Demystifying Dinty Moore: Exploring the Secret Ingredients Behind A Beloved Canned Stew

For over 80 years, Dinty Moore’s beef stew has been a staple in many American households. The familiar smiling chef logo on the red and white cans conjures up memories of warm, comforting meals for generations. But not much is known about what exactly is simmering inside each can of this iconic product. Let’s unravel the mystery of Dinty Moore’s signature beef stew recipe.

Origins of the Dinty Moore Brand

First, a little history on the brand itself. Dinty Moore was created in 1935 by Hormel Foods as a line of affordable canned foods. The name was inspired by a popular restaurant owner in New York City called Dinty Moore. Hormel wanted to capture his friendly, hearty spirit in their stew products aimed at busy housewives.

Over the decades, Dinty Moore beef stew became a lunchroom and family dinner staple across America. While the packaging design evolved the traditional stew recipe endured for over 80 years cementing its nostalgic place in popular culture.

The Meat – No Mystery There

Now let’s get to the question everyone has been asking – what kind of meat is in Dinty Moore’s beef stew? Well, there’s no mystery here according to the ingredients list – it contains beef! Hormel hasn’t cut corners by using any filler or substitute meat products

The cuts of beef used are not specified, but are likely economical stewing cuts like chuck, brisket, round or flank These are known for their rich, beefy flavor which shines through in the stew The meat is slow-simmered to tenderize the cuts and infuse the gravy base.

Vegetables Add Substance

In addition to the beef, Dinty Moore stew contains potatoes and carrots. Again, the specific types of potatoes and carrots are not listed, but they likely use sturdy vegetables that can hold up to long cooking times. The potatoes thicken the gravy while adding starchiness, and the carrots provide sweetness and color.

Onions and celery are also commonly used as aromatic vegetables in beef stew recipes, even if they aren’t listed in Dinty Moore’s ingredients. The vegetables give each spoonful a satisfying hearty quality.

Thick and Hearty Gravy Takes Center Stage

The true star of Dinty Moore stew is the thick, savory gravy sauce. The ingredients list reveals it contains a blend of beef and chicken stock enriched with beef fat. The starch likely comes from a combination of modified cornstarch and potato starch.

These thickeners give the gravy its rich, coating consistency. Tomato paste adds a boost of umami flavor and color to the stew base. The rich gravy seamlessly combines with the tender beef and vegetables into the ultimate comforting bite.

Behind the Scenes Flavor Boosters

Some subtler ingredients help balance and amplify the overall beef stew flavor. The addition of mushroom extract enhances the savory, meaty taste. Disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate are flavor enhancers often added to improve the perception of meat-like qualities.

A small amount of sugar contributes sweetness to balance the saltiness. Natural coloring derived from caramel provides an appetizing brown hue. Finally, general natural and artificial flavorings help finesse the overall tasting experience.

No Artificial Preservatives

An important evolution in Dinty Moore’s beef stew formula is the removal of artificial preservatives like MSG and nitrates. Consumer demand for clean labels prompted this change. The stew now relies on the canning process itself to give it a long shelf life. The cans are vacuum sealed and heat processed to destroy any bacteria.

Nutritional Profile of Each Serving

A 1 cup serving of Dinty Moore beef stew contains:

• 200 calories
• 10g total fat
  • 4g saturated fat
• 30mg cholesterol
• 990mg sodium (41% DV)
• 17g carbohydrates
• 10g protein

While not the leanest or lowest sodium option, it does deliver a solid serving of protein and decent amount of vitamins and minerals. Moderating serving sizes allows you to enjoy the stew while keeping nutrition in check.

Recreating the Flavor at Home

If you want to recreate the Dinty Moore flavor profile using whole food ingredients, try this homemade stew recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown beef chunks in a skillet over high heat.
2. Add beef and remaining ingredients to slow cooker.
3. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours.
4. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasonings, and serve.

With real beef and vegetables simmered in a savory broth, you can enjoy comforting stew minus the additives found in the canned version. But when convenience and nostalgia call, Dinty Moore’s signature stew always satisfies.

The Mystery Solved on This Pantry Staple

While not gourmet, Dinty Moore’s canned beef stew has earned a place in America’s cupboards by delivering simple, affordable comfort food. Its straightforward formula features tasty beef and vegetables enveloped in a rich, hearty gravy. A sprinkle of special seasonings and thickeners elevate the humble ingredients into the quintessential beef stew experience generations have come to love. So now that the mystery has been uncovered, it’s time to crack open a can and enjoy a bite of history.