Cowboy Food

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Hearty cowboy-style dish featuring ground beef, fresh tomatoes, beans, and bold flavors, perfect for a filling family meal or casual gathering.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 medium fresh tomatoes
  • 2 cans Ranch Style beans
  • water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic.
  2. Chop fresh tomatoes and add them to the meat, cook until soft.
  3. Add Ranch Style beans and enough water to prevent sticking.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for about 1 hour.
  5. Serve hot over rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using a blend of spices such as cumin or chili powder. If you want to make this dish a bit healthier, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. Also, using canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh can save prep time while still providing flavor. This dish pairs well with the flavors in Linda G'S Goulash for a hearty meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cowboy Food hot over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the flavors. You can also accompany it with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. This dish is great for potlucks or family gatherings, making it a perfect choice for gatherings where hearty comfort food is desired.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the Cowboy Food in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cowboy Food contains roughly 397 calories, with 15g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 682mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

397 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.8g 30% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 80.1g 29% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 7g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 681.7mg 30% DV
Potassium 1063.7mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 88.6mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 94.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 388.2mg 30% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cowboy Food ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat it before serving, and consider making a larger batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

What can I use instead of Ranch Style beans?

If you can't find Ranch Style beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans or black beans. Both options will provide a similar texture and flavor profile, ensuring your Cowboy Food remains delicious. Just make sure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe as written is not spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level. If you enjoy spice, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Alternatively, serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a little kick.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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