Canned beef stew can be a quick and convenient meal, but the flavor often leaves something to be desired. The good news is there are several easy ways to elevate canned beef stew and make it taste like it came straight from the slow cooker. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can transform boring beef stew into a hearty, delicious comfort food.
Start with high-quality canned stew
Not all canned stews are created equal. Look for stews that contain chunks of beef in a rich gravy or sauce. Avoid stews that use textured vegetable protein instead of real beef. Check the ingredients list and select stews with minimal additives and preservatives. Higher quality stews made with fresh ingredients will taste better than those full of artificial flavors and fillers. Some good brands to try are Keefe’s, Stagg, and Armour Star.
Sauté aromatic vegetables
One easy way to boost flavor is by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery before adding the canned stew. The vegetables will add an aromatic base and enhance the overall taste. Melt 1 Tbsp butter or olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1⁄2 cup each diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned. Be careful not to scorch them. The browned bits stuck to the pan will also lend added flavor.
Season generously with herbs and spices
Dried herbs and spices are an effective way to spice up canned stew. Try adding 1-2 teaspoons each of thyme, rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Tailor the blend to your tastes. Other good seasoning options include a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of red wine vinegar, or a spoonful of tomato paste. Let the spices simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Use better quality broth or stock
Canned stew is normally made with water or lower sodium broth. Substitute with beef broth or stock for a flavor boost. Swap out half the liquid from the can with fresh broth or stock. You can use ready-made varieties or quickly whip up your own by simmering beef bones, onions, carrots, and celery. Just 1-2 cups of fresh broth will make a difference in taste.
Finish with red wine
For added depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with 1⁄2 cup red wine after sautéing the vegetables. Bring the wine to a simmer and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly before adding the canned stew. The wine adds acidity and fruitiness that complements the rich stew.
Stir in tomato paste
Tomato paste is a secret weapon for boosting the flavor of beef stew. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with the sautéed vegetables. The tomato paste adds sweetness and umami that balances the other flavors. It also gives the gravy a thicker, richer consistency and color.
Cook down to thicken
Canned stew can be thin and watery. One of the best things you can do is simmer it for 15-20 minutes to cook off some of the liquid. Keep the stew at a low boil and stir occasionally. The stew will thicken up to a nice gravy-like texture. The flavors will also become more concentrated. Be careful not to let it cook down too much or burn.
Finish with cream or milk
For extra richness, stir in 1⁄4 cup heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk right at the end. This adds a touch of dairy creaminess that brings everything together. Just heat through until warmed but do not boil once added. A spoonful of sour cream or plain yogurt also works well.
Mix in frozen vegetables
While fresh is often best, frozen vegetables work remarkably well for adding texture and bulk to canned stew. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in a handful or two of frozen peas, carrots, corn, green beans or pearl onions. The frozen veggies will defrost quickly and round out the stew.
Serve over mashed potatoes
For added comfort food flair, serve your elevated beef stew ladled over a bowl of mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up the rich gravy and add creamy contrast to the hearty chunks of meat and vegetables. Or for convenience, top with prepared instant mashed potatoes.
Have fun with toppings
Don’t forget garnishes! Sprinkle individual servings with unique toppings to finish it off. Some fun options include:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Buttery biscuits or rolls
Slow cooker method
For even more flavor, cook your spruced up canned stew in a slow cooker. Sauté the onions, carrots and celery first on the stovetop. Transfer to a slow cooker and add the canned stew and remaining ingredients. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. The long cooking time allows the ingredients to meld together.
Make-ahead tips
This improved canned beef stew also stores well for quick meals later. Here are some tips:
- Let cool completely then refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Freeze individual portions up to 3 months
- Save time by making a double batch and freezing half
- Portion into reheatable containers or bags before storing
Ingredient substitution ideas
Tailor the flavors to your taste by playing around with these ingredient swaps:
- Mushrooms instead of celery
- Sweet potatoes instead of carrots
- White wine or balsamic vinegar for red wine
- Parsley, oregano, bay leaves instead of thyme, rosemary
- Onion powder and garlic powder for fresh onions and garlic
Nutrition information
When made with lower sodium canned stew and minimal added salt, this healthier beef stew makes for a nutritious one-pot meal. Here is the nutrition information per 1 cup serving:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Protein | 24g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
Budget-friendly tips
Canned stew is already budget-friendly. Here are some extra ways to save:
- Look for sales and stock up when on sale
- Purchase store brand or generic canned stew
- Use less expensive cuts of beef for homemade stock
- Replace half the meat with extra vegetables
- Use water instead of broth/stock
- Skip pricier ingredients like wine or cream
With a few simple additions, canned beef stew can be transformed into a hearty, budget-friendly meal the whole family will love.
Conclusion
While basic canned beef stew leaves much to be desired, with a few easy tricks it can be turned into a delicious homestyle meal. Sautéing flavor-boosting vegetables, seasoning generously with herbs and spices, adding a splash of red wine or tomato paste, and simmering down to the perfect thickness all go a long way. Serving it over mashed potatoes or rice with fun garnishes takes it to the next level. With minimal effort, canned beef stew can become your new favorite comfort food.