Dinty Moore Beef Stew Copycat Recipe: Easy Homemade Comfort Food You’ll Love

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty beef stew, and Dinty Moore has been a favorite for generations. I’ve always loved how this classic dish brings warmth and satisfaction, especially on chilly evenings.

Recreating the beloved Dinty Moore Beef Stew at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can enjoy that rich, savory flavor anytime. Let me guide you through my copycat recipe that captures all the goodness of the original.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

To master this Dinty Moore Beef Stew copycat recipe, having the right tools in your kitchen is essential. Here’s what I use to create that perfect, hearty stew:

• Dutch Oven or Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot

A sturdy pot ensures even heat distribution, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Sharp Chef’s Knife

A reliable knife makes chopping vegetables and slicing beef efficient and safe, which is crucial for a smooth cooking process.

• Cutting Board

A spacious cutting board provides ample space for prepping your ingredients without any mess.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are key to balancing the flavors just right, so having a good set of measuring tools is a must.

• Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula

Perfect for stirring the stew without scratching your pot, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated.

• Ladle

Handy for serving the stew, allowing you to portion out the hearty, flavorful goodness with ease.

• Kitchen Timer

Keeping track of cooking times helps maintain the stew’s consistency and prevents overcooking.

• Colander

Useful for draining the beef if you choose to brown it in batches, ensuring each piece gets that lovely sear.

With these tools at your disposal, you’ll find the cooking process enjoyable and straightforward, making it easier to whip up a delicious beef stew that rivals the beloved Dinty Moore classic.

Directions

Recreating Dinty Moore Beef Stew at home is straightforward with these detailed steps. Let’s dive into the preparation and cooking process to achieve that rich, savory flavor.

Prep

1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from 2 pounds of beef chuck and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
2. Coat the Beef: In a large mixing bowl, toss the beef cubes with ¼ cup of all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
3. Chop the Vegetables:

• Onion: 1 large, sliced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Carrots: 3 large, peeled and sliced
• Celery: 2 stalks, sliced

1. Measure the Herbs and Seasonings:

• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Bay Leaves: 2
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon

Cook

1. Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, celery, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. Finalize the Flavor: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary before serving.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your Dinty Moore Beef Stew ahead of time not only saves you time on busy days but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how I like to make this hearty stew in advance:

Preparing the Stew for Storage

1. Cool the Stew Quickly

• After cooking, remove the pot from heat.
• Let the stew sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Transfer the stew to shallow containers to speed up cooling.
• Place the containers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

1. Store Properly

• Once cooled, cover the containers tightly with lids or plastic wrap.
• Label each container with the date.
• Store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Freezing the Stew

1. Choose the Right Containers

• Use airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers to allow for expansion.

1. Portioning

• Divide the stew into meal-sized portions.
• This makes reheating easier and prevents waste.

1. Freezing

• Place the containers or bags in the freezer.
• Label them with the date and contents.
• The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating the Stew

1. Thawing

• Move the stew from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight.
• For quicker thawing, place the container in a bowl of cold water for a few hours.

1. Reheating on the Stovetop

• Transfer the stew to a large pot.
• Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If the stew is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water.

1. Reheating in the Microwave

• Place a portion of the stew in a microwave-safe dish.
• Cover loosely and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Avoid Overcooking Vegetables: If you plan to freeze the stew, consider undercooking the vegetables slightly. They will soften further during reheating.
• Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme after reheating to maintain their vibrant flavor and color.
• Consistency Adjustment: Stews tend to thicken as they cool. When reheating, adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water as needed.

By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy a delicious, comforting bowl of beef stew with minimal effort whenever the craving strikes.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Dinty Moore Beef Stew experience with these thoughtful serving ideas that enhance its rich and hearty flavors.

Accompanying Sides

• Crusty French Baguette: Perfect for dipping into the savory broth, a warm baguette adds a delightful crunch.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes create a comforting base that pairs beautifully with the tender beef.
• Buttered Egg Noodles: Tossed with a hint of butter and fresh herbs, egg noodles offer a satisfying texture contrast.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection add a sweet and earthy element to the meal.

Fresh and Light Accents

• Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the hearty stew.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over each bowl to add a burst of color and a hint of brightness.

Beverage Pairings

Presentation Tips

• Serve in Stoneware Bowls: Rustic stoneware keeps the stew warm and adds a homely touch to your table setting.
• Side Condiments: Offer horseradish or hot sauce for guests who enjoy an extra kick with their stew.

By thoughtfully pairing your Dinty Moore Beef Stew with these sides and beverages, you’ll create a memorable and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Storage

Proper storage ensures my Dinty Moore Beef Stew stays delicious and safe to enjoy later. Here’s how I handle it:

Refrigeration

• Cool the Stew: Allow the stew to reach room temperature before storing.
• Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the stew into airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Storage Duration: Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Portioning: Divide the stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for easy thawing.
• Labeling: Clearly label each container with the date to track storage time.
• Storage Duration: Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

• Thawing: Move the frozen stew to the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
• Stovetop Method: Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Adjust Consistency: If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Storage Guidelines

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy my hearty beef stew whenever the craving strikes without compromising on taste or quality.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about savoring a homemade beef stew that brings back memories and creates new ones. Making this copycat Dinty Moore Beef Stew has been a delightful experience for me, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. The rich flavors and tender beef make every bite comforting and satisfying.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal to share with friends, this stew is sure to impress. Happy cooking and enjoy every hearty spoonful!