Dinty Moore Beef Stew Recipe - Easy & Hearty Comfort Food

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few meals hit the spot like a hearty beef stew. Whether you're looking for a cost-effective dish to feed the family or simply craving a warm bowl of savory goodness, this Dinty Moore-inspired beef stew recipe has you covered!

It’s packed with tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and rich flavors that make every bite satisfying.

Best of all, you don’t need to be an expert chef to whip this up, and it won’t break the bank! Read on to learn how to create this crowd-pleaser step by step, complete with tips to make it even better.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, here’s why this Dinty Moore-style beef stew is the perfect choice:

Simple Ingredients: Everything you need can likely be found in your pantry or at any affordable grocery store.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, carbs, and hearty vegetables, it’s a complete meal.
Budget-Friendly: A little goes a long way in feeding your family.
Customizable: You can easily tweak it to suit your taste preferences.

Now, grab your apron, and let's get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you'll need to recreate the classic, comforting flavors of Dinty Moore beef stew.

Main Ingredients:

1 lb beef chuck (cubed into bite-sized pieces)
2 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
2 carrots (sliced into rounds)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Thickening:

2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup peas (frozen, added at the end for extra sweetness)
Mushrooms (sliced and browned, for a savory twist)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Beef

Begin by patting your beef chuck cubes dry with a paper towel. Dry beef ensures a perfect sear and locks in flavor. Generously season the pieces with salt and pepper.

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of vegetable oil. Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set the seared beef aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same pot and remaining drippings, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and aromatic. Toss in the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

3. Build the Base

Pour in the beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze those flavorful browned bits. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and paprika, and return the seared beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Add the Vegetables

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Toss in the cubed potatoes and stir. Cover the pot and allow everything to cook gently for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Thicken the Stew

For a thicker, velvety stew base, create a roux. Melt the butter in a small skillet, then whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes before stirring it into the stew. Continue simmering until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Final Touches

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or even a splash more Worcestershire sauce if needed. If you're adding peas or mushrooms, stir them in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaf from the pot and serve your Dinty Moore-inspired beef stew in bowls. Pair it with crusty bread or warm biscuits to soak up that rich, savory gravy.

Tips to Elevate Your Stew

Slow Cooker Option: For a set-it-and-forget-it meal, brown the beef and veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Instant Pot Shortcut: Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook for 30 minutes with a natural release for tender beef in record time.
Make it in Advance: Beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Gluten-Free Version: Skip the roux and use cornstarch as a thickener instead. Just mix 2 tbsp with cold water to create a slurry, then stir into the stew during the final minutes.

Why This Recipe Hits the Spot

This Dinty Moore-style beef stew ticks all the boxes for comfort food. The tender meat, creamy potatoes, and perfectly cooked carrots all come together in a deeply flavorful broth. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out. Better yet, it’s customizable and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

A Warm Invitation for Stew Lovers

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with fellow stew enthusiasts. Don’t forget to bookmark the recipe for future comfort-food cravings! Better yet, leave a comment to tell us how yours turned out—we’d love to hear from you.

Happy cooking! 🍲