Hearty Hobo Stew

There’s something magical about a steaming pot of Hobo Stew on a chilly evening. It’s a dish that brings warmth, not only to the belly but to the heart, too. When I first whipped this up, I was just looking for an easy, one-pot meal to satisfy the whole family on a busy weeknight. What I didn’t expect was the overwhelming joy on everyone’s face as the kitchen filled with the savory aroma of simmering vegetables and seasoned ground beef. My youngest, who usually protests anything green, happily dug in, and my partner went back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Hobo Stew is a beautifully rustic, hearty meal that transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of comfort. It’s a life-saver for those packed days when I’ve barely got time to think about dinner. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a great option for cleaning out the fridge. The best part? The flavors meld together so perfectly, you’d think you spent hours cooking. Whether it’s a soccer practice night or just a lazy Sunday afternoon, this stew never fails to deliver. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in our household.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may need a bit more seasoning.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the meat first, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s a great way to have dinner ready when you get home.

What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?
No worries! Feel free to mix and match veggies. Carrots, potatoes, and green beans are staples, but you can use whatever you have in the crisper drawer.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The stew also freezes well, so you can portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months.

What You Need to Make Hobo Stew

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

2 cups diced potatoes

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed

1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)

4 cups beef broth

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Special Tools:

A large pot or Dutch oven

A wooden spoon for stirring

A sharp knife and cutting board

How to Make Hobo Stew

Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, chopped carrots, fresh green beans, and the can of diced tomatoes. Pour in the beef broth, making sure all the ingredients are submerged.

Season and Simmer: Season with salt and pepper. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Hobo Stew

Don’t skip browning the meat: It adds depth to the flavor.

Adjust the seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Thicken the broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Make it your own: Add in a handful of frozen peas, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or some Italian seasoning for a flavor twist.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy weeknights! My family devoured it, and there were zero complaints—a rare miracle in our house!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavor, but next time, I’ll add more potatoes. They were the first thing to disappear!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So hearty and filling! I made a double batch and froze the leftovers. Can’t wait to have it again.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for cleaning out the fridge. I added zucchini and bell peppers, and it turned out delicious!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good, but I think I’ll add a bit more seasoning next time. It was a bit too mild for my taste.

Printable Recipe

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Cooking is all about sharing love and memories, and I’d be thrilled if you spread the word about this Hobo Stew. If your family enjoys it as much as mine does, take a photo, share it on social media, and tag me. Nothing warms my heart more than seeing others enjoy a meal that’s a favorite in our home. Let’s spread the joy of good, simple food together!