It's time to kick off your boots and hang up your hat. Unwind after a long day on the ranch with these hearty and delicious recipes!
38 Recipes You’d Find in a Dude Ranch Dining Hall
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Loaded Huevos Rancheros with Roasted Poblano Peppers
This is a unique but tasty version of huevos rancheros. It’s similar to a cowboy hash, as the potatoes take the place of the corn tortillas. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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2/38
Cowboy Casserole
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.
3/38
Ranch Beans
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is served at all of our barbecues. It seems most people who live here like spicy flavorful food, and this fits the bill just right.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 226 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 345mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein.
4/38
Easy Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted the recipe for these rich and creamy enchiladas from a cooking class I had a while back. —Janice Montiverdi, Sugar Land, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 1048 calories, 52g fat (23g saturated fat), 225mg cholesterol, 1979mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 67g protein.
5/38
Effortless Black Bean Chili
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom found the inspiration for this chili in a slow-cooker cookbook. After a few updates, all of us love it (even those of us who steer clear of beans). We think it's even better served over rice. —Amelia Gormley, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 242 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 868mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
6/38
Easy Cheese-Stuffed Jalapenos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A few years ago, I saw a man in the grocery store buying a big bag of jalapeno peppers. I asked him what he intended to do with them, and right there in the store he gave me this fabulous recipe for stuffed jalapenos! —Janice Montiverdi, Sugar Land, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 141 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
7/38
Skillet Mac & Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids always go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much.
—Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
—Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
8/38
Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I serve this creamy chicken casserole, it gets rave reviews. The recipe was passed down to me and is so good! It is really easy to make, freezes well and has just a touch of heat. If your family likes more heat, add some jalapenos! —Kendra Doss, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 329 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/38
Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandparents came from Mexico, and I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. This steak marinated in beer and lime juice honors their passion for cooking. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
10/38
Cowboy Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cookies are very popular here in Wyoming. Mix up a batch for your crew and see why. —Patsy Steenbock, Shoshoni, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 105 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
11/38
Chicken Chili with Black Beans
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Because it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 236 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
12/38
Fiery Stuffed Poblanos
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
13/38
Cowboy Beef Dip
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings (3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
In a foods class, a group of us developed this recipe for the North Dakota’s annual Beef Bash. We won the contest!—Jessica Klym, Killdeer, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 116 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
Hungry for more cowboy recipes? Learn how to make this hearty cowboy soup.
14/38
Easy Cheesy Loaded Grits
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tasty bowl of grits inspired me to develop my own recipe with sausage, green chiles and cheeses. It just might be better than the original. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 399 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
15/38
Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a one-pot meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It is one of my husband’s favorites and uses simple ingredients, so it’s been a go-to recipe in our house for years. —Janice Conklin, Stevensville, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 347 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1272mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
16/38
Oven-Fried Ranch Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made this recipe with chicken instead of beef, and the results were equally good. The combination of ranch salad dressing and cajun seasoning also is great as a dip for fresh veggies.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
17/38
Southwestern Hash with Eggs
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Before I retired, this all-in-one skillet dish was constantly requested at office brunches. I'd leave out the eggs, double or triple the recipe and wrap servings of the zippy pork mixture in warm corn tortillas. —Barbara Beasley, Beaumont, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 520 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 335mg cholesterol, 1104mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 49g protein.
18/38
Texas Sheet Cake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chocolaty delight was one of my favorites growing up. The Texas sheet cake is so moist and the icing so sweet that everyone who samples it wants a copy of the recipe. —Susan Ormond, Jamestown, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 418 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/38
Cowboy Spaghetti
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cowboy spaghetti starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, giving you plenty of hands-off time to prepare a salad, or a dessert for after dinner. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, transfer the spaghetti mixture to a 13×9-in. baking dish before putting it in the oven. —Kerry Whitaker, Carthage, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 303 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
20/38
Spicy Cowboy Beans
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These spicy cowboy beans are a perfect contribution to a potluck buffet any time of year. Instead of needing hours on the stove, they cook quickly in the pressure cooker and there’s no need to pre-soak the beans. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 245 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 1823mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 21g fiber), 15g protein.
21/38
Muffin-Tin Tamale Cakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all of the flavor of tamales without the fuss. Pair with skewered fruit. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 137 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
22/38
Pork Chile Verde
Total Time
6 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 345 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
23/38
Cowboy Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and creamy Tater Tot bake is great comfort food, especially on a cold night. —Donna Donhauser, Remsen, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 714 calories, 38g fat (15g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 1675mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
24/38
Chuck Wagon Tortilla Stack
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this skillet specialty on those night when I'm craving southwestern fare. It's easy to cut and remove the pieces from the pan. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 539 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1383mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 9g fiber), 30g protein.
25/38
Beef Enchiladas Verdes
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These beef enchiladas verdes are easy to make ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. After quickly cooking the tortillas in hot oil, I layer them between paper napkins to soak up excess oil. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 676 calories, 41g fat (19g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 1406mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein.
26/38
Cowboy Pasta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Cowboy Pasta recipe combines ground beef, bacon, corn, tangy buttermilk and Monterey Jack cheese for an easy but hearty weeknight dinner. Add more chili powder or a chopped jalapeno to give this delicious pasta dish more of a kick. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 333 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
27/38
Frito Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 718 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1719mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
28/38
Turkey and Black Bean Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This busy-day chili is packed with flavor. We make it ahead and freeze some to eat later. —Marisela Segovia, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 247 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
29/38
Macaroni Egg Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"This tasty dish proves you don't have to feed a crowd to enjoy that delicious picnic salad flavor," says Ruth Wimmer of Bland, Virginia. "Hard-cooked egg makes it nice and hearty."
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 246 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
30/38
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 342 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
31/38
Loaded Stuffed Potato Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make mashed potatoes, I always cook extra so I can prepare these over-the-top potato pancakes. Fill them with sour cream, ranch dressing or melted cheese—or all three. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 491 calories, 34g fat (12g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 987mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
32/38
Philly Cheesesteak
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesesteak, an iconic sandwich in Philly, is a bestseller at Pat's King of Steaks restaurant. Patrons praise its thinly cut beef and crusty Italian rolls. —Frank Olivieri, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without optional ingredeints or cheese): 714 calories, 49g fat (12g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
33/38
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 339 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
34/38
Cowboy Beans
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cowboy beans recipe is tradition 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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 340 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 12g fiber), 21g protein.
35/38
Corn Quesadilla
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My cheesy corn quesadillas take only minutes going from skillet to table. They make craveable leftovers for brown-bag lunches, so pack the salsa too. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3 wedges (calculated without guacamole): 380 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
36/38
Cowboy Stew
Total Time
30 min
Servings
11 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this cowboy stew in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Because it’s a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 469 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1256mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 28g protein.
37/38
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
38/38
White Turkey Chili
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's proof that chili doesn't have to be red. I combined several recipes and changed flavors until the recipe was just right. Trust me, this one is a keeper. —Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 250 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
