Canned Cowboy Stew is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick, filling, and satisfying. This one-pot dish is packed with protein from beef and beans, along with vegetables that add depth of flavor and texture. While you can certainly make cowboy stew from scratch, using canned ingredients helps to streamline the process, making it a fantastic go-to meal when you’re short on time. Whether you’re camping, dealing with a busy weeknight, or simply craving something warm and comforting, Canned Cowboy Stew is a no-fuss, delicious option that’s sure to please.
Traditionally, Cowboy Stew combines beef (often ground beef), beans, corn, and potatoes, all simmered in a savory broth with spices like chili powder, garlic, and cumin. The beauty of using canned ingredients is that you don’t need to spend time chopping, sautéing, or cooking the components for hours—everything is already cooked and ready to go. This makes it a fantastic pantry meal that can be made with minimal effort while still delivering maximum flavor. The canned beans and vegetables provide an earthy, rich base, while the canned beef or stew meat adds heartiness and protein, making the dish filling enough to be enjoyed on its own.
One of the best things about Canned Cowboy Stew is how customizable it is. You can mix and match the canned goods you have on hand, whether it’s kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans, and add extra vegetables like diced tomatoes, carrots, or bell peppers. Want to make it spicier? Throw in some diced green chilies, hot sauce, or extra chili powder. If you want to boost the flavor, a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top will add a nice touch. This stew also pairs wonderfully with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping, making it a filling and comforting meal for the whole family.
Canned Cowboy Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) of canned chili or stew beef (or substitute with canned beef or ground beef)
- 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped (optional, fresh)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 cups beef broth or water (adjust based on desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing, optional)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro
Instructions:
- Sauté the Onion (Optional): If you’re using a fresh onion, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. This step adds extra flavor, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip it and use canned onions or omit it altogether.
- Add the Canned Ingredients: Add all the canned ingredients to the pot: chili or stew beef, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together to combine.
- Season the Stew: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat all the ingredients in the spices. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you want a spicier stew, add some hot sauce, diced green chilies, or extra chili powder.
- Simmer: Pour in 1 to 2 cups of beef broth or water, depending on how thick or soupy you like your stew. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken. If you want a thinner consistency, add more broth or water.
- Serve: Once the stew is heated through and the flavors are fully developed, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or crusty bread on the side.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 9g
- Net Carbs: 27g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 7g
- WW Points: 6 SmartPoints per serving (adjust based on optional toppings)
Why Canned Cowboy Stew is a Winner:
- Quick and Easy: Using canned ingredients means this stew comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner when you need something hearty but don’t have a lot of time. No need for chopping, simmering for hours, or complex steps—just open the cans, mix, and simmer.
- Flavorful and Hearty: Despite being made with canned ingredients, Canned Cowboy Stew is incredibly flavorful. The combination of spices, beans, and canned beef creates a rich, savory base, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness that balances everything out. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal all on its own.
- Affordable and Pantry-Friendly: Canned cowboy stew is an economical meal. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so it’s an affordable option that can be made with whatever you have on hand. You can also stock up on the canned goods needed to make this stew, ensuring you always have a quick meal option in your pantry.
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in how customizable it is. You can swap in different canned beans, add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Want to make it spicier? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also make it even heartier by adding more canned beef or sausage.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, allowing you to have a comforting meal ready at a moment’s notice. Just reheat and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Use Good Quality Canned Beef: If you can find high-quality canned chili or stew beef, it can really elevate the flavor of your stew. Alternatively, you can use canned beef or even ground beef, but be sure to drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add Extra Veggies: If you want to boost the nutritional value of your stew, feel free to add more vegetables. Canned mushrooms, bell peppers, or even frozen peas or carrots work well in this stew.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, use less liquid, or let it simmer longer to reduce. For a soupier version, add more broth or water to reach the consistency you like.
- Toppings: Top the stew with your favorite garnishes for an extra burst of flavor. Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, or sliced green onions all add a delicious touch.
