This Pioneer Woman Rib Eye Steaks with Cowboy Butter Recipe is a juicy and flavorful recipe, which is made with thick-cut rib eye steaks and a zesty Cowboy Butter. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 25 minutes.
Jump to RecipePioneer Woman Rib Eye Steaks with Cowboy Butter Recipe Ingredients
For the Cowboy Butter:
- 2 sticks salted butter, softened (1 cup)
- 1/3 cup finely minced fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- A pinch of coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt, optional
For the Steaks:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 rib eye steaks, 2 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons butter
How To Make Pioneer Woman Rib Eye Steaks with Cowboy Butter Recipe
- Make the Cowboy Butter: In a bowl, whip the softened butter with a mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Add the parsley, red pepper flakes, black pepper, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is fully combined.
- Form and chill the butter: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your counter. Scrape the butter mixture into the center and shape it into a log. Roll the plastic wrap around the butter, twisting the ends tightly to seal. Refrigerate until firm.
- Prep the oven and steaks: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Generously season both sides of the rib eye steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the steaks: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is very hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan and sear for 45 seconds on each side until a brown crust forms.
- Finish in the oven: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Cook for about 3 minutes for a medium-rare steak, or longer depending on your desired doneness.
- Serve with butter: Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice the chilled Cowboy Butter into thick rounds and place a slice on each hot steak, allowing it to melt over the top.

Recipe Tips
- How do I get a perfect crust on my steak? The key is high heat. Make sure your skillet is very hot before you add the steaks. This creates a beautiful, deep-brown crust and helps seal in the juices.
- Why is a thick-cut steak better? A steak that is at least 2 inches thick allows you to get that great sear on the outside without overcooking the inside. Thinner steaks tend to cook through too quickly and can become dry.
- What’s the best way to ensure the steak cooks evenly? Searing first and then finishing in the oven is a classic restaurant technique. The initial sear provides the crust, while the oven’s consistent heat cooks the steak evenly from edge to center.
- Why does the Cowboy Butter need to be chilled? Chilling the butter until it’s firm makes it easy to slice into neat pats. When you place a cold slice on the hot steak, it melts slowly, creating a delicious sauce.
What To Serve With Rib Eye Steaks
This rich steak and butter pairing goes perfectly with classic steakhouse sides. We suggest:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- A crisp wedge salad with blue cheese dressing
- Sautéed mushrooms and onions
How To Store Rib Eye Steaks and Cowboy Butter
Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The Cowboy Butter can be stored in its plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freeze: The Cowboy Butter log can be frozen for up to 3 months. Leftover cooked steak is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if necessary, though the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Rib Eye Steaks with Cowboy Butter Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I cook the steak on a grill instead?
How do I know when my steak is medium-rare without cutting into it?
Can I make the Cowboy Butter ahead of time?
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman London Broil Marinade Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Salisbury Steak Recipe
Pioneer Woman Rib Eye Steaks with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes300
kcalA perfectly seared rib eye steak topped with a zesty, melting garlic-herb butter.
Ingredients
- For the Cowboy Butter:
2 sticks salted butter, softened
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Pinch of black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon & juice of 1/2 lemon
- For the Steaks:
4 rib eye steaks, 2 inches thick
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Whip softened butter with parsley, pepper flakes, garlic, and lemon to make Cowboy Butter.
- Roll butter into a log using plastic wrap and chill until firm.
- Preheat oven to 475°F. Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear steaks in a hot, ovenproof skillet with butter for 45 seconds per side.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and cook for 3 minutes for medium-rare.
- Let steaks rest for 5 minutes, then top with a slice of Cowboy Butter to serve.
Notes
- Use a thick, 2-inch cut of steak for a juicy interior and a perfect sear.
- Ensure your skillet is very hot before searing to get a deep, golden-brown crust.
- Finishing the steaks in the oven ensures they cook evenly without burning the outside.
- Soften the butter for the “Cowboy Butter” to room temperature for a smooth, well-blended texture.
