Dinty Moore Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

Let’s be honest: there’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm bowl of beef stew. The kind that fills your kitchen with a rich, savory aroma and makes your house feel instantly cozy. Now, imagine being able to enjoy that hearty goodness without standing over a hot stove for hours. That’s where the slow cooker comes in. Slow-cooking beef stew isn’t just convenient-it’s transformative. Tough cuts of beef become melt-in-your-mouth tender, vegetables soak up all those deep flavors, and every bite feels like a hug in a bowl. Dinty Moore, a classic brand known for its reliably flavorful stews, is already a fan favorite in canned form, but we’re taking it up a notch by recreating and customizing it in a slow cooker. The result? A luxurious, rich, homestyle beef stew that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any time you need a little culinary comfort.

Dinty Moore Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe

This recipe combines the nostalgia of Dinty Moore Beef Stew with the slow-cooker magic, giving you the ultimate hearty meal. The best part? You can practically walk away and let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting.

Ingredient List

Here’s everything you’ll need for the slow cooker magic:

• Beef

  • 2 pounds of chuck roast or stew beef, cut into 1- to 1.5-inch cubes (for tenderness and flavor)

• Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, sliced thickly
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Liquids & Broth

  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• Seasonings & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf

• Thickening (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (mixed with a little cold water for slurry)

Instruction Guide

Let’s break this down step by step so you can be confident in every move:

1. Prep The Beef

   • Pat your beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly if you choose to brown them first.
   • Optional but recommended: Heat a skillet with a little oil and brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per side. This caramelization adds extra depth of flavor.

2. Layer The Vegetables

   • Place carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the beef.

3. Add The Beef

   • Place the browned (or raw, if skipping searing) beef on top of the vegetables.

4. Add Liquids And Seasonings

   • Pour in beef broth and water, add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf.
   • Stir lightly to combine, but don’t overmix; layering is fine.

5. Cook Low And Slow

   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The meat should be fork-tender and vegetables soft.

6. Thicken The Stew (Optional)

   • About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew and let it thicken.

7. Final Taste Test

   • Adjust seasonings to your preference and remove the bay leaf before serving.

Ingredient Swaps

No pantry? No problem! Here are some creative swaps:

• Beef

  • Short ribs or brisket can be used instead of chuck.
  • For a lighter option, use cubed chicken thighs or turkey.

• Vegetables

  • Sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a subtle sweetness.
  • Parsnips or turnips add earthy complexity.

• Liquids

  • Beef broth can be swapped with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a dark beer for richer flavor.

• Seasonings

  • Fresh herbs can replace dried herbs (double the quantity for freshness).
  • Soy sauce can replace Worcestershire for a different umami note.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t overfill your slow cooker: Aim for about 2/3 full to ensure proper heat circulation.
• Browning is optional but powerful: It’s worth the extra 10 minutes for deep flavor.
• Check vegetables: Root vegetables may cook faster; add delicate ones like peas or green beans in the last 30 minutes.
• Stir minimally: Slow cookers don’t need much stirring, and constant mixing can break down the meat too much.

Customization Ideas

Make this stew uniquely yours:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Herbal Twist: Fresh rosemary or sage gives an aromatic lift.
• Creamy Variation: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
• Hearty Boost: Add mushrooms, peas, or even a handful of pearl barley for texture and nutrition.
• Comfort Touch: Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even a thick slice of crusty bread for dunking.

FAQs

Can I Use Dinty Moore Beef Stew Canned Meat Directly In The Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can use Dinty Moore Beef Stew directly in the slow cooker. Since the beef is already cooked and canned, it mainly needs to be heated through and combined with other fresh ingredients like vegetables, potatoes, and seasonings.

How Long Should I Cook Dinty Moore Beef Stew In A Slow Cooker?

For best results, cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This ensures the vegetables and additional ingredients are tender without overcooking the canned beef.

Do I Need To Add Extra Liquid To The Slow Cooker Recipe?

It depends on your preferred consistency. The canned beef stew already contains gravy, but you can add broth, water, or wine if you want a thinner stew or need to accommodate extra vegetables.

Can I Add Fresh Vegetables To The Dinty Moore Beef Stew In The Slow Cooker?

Absolutely. Fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions can be added. Place root vegetables at the bottom to ensure even cooking, and softer vegetables on top to avoid overcooking.

Should I Season The Stew Even Though It’s Already Canned?

Yes. Canned beef stew can be a bit mild, so you may want to add salt, pepper, garlic, herbs like thyme or rosemary, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Can I Use Frozen Vegetables In This Slow Cooker Recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be added, but adjust the cooking time slightly. They may release more water, so reduce added liquid accordingly. Add delicate frozen vegetables later in the cooking process to avoid mushiness.

Is It Safe To Cook Dinty Moore Beef Stew In The Slow Cooker From A Frozen State?

It is not recommended to cook canned stew directly from frozen in a slow cooker. Thaw it first to ensure even heating and to reduce the risk of bacterial growth, as slow cookers take longer to reach safe temperatures.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time And Reheat It?

Yes, the stew can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on low to preserve texture.

How Can I Thicken The Stew If It’s Too Watery After Slow Cooking?

You can thicken the stew by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour with cold water and stirring it into the stew. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the desired thickness is reached.

Can I Add Wine Or Beer To Enhance The Flavor Of The Stew?

Yes, adding a small amount of red wine or dark beer can deepen the flavor. Use about ½ cup and add it along with the liquid ingredients at the start of slow cooking. Make sure to adjust other seasonings accordingly.