I Tried 15 Popular Brands Of Canned Beef Stew (A Few Were Shockingly Good)

Canned beef stew doesn’t exactly scream “gourmet,” but let’s be honest—it’s a pantry staple for a reason. It’s fast, filling, and (ideally) comforting. Still, not all cans are created equal. Some are watery and bland, others overly salty or mysteriously mushy. But a few? They actually taste like something you’d make from scratch on a rainy day. I cracked open 15 different brands—from bargain-bin basics to nostalgic favorites—and here’s how they stacked up. Some were disappointing. A few were oddly delicious. And a couple genuinely shocked me in the best way.

1. Dinty Moore Beef Stew

With a taste reminiscent of childhood, Dinty Moore Beef Stew delivers hearty chunks of beef and thick gravy. However, the saltiness hits hard, leaving you thirsting for water. Its nostalgic taste might remind you of snowy days and warm kitchens, but the sodium content could deter health-conscious eaters. It’s a classic staple known widely among canned stew enthusiasts, providing comfort in its familiar taste. Still, it may not satisfy those seeking a more refined flavor profile. The iconic can design remains unchanged, symbolizing reliability in uncertain times.

2. Great Value (Walmart)

Walmart’s Great Value Beef Stew comes with thicker gravy and tender pieces of meat, surprising many budget shoppers. It’s a hidden gem, offering more than expected for its price, making it a favorite among cost-conscious consumers. The meat is tender, and the texture feels more homemade, which might tempt those usually avoiding store brands. The stew’s taste balance and affordability make it stand out against pricier competitors. Those looking for a simple, satisfying meal might find solace in this economical choice.

3. Campbell’s Chunky Hearty Beef Stew

Campbell’s Chunky Hearty Beef Stew offers an okay texture, but its flavor leaves something to be desired. Though the chunks look promising, the taste falls flat, lacking seasoning and the hearty feel its name suggests. For those expecting the renowned ‘Chunky’ experience, this may disappoint. The stew doesn’t live up to its label, needing an enhancement in spices to reach its full potential. While it might satisfy a quick hunger, it may not leave a lasting impression in terms of flavor richness.

4. Hormel Compleats Beef Stew

Hormel Compleats Beef Stew offers convenience but falters in taste. The microwaveable nature appeals to those in a rush, yet the beef’s rubbery texture and lackluster gravy might disappoint discerning palates. Its quick preparation time is overshadowed by its blandness, leaving you wishing for more seasoning. While practical for a fast meal, flavor enthusiasts might seek alternatives with more depth. The stew’s simplicity might work in a pinch but doesn’t satisfy cravings for a sumptuous stew experience.

5. Progresso Rich & Hearty Beef Pot Roast Style Stew

Progresso’s offering is more of a thin soup than a hearty stew. Its broth is light, lacking the body and substance one might desire in a stew. The sparse chunks fail to provide satisfaction, leaving one wanting more. While the flavor isn’t unpleasant, it doesn’t reach the richness expected from a pot roast style. Ideal for those preferring a lighter meal, but might not suffice for hearty stew seekers. Its subtle taste could appeal to those avoiding intense flavors, but might not fulfill traditional stew cravings.

6. Stagg Hearty Beef Stew

Stagg Hearty Beef Stew stands out with its thick, peppery flavor and abundant vegetables, making it one of the most balanced options available. The consistency feels just right, offering a hearty and satisfying meal. Its robust taste appeals to those craving a substantial stew experience, without overwhelming the palate. The harmonious blend of meat and vegetables ensures each bite is fulfilling. Stagg’s entry is a sleeper hit, winning over those who appreciate well-rounded flavors and textures in their stew.

7. Signature Select (Safeway/Albertsons)

Signature Select from Safeway or Albertsons fails to leave a memorable impression. It’s overly soft and salty, with minimal beef flavor to satisfy the palate. The texture may be appealing to some, but the lack of distinctive taste might leave you wanting more. While it serves its purpose as a quick meal, it doesn’t stand out among competitors. It’s easily forgettable, overshadowed by brands with more pronounced flavors. For those seeking a standard stew experience, this might suffice, but the adventurous might look elsewhere.

