About Myself

Texas BBQ Cooking Classes in (Near Dallas) Lavon, TX

Pitmaster Steve Botkin

Desperado BBQ — Est. 2013

Desperado BBQ was founded in 2013 with one mission: produce authentic, championship-quality Texas barbecue while developing award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs trusted by backyard cooks and competitive pitmasters alike.

My competitive barbecue journey began with an unforgettable debut—earning Grand Champion in my very first BBQ competition. Since then, I've competed against some of the most respected names in barbecue, including Myron Mixon, Moe Cason, Harry Soo, and Johnny Trigg, earning championships and awards while continually refining my craft.

In 2017, I became the first American pitmaster invited to teach award-winning Texas BBQ classes in Perth, Australia, sharing authentic Texas barbecue techniques with pitmasters from around the world. I was also featured as a guest pitmaster on Paula Deen's Positively Paula, bringing genuine Texas barbecue to a national television audience.

My Cooking Philosophy

Great barbecue is built on precision, patience, and passion. My cooking style combines the technical discipline of KCBS championship competition with the rich traditions of authentic Texas barbecue. Whether your goal is to win competitions or simply serve unforgettable brisket in your own backyard, I'll teach you the techniques, timing, and confidence needed to produce consistently outstanding results.

Commitment to Quality

Exceptional barbecue starts with exceptional ingredients. We use only premium-quality meats, carefully selected seasonings, and proven cooking methods. While quality comes at a higher cost, the difference is unmistakable—and it's a standard we never compromise.

Join a Desperado BBQ Class

Beginning in September 2026, I'll be hosting immersive, hands-on BBQ classes in Lavon, Texas. Students will learn using professional-grade equipment, including the Recteq RT-1200 "The Beast", a customized Weber Smokey Mountain 22-inch (WSM), and my one-of-a-kind BBQ FrankenCube smoker.

Every class is designed to provide practical, real-world instruction that you can immediately apply at home or on the competition circuit. Whether you're new to smoking meat or looking to elevate your barbecue to championship standards, I look forward to sharing the knowledge and techniques I've developed over decades behind the pit.

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Class Description

Master Authentic Texas Barbecue

Learn to BBQ Like a DESPERADO

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced backyard pitmaster, our immersive, hands-on BBQ class is designed to help you produce championship-quality barbecue with confidence.

There are countless barbecue classes across America, each offering a different approach to the craft. If you're looking for a professional instructor with decades of real-world competition experience and a genuine passion for teaching, you've found the right place.

Led by award-winning Pitmaster Steve Botkin, every class is built around proven techniques that blend championship competition methods with authentic Texas barbecue traditions. You'll receive practical instruction you can immediately apply at home, whether you're cooking for family, friends, or your next BBQ competition.

Full-Blown BBQ Pitmaster Class

This comprehensive, hands-on class teaches the complete barbecue process from start to finish. We focus on BBQ fundamentals while incorporating competition-level techniques that will dramatically improve your results.

You'll Learn:

  • BBQ 101 fundamentals
  • Competition-style cooking techniques
  • Food safety and proper meat handling
  • Selecting premium meats
  • Trimming brisket, ribs, pork, and poultry
  • Wood selection and smoke flavor pairing
  • Fire management and temperature control
  • Award-winning rubs, injections, spritzes, and sauces
  • Building perfect bark
  • Wrapping and foiling techniques
  • Knowing exactly when your meat is perfectly done
  • Resting, slicing, and presentation techniques

Throughout the class, students will cook using DESPERADO custom smokers, including the Recteq RT-1200 pellet smoker "The Beast", a customized Weber Smokey Mountain 22-inch (WSM), and my one-of-a-kind BBQ FrankenCube smoker and learning professional fire management and wood-burning techniques that produce authentic Texas barbecue every time.

Class Information

Our classes are held in Lavon, Texas, just northeast of Dallas. During this immersive 7 1/2 hour experience, you'll work alongside Pitmaster Steve Botkin while preparing and smoking multiple meats from start to finish.

