Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Cowboy Beans by Rhonda Lee Carver

 What was it like for cowboys back in the western times?


I'm guessing that when most people think of cowboys, they picture tall, rugged, tanned men with whiskers and brooding eyes in a wide-open pasture, dramatic sunsets, and horses. Thanks to western movies, shows, and romance novels, the "cowboy" has become a larger-than-life symbol for freedom, ruggedness, and mystery.

But what really was it like to be a cowboy back in the day?

The truth is, cowboys lived a harder, lonelier, less adventurous life than what legends are made of.

In a career where life was brutal and the work physically demanding, cowboys were so much more than leaning against a fence post and flashing a charming smile. They spent days herding cattle across miles of land through scorching heat, freezing rain, treacherous winds, and combating stubborn cattle. Many times, cowboys were hurt doing their day-to-day chores. Imagine spending nearly all day, every day, in a saddle. Eating simple meals. Sleeping on the ground. Dealing with snakes, stampedes, injured cattle, and dust so think it covered every inch of their bodies.

And the stink...

Bathing wasn't frequent. Clothes were dusty, worn, and smelly. Most cowboys were poor, earning small wages. It could be lonely, and only the toughest could endure the solitude.

So was there any romance at all?

There can be something undeniably amazing about endless skies, warm campfires, riding a horse at the speed of wind, and seeing the fruits of hard labor.

What do we find so appealing about cowboys?

Freedom. Rugged strength. Simple way of living. Honor. 


I want to share my recipe for "Rugged Cowboy Beans". Every time I make this, I get great reviews, and just like the life of a cowboy, it's simple and good.

You'll need:

(Ingredients can be adjusted for a larger, or smaller, crowd). What makes this recipe so easy? I never need to measure.

1 pound ground beef, browned
2-3 slices bacon, cooked (I like mine crispy)
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
Brown sugar (I use around 1/2 c)
1 large can, or two small cans, pork and beans (Remember, it's not about measuring)
Worscestershire sauce, 3-4 good dashes
Mustard, eyeball it
Ketchup, again, eyeball it
Barbecue Sauce, your fave, about a Tablespoon
Soy sauce, a splash
Garlic, use as much as you like
Salt and pepper
Hot sauce (optional)

Throw everything into a 13 x 9 in pan. Stir. Bake for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees. It's just that easy!!


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1 comment:

Julie Lence said...

Sounds delicious, Rhonda. Thank you so much for sharing. As to what draws me to the cowboy, I think it's a combination of everything you mentioned and watching too many John Wayne movies!

April 15, 2026 at 7:14 AM

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