha, Waynesville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 608 calories, 42g fat (7g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1031mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
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Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this grilled salad that comes with its own fireworks. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Western Beef and Cornmeal Pie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With this hearty main dish recipe, the bread is baked right in the casserole. The meal covers all four food groups, and it's a guaranteed family pleaser. —Darlene Alexander, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 452 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1195mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
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Country Ham and Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Browned potatoes are a simple but perfect side for country ham. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad and dinner’s done. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 261 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1337mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
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Southern Dressing
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up, we didn’t have turkey. We had chicken, chopped and baked in my grandmother’s dressing. Now we leave out the chicken and keep the cornbread dressing. —Suzanne Mohme, Bastrop, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 236 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 969mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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Barbecue Pork Chops in the Oven
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother has fixed this recipe for years and now I prepare it for my family. The chops are delicious with scalloped potatoes and home-baked bread. —Teresa King, Whittier, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 359 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
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Cowboy Chili
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Toasting the peppers for this cowboy chili releases their earthy flavors. I recommend wearing gloves when handling dried peppers and seeds. —Rachel Sprinkel, Hilo, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Chicken and Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch hearken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
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Italian Pasta Bake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to make this pasta bake whenever I need to bring a dish to pass. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch that's missing from most other meat, pasta and tomato casseroles.—Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 489 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein.
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Turkey Biscuit Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother always made this skillet while we were growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I use the small-size biscuits because the larger ones don't seem to brown up as nicely on the top. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 319 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
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Stuffed Peppers with Cheese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my favorite summertime supper because I can use peppers and tomatoes fresh from my garden.—Betty DeRoad, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 419 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
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Skillet Potatoes with Red Pepper and Whole Garlic Cloves
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be surprised that a skillet potato recipe this simple has so much flavor. I love how the whole garlic cloves turn sweet after being caramelized. Yum! —Anita Osborne, Thomasburg, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Pinwheel Steak Potpie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you can get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on top has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 365 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 716mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
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Classic Texas Caviar
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this texas caviar from one in a cookbook I received a long time ago, and now, I can’t imagine a get-together at my house without this quick and healthy appetizer. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 68 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Fiesta Beef & Cheese Skillet Cobbler
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I tweaked my beefy skillet cobbler until it achieved the wow factor. It's now a family tradition. Top it off with lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 373 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
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Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I served this at my son’s graduation party and kept it warm in a slow cooker after roasting it in the oven. The pork is superb by itself or piled high on rolls.
For a classic combo, serve it with warm biscuits and coleslaw. —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup pork mixture: 372 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 466mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
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Double Jack Mac
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy mac and cheese recipe came about when I asked my two sisters what they would like to add to mac and cheese to make it special. One said pepper jack cheese and the other said black beans. I liked both of the ideas and this is the result. The black beans add color and nutrition. The pepper jack cheese adds zip and fun. —Andrea Johnson, Freeport, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 837 calories, 41g fat (24g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 1283mg sodium, 79g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
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Ravin’ Good Stew
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This stew is loaded with ingredients. It's sure to fill up the kids before they head out trick-or-treating, and the family enjoys it all season long! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California
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Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sausage with 1 cup vegetables: 362 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