On the Menu

  • Whole Chicken
  • St. Louis Style Spare Ribs
  • Rib Tips
  • Tri-Tip
  • Pulled Pork (Pork Butt)
  • Texas Beef Brisket
  • Signature BBQ Sides

Your day begins with fresh coffee and breakfast pastries, followed by an all-you-can-eat championship BBQ lunch featuring everything prepared during class.

What's Included

  • 7 1/2 Hours of Hands-On BBQ Instruction
  • Live Cooking Demonstrations
  • Morning Coffee & Pastries
  • All-You-Can-Eat Championship BBQ Lunch
  • DESPERADO BBQ Pitmaster Training Manual
  • Official Certificate of Completion
  • Membership in the Official Desperado Posse
  • Lifetime BBQ Knowledge You Can Use Forever

Become a Desperado Pitmaster

Leave with the confidence, skills, and proven techniques used by championship pitmasters. Whether your goal is winning BBQ competitions or becoming the neighborhood legend, this class will give you the knowledge to cook authentic Texas barbecue with consistency and pride.

Steve,
"Wanted to drop you a note and say thank you for the class. I know we are probably not your "standard" participant but we had a blast and learned some stuff."
Steve,
"I just wanted to say thank you in behalf of my friend and myself for the great class today! We had a lot of fun, learned a lot and will bring Desperado Style BBQ to Germany"
Steve,
I learned so much! Thank you for a great day. So much fun. It goes without saying that the food was "to die for" good!
Steve,
Steve you're a genius! Thank you for sharing your love of BBQ! Was a fun day and a great group of people.

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About BBQ Class

Would you like to learn how to BBQ like a DESPERADO Pitmaster who is also a Certified KCBS BBQ Judge?

In my BBQ 101 class I want to help you bbq better in your backyard for you and your family. Yes, it's a struggle for every new bbq pitmaster to guess and wonder if they are doing it right. Desperado in 2015 won the coveted KCBS Perfect 180 score in Brisket in a three way tie for first place competing against legendary bbq pro's Harry Soo, Myron Mixon and Moe Cason.

DESPERADO-Brisket--Horse Town Brew n Que Festival--Norco, CA--5/29/2015

  • Full Blown BBQ Class $349
  • Food safety
  • How to light a fire correctly
  • Wood Pairing
  • How to prepare Chicken, Ribs, Rib Tips, Pork Butt, Tri-Tip, Brisket
  • How to prepare injections
  • Detailed instructions on preparations and cooking methods
  • Equipment and Accessories
  • Cooking Brisket and Pork Butt with the best selection - cooking hot and fast or low and slow
  • Cooking St. Louis Ribs from a Spare Rib which includes trimming and making Rib Tips
  • Cooking backyard Spatchcocked Chicken
  • Cooking backyard Tri-Tip
  • Making homemade Carolina Coleslaw
  • Answering your grilling and BBQ problems and questions


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    BBQ Class Dates

    Class Dates

    September 2026

    Date Description Price
    September 5th Classes located in Lavon, Texas. Full Blown BBQ Class, each class is limited to 10 people as this is a hands-on class.
    Or For Payment: Send payment from your bank using ZELLE.
    Use this email: TransferToZelle@gmail.com
    -or call: 714-276-5845 for assistance
    *Read Desperado Class Policy Below    		 $349
    10 Seats Available
    September 12th Classes located in Lavon, Texas. Full Blown BBQ Class, each class is limited to 10 people as this is a hands-on class.
    Or For Payment: Send payment from your bank using ZELLE.
    Use this email: TransferToZelle@gmail.com
    -or call: 714-276-5845 for assistance
    *Read Desperado Class Policy Below     		$349
    10 Seats Available

