Best Packaged Stews of 2025

"This is really good! It looks great in the can. I peeled back the lid and saw slices of carrots, cubes of potatoes, and chunks of meat. Not soupy, just the right amount of gravy. I ate a spoonful at room temperature and it was fabulous. After heating it in the microwave, it was still very good. It doesn't have that canned taste or texture; it tastes good and has a great mouthfeel. I usually don't eat much canned food, but this one is going into rotation."

"When I was a kid, my Grandmother made this for me after school until dinner. I always loved it, and trying it again now, it tastes just as good as I remember. It's full of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. It's perfect for when I'm too tired to cook or on a cold New England winter day."

"I can't say this stew is gourmet, but it does the job. If I need to fill an empty stomach with a warm meal quickly, this stew achieves that mission. It’s been a reliable option for me over the years."

"I've always enjoyed Dinty Moore beef stew; the cans are the perfect size for a quick meal."

"I found these on a great sale and decided to try them out. I usually avoid canned food, but the price was irresistible. I should have bought more because they were really delicious and easy to prepare. They disappeared quickly with my family!"

"I love how the canned beef stew tastes! I bought in bulk, which made it cheaper per can. I like to enhance it with fresh carrots and celery for a more homemade feel."

"I find this to be a complete meal in a can. It has meat, potatoes, gravy, and carrots, making it a fantastic option for a Sunday dinner. I always keep a case in my survival pantry because it's very delicious."

"While I generally enjoy salty foods, I feel this stew is a bit on the salty side. But the flavor is still decent. I like to get creative with it by adding rice or watering it down for a passable beef soup. I live off-grid, so I appreciate having this on hand and will be ordering it again, just giving it four stars for the saltiness."

"I always keep a case of Dinty Moore Beef Stew stocked alongside other non-perishables. It's thick and tasty, and heats up in just a few minutes in the microwave. The price is reasonable, though not the cheapest available."

"I find the taste excellent and the portion size adequate. It's ready in just over a minute and offers great value."

"These meals are fantastic for a quick lunch. I love that they don't need refrigeration and heat up in one minute. They're perfect for my limited time as a teacher."

"I prefer the canned version, but these trays are convenient and mess-free. I can eat directly from the bowl after microwaving, though I wish there was a bit more in each tray compared to the regular cans. Still, they're tasty and easy to handle."

"I really enjoy this for lunch or a light dinner. It's so great when I want a hot meal but don't feel like cooking."

"When I'm not feeling well, or if bad weather keeps me from shopping, this is a decent option. It's better than mashed potato varieties. The protein content is good, and the taste is acceptable. It's also very simple to prepare."

"It’s affordable and works fine as a snack, but I wouldn't consider it a full meal. I did notice it's a bit high in sodium."

"I appreciate Hormel's tasty food, and their stew is no exception. Unlike their canned stew, this microwave dinner has no horrendous smell—just good flavor and just the right amount to satisfy my hunger."

"I think Dinty Moore is what all other canned stews aspire to be. The lower sodium version is even better!"

"I’m really glad I found the lower sodium stew! It has 25% less sodium, and while I’d prefer 50% less, I’ll take what I can get. I like to add Grizzly Joe's Keepin It Groovy salt free seasoning to enhance the flavor."

"For a quick dinner, I find that a bowl of stew works perfectly. I often add some chopped Hatch green chili peppers to elevate the taste. When I toss in some frozen or canned corn and a quarter cup of crumbled shiitake or porcini mushrooms, it turns into a unique feast. I love finishing it off with some cornbread!"

"This sauce is amazing for what it's intended for—the seasonings are spot on and the quality is just great!"

"I often use this in my Dutch oven for pot roast, and it yields fantastic results. Even as a not-so-great cook, everyone loves my pot roast, all thanks to this sauce! It's truly foolproof!"

"When using this for crockpot beef stew, I typically include one pound each of carrots and stew beef, along with some celery, onion, and potato. It always turns out wonderful. When cooking for a crowd, I sometimes double the recipe but still use just one packet and add onion powder, beef broth, and bouillon."

"I was pleasantly surprised by the quick shipping and the easy open pull tab lids. The texture and spices are delightful, making this product feel like musical food to me!"

"I decided to try this on a whim because the price was reasonable. I love how it’s creamy with a mild chili taste. It’s perfect with crackers, and I find it satisfying as a quick dip!"

"I finally discovered a canned chili that I actually enjoy! The chunks of meat are satisfying, and the spice level is just right for me. I’ll be stocking up on this as a pantry staple!"

"This meal serves as a quick yet modest option. I find that using two slices of bread to soak up the gravy makes it more filling."

"I haven't cooked beef stew in ages, but I believe this is quite close to homemade. The meat is tender, and the gravy is flavorful. I would appreciate a few more carrots, but overall, it’s quite satisfying."

"I really enjoy these small dinners; they are ready in a minute and taste fantastic!"

"I absolutely love this seasoning. It transforms even the toughest beef into something tender when I use it in my slow cooker."

"This seasoning is fantastic. I used to find it at Walmart, but since it's no longer available, I was fortunate to discover it on Amazon. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys beef stew; it brings back memories of my mother's cooking, god rest her soul."

"Honestly, this mix is incredibly delicious and very straightforward to use. It's a lot easier than making it from scratch."