Is Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew Gluten-Free?

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the manufacturer's product page, Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew is officially gluten-free. This is great news for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, as this classic comfort meal can be enjoyed without worry. The recipe swaps traditional wheat flour for corn flour to achieve its hearty thickness.

Quick Summary

The commercial Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew is a gluten-free product, verified by the manufacturer. It contains ingredients like tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, thickened with corn flour. This makes it a convenient, safe option for those following a gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Officially Gluten-Free: The commercially sold Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew is explicitly labeled as gluten-free by the manufacturer.
Corn Flour as Thickener: The product achieves its hearty consistency by using corn flour and modified food starch, avoiding traditional wheat-based thickeners.
Convenient Option: It's a quick, convenient, and safe meal for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Check for Other Allergens: While gluten-free, the stew does contain soy, so individuals with other allergies should check the ingredients carefully.
Homemade Alternatives: For maximum control, a delicious gluten-free cowboy stew can be made at home using gluten-free ingredients like cornstarch and certified gluten-free broth.
Reading Labels is Key: Always double-check food labels to ensure products are truly gluten-free and to identify other potential allergens.

Official Stance on Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew's Gluten Content

The most authoritative source on this topic is the manufacturer's own website. As of a recent check, the product page for Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew clearly states that the product is gluten-free. This is crucial information, as it comes directly from the producer, meaning it is formulated to comply with regulations for gluten-free labeling. The ingredients list confirms the use of corn flour and modified food starch, rather than wheat-based thickeners, which are common culprits for gluten. The 'Yellowstone' brand offers a range of gluten-free products, reinforcing its commitment to catering to dietary needs.

What are the Ingredients that Make It Gluten-Free?

For those on a gluten-free diet, checking ingredient lists is a daily necessity. The official product ingredients for Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew provide transparency. It contains cooked beef, potatoes, carrots, corn flour, and a blend of spices. The thickening agents are specified as corn flour and modified food starch, neither of which contain gluten. The beef broth base is also confirmed to be safe. However, it is important to note that the product does contain soy, which is a common allergen, though it does not contain gluten.

Comparison: Commercially Prepared vs. Homemade Beef Stew

While the commercial Yellowstone stew is a safe, quick option, many prefer the taste and control of a homemade meal. Making a gluten-free version at home offers a way to completely control every ingredient, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination. Here's a comparison:


Feature	Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew (Commercial)	Homemade Gluten-Free Beef Stew
Convenience	High. Ready in minutes via stovetop or microwave.	Low. Requires chopping, cooking time (often several hours), and meal prep.
Ingredients	Pre-selected; uses corn flour for thickening.	Customizable; can use gluten-free flour blends, cornstarch, or other thickeners.
Allergen Control	Good, but check for other allergens like soy.	Complete control over all ingredients, including avoiding other allergens.
Freshness	Shelf-stable and canned.	Freshly prepared ingredients.
Cost	Typically higher per serving compared to making from scratch.	Varies, but often cheaper per serving, though higher upfront cost for ingredients.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

For most, a clearly labeled gluten-free product is sufficient. However, for those with severe celiac disease or gluten allergies, the risk of cross-contamination can be a concern. The manufacturer's facilities and processes are designed to mitigate this, but it's not a zero-risk environment for all packaged foods. This is where homemade versions offer the highest level of control. Using a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, or carefully cleaning all surfaces and utensils, can eliminate the risk entirely. Additionally, when preparing a homemade stew, using certified gluten-free beef broth and spices is a best practice to ensure the final dish remains safe.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Cowboy Stew

If you prefer to make your own, there are numerous recipes available. The key is to swap traditional wheat flour for a gluten-free alternative. Cornstarch is a popular choice for thickening, as is corn flour, which the commercial stew uses. Many recipes also call for gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and certified gluten-free beef broth to ensure safety. One such recipe can be found at My Gluten-free Kitchen, which uses gluten-free flour and broth. For those with multiple food allergies, creating a personalized recipe from scratch is always the safest option.

Conclusion: Safe and Delicious, with Options

Ultimately, the commercially available Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew is a safe and convenient choice for those on a gluten-free diet, confirmed by manufacturer labeling and ingredients. Its use of corn flour makes it a suitable substitute for traditional beef stews. For those who prefer to have complete control over their food or simply enjoy cooking from scratch, a homemade gluten-free cowboy stew is easily achievable by making simple substitutions. Whether grabbing a can for a quick meal or slow-cooking a homemade version, a hearty and safe beef stew is accessible to all. For more detailed information on ingredients and product safety, always refer to the manufacturer's website or check the packaging directly.

Visit the official Yellowstone website for product information and ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to the manufacturer, the commercially sold Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew is labeled gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with celiac disease.

The Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew uses corn flour and modified food starch as thickening agents, which are both gluten-free.

Yes, the product ingredient list indicates that it contains soy. Individuals with soy allergies should be cautious and read the label carefully.

The official ingredient list can be found on the manufacturer's website, as well as on the product's packaging.

Yes, many recipes exist for a homemade version. You can substitute wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

When making your own, ensure that all ingredients, including the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

The canned Yellowstone Cowboy Beef Stew is a commercial product based on the theme of the TV show, and its ingredients may differ from any recipes featured on the show itself.