A cowboy steak is a thick, bone-in ribeye with about a 5-inch (13 cm) “handle” of bone left intact for an impressive look. Most butchers french-trim that bone, so it looks extra clean and dramatic on the plate, but you’ll also see versions where the bone is left a bit rough or only partly cleaned up.
Because it’s always cut between the ribs to keep that bone intact, a cowboy steak is usually thicker than a standard boneless ribeye – you won’t see it cut by butcher thin. You also get a little extra meat tucked between the bone and the eye of the rib (longissimus dorsi muscle).
Flavor-wise, cowboy steak is the same as any bone-in or bone-less ribeye: tender, juicy, and packed with rich, beefy goodness.
Why is it Called a Cowboy Steak?
“Cowboy steak” was a name for big cuts like the porterhouse, strip, or ribeye. These days, it’s mostly used for a bone-in ribeye with a short bone, usually around 5 inches (13 cm) long. Some people like the name for its rustic, old-school vibe, while others think it’s just a clever way to market a bone-in ribeye. Either way, whether you call it a cowboy steak or a bone-in ribeye, it looks impressive on the plate – and since it’s a ribeye, you know it will taste amazing.
Where Does Cowboy Steak Come From?
A cowboy steak is a bone-in ribeye that comes from the rib primal of a cow. What makes it different from a regular ribeye is the extra-long bone, measuring up to 5 inches (13 cm) long.
How Big is a Cowboy Steak?
Cowboy steak is big, no doubt about it. It is typically 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) thick and weighs between 15 and 40 ounces (425 to 1133 grams). The exact size depends on the cow and how the butcher cuts it, but one thing’s certain – it’s one of the biggest steaks you’ll find.
Is Cowboy Steak the Same as Tomahawk Steak?
Cowboy steak and tomahawk steak are the same cut of beef, a ribeye with the bone in, but the difference comes down to how they’re butchered. A cowboy steak has a shorter bone, usually around 5 inches (13 cm) long, while the tomahawk steak keeps the bone much longer, giving it that dramatic, axe-like look. Other than that, the muscle content in both cuts is the same. It’s interesting how just the length of a bone can change the whole look of a steak – proof that presentation does make a big difference when it comes to how we experience food.
Where to Buy Cowboy Steak?
You can buy cowboy steak at local butcher shops or occasionally at grocery stores. But if you’re looking for something higher quality, online butcher shops are your best option. For example, stores like Snake River Farms, DeBragga, and Grand Western Steaks offer an excellent selection of premium cowboy steaks, including harder-to-find cuts. They’ll ship your steak right to your door, wherever you live.
Shopping online makes it easy to compare prices, making it the best choice for finding quality beef at competitive prices, which is why I’d recommend going that route if you are looking for something special.
Is Cowboy Steak Expensive?
Yeah, cowboy steak is expensive. It’s one of the more expensive cuts of beef you can buy – usually costing more than a boneless ribeye. The funny thing, though, is it’s generally cheaper than a tomahawk steak, even though they’re the same cut. Why the price difference? That extra-long bone on the tomahawk makes it look fancier, and restaurants know people will pay more for that impressive presentation.
Why is Cowboy Steak So Expensive?
Cowboy steak does need a bit more work from the butcher, especially trimming and shaping that bone just right. But honestly, that’s not the main reason. What drives the price up is the hype around it. People love how impressive cowboy steak looks when served, and at a steakhouse, you’re paying for more than just the meat. You’re paying for the whole experience: having fun and sharing memories with friends and family. That’s exactly why restaurants love serving cowboy steaks and why they’re able to charge premium prices for them.
Is a Cowboy Steak Worth It?
If someone asked me to choose between a boneless ribeye and a cowboy steak for a regular dinner, I’d probably stick with the boneless ribeye. It tastes the same, and it’s cheaper. But for a special dinner with friends? I’d go for the cowboy steak. Sure, it’s pricier, but sometimes spending a bit more is worth it to make the meal more memorable.
The cowboy steak and the boneless ribeye are the same cut of beef with the same flavor. The main difference is just how they look on your plate. So the real question is: are you willing to pay extra for a steak that looks more impressive? If your answer is yes, then the cowboy steak is worth it.
The Bottom Line
Cowboy steak is just a bone-in ribeye – everyone loves ribeye because it’s tender and flavorful. The frenched bone makes a cowboy steak special, giving it a more impressive look on the plate. But if you’re all about taste and don’t care about the steak’s look, stick to a regular ribeye because it’s cheaper. The extra cost for a cowboy steak is mostly about presentation. Flavor-wise, there’s no real difference between a cowboy steak and a boneless ribeye; they’re the same piece of beef, just cut differently by the butcher.