Cowboy Steak

Thick-cut cowboy steak is the best treat for any steak lover! With a delicious combination of seasonings and the right cooking method, you'll be able to create a perfectly cooked steak that's full of flavor. Enjoy your cowboy cut steak with your favorite sides and condiments for an unforgettable meal! 

There are so many ways you can cook your cowboy steaks. Everyone has their preference, but you can't beat a reverse-seared steak. It's the perfect method for cooking a thick cowboy cut steak! The inside of your cowboy steak will be cooked to your desired doneness, while the outside will become perfectly caramelized. 

Then when seasoned with the right blend of herbs – this steak is truly delicious! The result is an incredibly juicy steak bursting with flavor every time. Seriously, this is going to be your new go-to cowboy steak recipe!

What is a Cowboy Steak?

Cowboy steak is cut from the beef ribeye roast. It's often one to two inches thick, making it a popular choice for oven cooking and grilling. The thickness of the steak ensures it stays juicy and tender while also allowing the exterior to become nicely browned. 

Also known as a bone-in ribeye steak, this cut has great marbling and intense beefy flavor. The rib bone also adds to the steak's overall taste – giving it an extra boost of deliciousness when cooked.

Why You'll Love Cowboy Ribeye Steak

• An impressive cut of beef. You can't deny a thick cut of steak looks great on the plate. But there's more to this cut than just looks. Rugged cowboy steaks boast an intense flavor and are perfect for a special occasion.
• So delicious. Combining herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and butter makes for one of the most mouthwatering steaks you'll ever have! The beefy flavor, juicy texture, and tenderness make this steak stand out from the rest.
• Easy to cook. Don't let the sheer size of this steak intimidate you! Reverse searing is the easiest, most hands-off steak cooking method! The result is a perfect reverse sear cowboy steak that rivals even the best steakhouse.

Ingredients For Cowboy Rib Steak

• Bone-in rib-eye steaks 
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Garlic
• Grown black pepper
• Salt

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

Instructions For Cowboys Ribeye Steaks

1. Preheat oven to 450ºF.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe cooling rack in it.
3. Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
4. Place the steaks on the cooling rack in the sheet tray. Put in the preheated oven.
5. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the steak registers 125ºF.
6. Heat a cast iron skillet (or another oven-proof skillet) over medium-high heat.
7. Place steak in the hot cast-iron skillet, adding the butter, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and garlic cloves.
8. Sear the steak on all sides, basting periodically with the butter. This should take about 2 minutes per side.
9. Cook until medium-rare, 135ºF.

How to Tell When Cowboy Ribeye Steaks Are Cooked

The best way to tell when any cut of meat is done is by checking the internal temperature of the steak. You can do this with an instant-read thermometer. 

I have a handy meat temperature chart you can print out and keep in your kitchen. This will help you ensure your steak is cooked to perfection every time!

But for reference, here are the internal temperatures for each steak doneness level:

• Rare: 125°F
• Medium-Rare: 130/135°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Well Done: 160°F

Methods For Cooking Cowboy Cut Steak

The reverse sear method is my tried and true for cooking thick-cut steaks, like a cowboy ribeye. The steak always turns out juicy and perfectly cooked to your desired doneness. 

However, there are a few other methods to try when cooking cowboy steak:

• Grilling (indirect heat method): To get a nice char while still cooking the steak, you can grill the steak. You can use a charcoal or gas grill for this method. Sear each side of your steak for 4-5 minutes, and then move it away from the direct heat and cover the grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to check the correct temperature has been reached.
• Sous Vide: If you have a sous vide machine, then this is a brilliant way to cook your cowboy steak. This method uses a water bath to cook the steak for around 2 hours at a low and consistent temperature. Then you can finish off your steak with a quick hot sear for a nice crust.

Always take your cowboy steak out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the steak to come to room temperature and cook more evenly.

The Best Sides for Cowboy Steak

So many sides go perfectly with a cowboy steak. There really is no wrong way to go with this! Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Steakhouse mashed potatoes
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted brown sugar carrots
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Roast garlic
• Grilled asparagus
• Herb roasted potatoes
• Steak herb butter
• Crispy potato wedges
• Pretzel bites and beer cheese sauce

Choose your favorite sides to create the perfect steak dinner for you and your family!