8. Amy’s Organic Hearty Rustic Stew

Amy’s Organic Hearty Rustic Stew offers a unique twist, prioritizing healthiness over beefiness. While loaded with vegetables and lentils, it strays from traditional beef stew expectations. Its organic ingredients appeal to health-conscious consumers, but might surprise those expecting a robust beef flavor. The stew’s earthiness can be refreshing, though it may not fulfill conventional cravings. Serving as a bridge between veggie lovers and stew enthusiasts, it offers a different yet satisfying experience.

9. Kirkland Signature (Costco)

Kirkland Signature from Costco boasts a rich and robust flavor profile, impressing with quality ingredients. Its meaty and flavorful nature makes it one of the best in its category, providing a generous portion size for hungry appetites. The stew’s hearty essence and substantial texture win over both casual consumers and stew aficionados. With its impressive taste, it rivals homemade versions, allowing for indulgence in a convenient form. Those seeking a satisfying meal with ample portions need look no further.

10. Libby’s Beef Stew

Libby’s Beef Stew is a nostalgic journey into old-school comfort. Its soft potatoes and chewy beef deliver a familiar taste that might remind you of meals from the past. While not gourmet, it provides a satisfying experience, especially for those who recall its tinny taste from childhood. The stew’s simplicity is its charm, offering comfort in its straightforwardness. For those seeking a taste of nostalgia, Libby’s provides a warm embrace through its familiar flavors, proving that sometimes, less is more.

11. Trader Joe’s Beef Stew

Trader Joe’s Beef Stew impresses with its thick and flavorful profile, feeling more homemade than many rivals. Lean meat and herby gravy create a delightful experience, appealing to those desiring a hearty meal. The stew’s taste closely resembles a homemade concoction, potentially winning over skeptics of canned varieties. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture make it a top contender for those prioritizing quality and taste. Trader Joe’s offers a can of comfort that transcends typical expectations, providing nourishment and delight.

12. Target Good & Gather Beef Stew

Target’s Good & Gather Beef Stew disappoints with its thin consistency and lack of chunks. The watery gravy and limited seasoning fail to provide the hearty experience stew lovers seek. While convenient, its lack of flavor and substance might leave you searching for alternatives offering more satisfaction. For those seeking a fulfilling meal, this stew may not hit the mark, as its simplicity doesn’t translate into a memorable culinary experience. Despite its shortcomings, it serves as a reminder that not all stews are created equal.

13. Chef Boyardee Beef Stew

Chef Boyardee Beef Stew confuses palates with its resemblance to beefy pasta sauce. Its sweet and tangy notes create an unexpected flavor profile, leaving traditional stew seekers puzzled. The taste diverges significantly from what’s anticipated, offering a unique, albeit unusual, experience. While it might find fans among those craving something different, it could disappoint those expecting classic beef stew. This unconventional take requires an open mind, as its distinctive taste might intrigue some while baffling others.

14. H-E-B Texas Style Beef Stew

H-E-B Texas Style Beef Stew delivers big, bold flavors with peppery and smoky notes that stand out. Its distinct taste sets it apart from traditional stews, offering a memorable culinary journey. Those lucky enough to find it will enjoy a hearty and satisfying experience, with flavors reminiscent of Texas barbeque. The stew’s robust essence appeals to those seeking more than just a basic meal, providing an exciting twist on a classic favorite. It’s a standout choice for those craving something extraordinary.

15. Aldi Brookdale Beef Stew

Aldi Brookdale Beef Stew emerges as a budget hero with great texture and satisfying flavor. While slightly greasy, it compensates with a robustness that appeals to value-conscious consumers. Surprisingly solid for a store-brand, it offers more than expected, making it a reliable choice for thrifty shoppers. The stew’s balance between affordability and taste makes it a worthwhile contender in the canned stew market. Those looking for a decent meal without breaking the bank may find this stew a comforting option.