    Class Dates

    October 2026

    Date Description Price
    October 3rd Classes located in Lavon, Texas. Full Blown BBQ Class, each class is limited to 10 people as this is a hands-on class.
    Or For Payment: Send payment from your bank using ZELLE.
    Use this email: TransferToZelle@gmail.com
    -or call: 714-276-5845 for assistance
    *Read Desperado Class Policy Below    		 $349
    10 Seats Available
    October 10th Classes located in Lavon, Texas. Full Blown BBQ Class, each class is limited to 10 people as this is a hands-on class.
    Or For Payment: Send payment from your bank using ZELLE.
    Use this email: TransferToZelle@gmail.com
    -or call: 714-276-5845 for assistance
    *Read Desperado Class Policy Below     		$349
    10 Seats Available

    Class Dates

    November 2026

    Date Description Price
    November 7th Classes located in Lavon, Texas. Full Blown BBQ Class, each class is limited to 10 people as this is a hands-on class.
    Or For Payment: Send payment from your bank using ZELLE.
    Use this email: TransferToZelle@gmail.com
    -or call: 714-276-5845 for assistance
    *Read Desperado Class Policy Below    		 $349
    10 Seats Available
    November 14th Classes located in Lavon, Texas. Full Blown BBQ Class, each class is limited to 10 people as this is a hands-on class.
    Or For Payment: Send payment from your bank using ZELLE.
    Use this email: TransferToZelle@gmail.com
    -or call: 714-276-5845 for assistance
    *Read Desperado Class Policy Below     		$349
    10 Seats Available

    Class Dates

    December 2026

    Date Description Price
    December 5th Classes located in Lavon, Texas. Full Blown BBQ Class, each class is limited to 10 people as this is a hands-on class.
    Or For Payment: Send payment from your bank using ZELLE.
    Use this email: TransferToZelle@gmail.com
    -or call: 714-276-5845 for assistance
    *Read Desperado Class Policy Below    		 $349
    10 Seats Available
    December 12th Classes located in Lavon, Texas. Full Blown BBQ Class, each class is limited to 10 people as this is a hands-on class.
    Or For Payment: Send payment from your bank using ZELLE.
    Use this email: TransferToZelle@gmail.com
    -or call: 714-276-5845 for assistance
    *Read Desperado Class Policy Below     		$349
    10 Seats Available

    Each class is limited in size as this is a hands-on class with the pitmaster. The cost of each class is $349 per bbq student. Desperado reserves the right to change and cancel classes due to unfilled classes or a full refund if I cannot place you in a class because of my mistake.

    NO VIDEO RECORDING OF THIS CLASS BY STUDENTS IS ALLOWED, STRICTLY PROHIBITED! NOTES AND PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AND IS ALLOWED.


    Desperado Class Policy

    I understand that sometimes people need to reschedule or cancel the class they registered for. I will try to accommodate rescheduling of registration dates whenever possible up to three weeks before your scheduled bbq class date. Once you get into the three week period of your scheduled class date, the following cancellation and rescheduling policy applies:
    3+ weeks before class (Day 15 & On)- Full Refund or Reschedule
    2+ weeks before class (Day 8 to Day 14)- *50% Refund (*Note Rescheduling Policy Below)
    1+ week before class (Day 1 to Day 7)- No Refunds (I have already purchased all meats and materials for the class. This also applies to no shows)

    *Desperado Rescheduling Policy

    If you are more than 3+ weeks out from your scheduled class date, I will gladly reschedule you for a future date. *If you are within the 2+ week window of your scheduled class and need to reschedule, I will do my best to fill your spot. If I am unable to fill your spot, I will unfortunately have to charge you for the empty seat in class. Most of the time I can find a replacement from either the wait list or a student in a future class. This rule is intended to discourage rescheduling the last minute and leaving me insufficient time to fill your spot.

    There are NO refunds if I am not notified 7 days prior to class that you cannot attend.

    .....I will email you the class information on the Monday before class....
    Be sure to check your spam folder or contact me at 714-276-5845