Ranch Mom-Approved

Labor Day is an American holiday which is celebrated to honor the contributions that workers have made to add to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of our country. Here at the Arizona Beef Council, we prefer to celebrate by listening to the clicking of the lighter on the grill, seeing the flames jump skyward upon ignition and then slapping a few tasty steaks and beef hot dogs on to sizzle. Because beef is so often the center of our Labor Day celebrations, we are bringing you Arizona ranch mom-approved beef appetizers so your whole day is beefy!

Pam Turnbull, current Arizona State Cowbelles’ President and resident of Dragoon, AZ, shared with us her granddaughter’s favorite recipe for a cookout which could work as the main meal or something tasty to snack on while enjoying a cold one and conversation with friends and family. She said, “My granddaughter enjoys a simple beef kabob with pineapple in between the cubes of steak.” Here’s a similar recipe for your use. Just add pineapple to keep it up to par with the Turnbull family!

Sarah King, wife, mother, and rancher at the King Anvil Ranch, said “A seven-layer dip with ground beef as a layer is always a hit! I make it in a pie dish with ground beef, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, beans, sour cream and some green onions sprinkled on the top.” Who needs a recipe when you get details like that but just in case you’re domestically challenged and like a recipe (like us) here you go.

Oftentimes, being a ranch mom also involves work in town. Adriana Arrington, rancher at the Mlazy J Ranch, is no stranger to this busy lifestyle, but loves it all the same! When asked what her favorite beef appetizer was she first asked her kids to vote on their favorite. The results are in: taco nachos made with their homegrown Arizona beef was the winner! Not only is this an easy recipe, but is super customizable and great to do when you need to use those random ingredients left over in the fridge.

“I admit, usually beef is the main dish for me so I’m really having to think for a beef appetizer! I keep thinking chili, especially for transportability, and if you served it in cups instead of bowls it could be an appetizer right? And at our house, it is always served with lots of cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Yay protein!” said Lauren Kerr, of Kerr Dairy. We like the way she thinks as getting the appetizer to the BBQ is often half the battle not to mention all of the delicious topping suggestions. Lauren’s husband, Wes, was recently featured on our blog. To learn more about Kerr Dairy and Lauren’s family check out that post here.

Did these Arizona ranch and dairy moms inspire you to cook up one of these delicious beef appetizers? We don’t see how you could resist. As you celebrate your Labor Day, we wish you relaxation, delicious food, and great company. Keep those grills on and the beef sizzling!