15-Minute Cowboy Steak and Roast Seasoning Rub

Total: 5 min2 servingsmediumAmerican
Cowboy Steak and Roast Seasoning Rub with Paprika and Herbs

This bold seasoning blend combines sweet paprika, thyme, and aromatic spices to create an authentic cowboy-style rub perfect for steaks and roasts. The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs delivers a robust, smoky flavor that enhances beef's natural taste. Simply press the rub onto your meat before grilling, pan-broiling, or roasting for restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
    smoked paprika1:1smoky

    adds smokiness

    Full guide →
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme leaves
    fresh thyme3:1fresh

    use 3x more fresh

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    fresh garlic1 tsp:3 clovesfresh

    minced finely

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt(optional)
    kosher salt1:1texture

    coarser grains

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine all ingredients in small bowl

  2. 2

    Press seasoning mixture evenly onto beef steak or roast

  3. 3

    Grill, pan-broil or broil steaks according to preferred method

  4. 4

    For roasts, place in oven and cook according to standard charts

  5. 5

    Cook beef to medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness

Tips

Tip 1

Press the rub firmly into the meat surface to ensure good adhesion and maximum flavor penetration during cooking

Tip 2

Let seasoned meat rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow flavors to meld

Tip 3

Store leftover rub in an airtight container for up to 6 months

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months

Make Ahead

Can be mixed weeks ahead and stored in sealed container

Serve With

Apply rub just before cooking or up to 2 hours ahead

Common Mistakes

Watch

Press rub firmly to avoid seasoning falling off during cooking

Watch

Don't over-salt if using salted butter or marinades with the meat

Substitutions

sweet paprika
smoked paprika1:1smoky

adds smokiness

Full guide →
salt
kosher salt1:1texture

coarser grains

Full guide →
dried thyme
fresh thyme3:1fresh

use 3x more fresh

Full guide →
garlic powder
fresh garlic1 tsp:3 clovesfresh

minced finely

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use this rub on other meats besides beef?

Yes, this versatile rub works well on pork chops, chicken, and lamb. Adjust cooking times and temperatures according to the specific meat type.

How long can I leave the rub on meat before cooking?

For best results, apply 15-30 minutes before cooking. You can leave it up to 2 hours, but longer may make the meat too salty.

Can I make a larger batch of this rub?

Absolutely! Double or triple the recipe and store in an airtight container. The proportions scale perfectly for larger batches.