Name: Cowboy Butter Arayes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs Ground Beef; 2 tbsp Cowboy Butter Rub; 1 tbsp Ground Cumin; ¼ cup Parsley; ¼ cup Cilantro; ½ Yellow Onion; 4 Garlic Cloves; 2 Jalapenos; 5-6 Whole Pita Bread; 2 sticks Unsalted Butter, melted; 2 tbsp Minced Garlic; 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 1.5 tbsp Chopped Parsley; 2 tsp Red Chili Flakes; 1 tsp Cayenne Powder; 1 tsp Lemon Juice

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 58 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a bold twist on traditional Middle Eastern street food, then you absolutely need to try this Cowboy Butter Arayes Recipe. Imagine juicy, spiced ground beef stuffed inside warm pita pockets, then grilled to perfection and generously basted with a garlicky, herby, and spicy cowboy butter that elevates every bite. This recipe marries American flavors with Lebanese roots in a way that’s irresistibly delicious and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a lively get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several layers of ingredients for mixing. The bottom layer consists of pink ground meat, topped with a thick layer of chopped green herbs. Above the herbs, an even layer of finely chopped white onions covers the mixture. The top layer is golden-brown spice powder being poured from a small jar held by a woman's hand. In the next image, a person's hand wearing a black glove is seen mixing the layers together, combining the pink, green, white, and brown ingredients inside the glass bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to nailing this Cowboy Butter Arayes Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—fresh herbs brighten the meat, spices add depth, and the cowboy butter brings that unforgettable punch of flavor and texture.

2 lbs Ground Beef: Choose a good quality, slightly fatty beef for juicy and flavorful arayes.
2 tbsp Cowboy Butter Rub: This special seasoning blend infuses the meat with robust, smoky, and spicy notes.
1 tbsp Ground Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones that perfectly complement the beef.
¼ cup Parsley: Fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a refreshing herbal finish.
¼ cup Cilantro: Provides a zesty green contrast that livens up the mix.
½ Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the filling.
4 Garlic Cloves: Essential for that signature garlicky punch in both the meat and butter.
2 Jalapenos: Give the arayes a spicy kick but can be adjusted to your heat preference.
5-6 Whole Pita Bread: Perfect pockets for stuffing the flavorful filling.
2 sticks Unsalted Butter (melted): The base of your cowboy butter, rich and creamy.
2 tbsp Minced Garlic: Intensifies the buttery sauce with fresh garlic aroma.
2 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and depth to the cowboy butter.
1.5 tbsp Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley in the butter keeps the herbal theme consistent.
2 tsp Red Chili Flakes: Adds heat and lively color to the butter sauce.
1 tsp Cayenne Powder: A smoky heat enhancer to keep things spicy and exciting.
1 tsp Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the richness of the butter.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Arayes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

Start by tossing the parsley, cilantro, onion, and jalapenos into your blender. Pulse until you achieve a chunky texture—think fresh and coarse, not a puree. Squeeze the mixture with a paper towel to remove excess water; this step is crucial for preventing soggy meat filling. Next, combine the freshly blended herbs and vegetables with the ground beef, cowboy butter rub, and cumin in a large bowl. Mix well to infuse every bite with those rich herb and spice flavors.

Step 2: Make the Cowboy Butter

While the beef mixture chills, melt your unsalted butter in a bowl. Mix in minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, red chili flakes, cayenne powder, and lemon juice. This blend will become your basting sauce and dip, so make sure all ingredients are well incorporated. Set the cowboy butter aside and get ready to marvel at the aroma it will bring during grilling.

Step 3: Stuff the Pita Bread

Slice each pita bread in half to create pockets that are perfect for stuffing. Take a generous handful of the beef mixture and carefully stuff it inside each pita pocket, making sure to fully fill them for an indulgent bite. Place the stuffed arayes in the fridge for about 15 minutes—this chilling step firms up the filling, making grilling much easier and preventing any fillings from falling out.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to a high heat, roughly 400°F, and place a cast iron skillet over the flames. Once the skillet is smoking, add a splash of oil, then place your arayes meat side down for a quick sear—about 40 to 60 seconds until you develop a lovely crust. Flip to the sides and sear again to lock in juices and color. Move the arayes to a cooler part of the grill, around 350°F, and continue cooking for 20 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. During this time, baste the exterior liberally with your cowboy butter to keep things moist, spicy, and gloriously flavorful.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked through and beautifully charred, remove the arayes from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender. Serve immediately with the leftover cowboy butter as a dip for that extra layer of boldness.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Arayes Recipe

A close-up of three folded tacos stacked in a woman's hand wearing a black glove. Each taco has a golden brown, crispy shell with a shiny, cooked ground meat filling inside that looks juicy and slightly oily. The tacos are held above a white bowl filled with bright yellow sauce. The background shows a white marbled texture lightly blurred, giving focus to the tacos and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra chili flakes on top can add a pop of color and hint of freshness that balances the rich, spiced meat. A wedge of lemon on the side also invites a bright squeeze that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These arayes pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or a light tangy tabbouleh. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or even creamy mashed potatoes make for delightful accompaniments that add texture and flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation to the next level by slicing the arayes diagonally to showcase the beautiful stuffing inside. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of extra cowboy butter and fresh herbs. This creates a welcoming, shareable vibe perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining where everyone digs in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Butter Arayes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the cowboy butter separate if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these arayes freeze beautifully. Wrap each stuffed pita tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, ready to be grilled fresh when the craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat arayes on a grill or in a cast iron skillet to revive that crispy crust and juicy filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pita soggy. Remember to baste again with cowboy butter during reheating for that unbeatable flavor boost.

FAQs

What is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy Butter is a flavorful, herby, and spicy compound butter made with garlic, herbs, chili flakes, and other seasonings. In this recipe, it brings a rich, zesty sauce that perfectly complements the grilled beef in the arayes.

Can I use another type of bread besides pita?

While pita is traditional and ideal for creating a pocket, you can experiment with other pocket breads like flatbreads or even naan. Just make sure they can hold the stuffing securely during grilling.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Cowboy Butter Arayes Recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to jalapenos, chili flakes, and cayenne powder. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing or omitting these ingredients based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or a spiced lentil mixture. The cowboy butter remains a perfect addition to keep the flavors vibrant and complex.

How long should I grill the arayes for?

After searing each side for about 40 to 60 seconds, allow the arayes to cook at a lower temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the meat is cooked through and the pita is crispy and golden.

Final Thoughts

This Cowboy Butter Arayes Recipe is a serious crowd-pleaser that blends bold, herby flavors with the satisfying comfort of grilled meat pockets. Whether you’re serving it for a fun family dinner or packing it for a weekend BBQ, it’s guaranteed to draw compliments and happy appetites. I encourage you to give it a try—trust me, once you taste that garlic-butter goodness mixed with juicy beef and warm pita, it’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen too.