Hobo Stew

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Introduction

A hearty, no-fuss classic that’s as comforting as it is simple. Hobo Stew brings together savory ground beef, tender red potatoes, and smoky-sweet baked beans in one skillet. It’s a weeknight winner and campfire favorite alike, just the kind of cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 (28 oz) can maple cured beans,
  • 3 to 4 medium red potatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes:
    Boil the potatoes in a large pot of water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain, let cool slightly, then peel and chop or slice into bite-sized pieces. (Red potatoes work great here because they hold their shape beautifully!)
  2. Cook the Ground Beef:
    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Combine and Simmer:
    Add the baked beans and cooked potatoes to the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir to combine everything well. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Serve:
    Spoon into bowls and serve hot. This stew is rich, comforting, and perfect for cozy nights in. Add a dash of hot sauce or shredded cheddar if you’re feelin’ bold.

Variation

  1. Swap the Meat: Try ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a leaner option. It lightens the dish while still absorbing all those delicious baked bean flavors. Add a little olive oil when browning to keep leaner meats from drying out.
  2. Go Vegetarian: Omit the meat entirely and toss in extra beans like black beans or kidney beans, plus chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for texture and umami. A dash of liquid smoke can help replace that hearty flavor.
  3. Make it Spicy: Stir in a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce while simmering. You can also use spicy baked beans or season the ground beef with chili powder and cumin for a Tex-Mex twist.

Cooking Notes

  1. Red Potatoes Are Key: They hold their shape better than russets when boiled and stirred into the stew, so you get soft but not mushy bites.
  2. Don’t Skip Draining the Beef: Removing excess grease helps keep the final stew rich, not greasy. It also allows the other flavors, especially the sweet-savory beans, to shine through.
  3. Simmering Brings It Together: Letting everything cook together for 15–20 minutes melds the flavors. Don’t rush this step, it’s when the magic happens and the stew goes from separate parts to a unified comfort classic.

Serving Suggestions

  1. With Cornbread or Biscuits: Serve alongside warm, buttery cornbread or flaky biscuits to soak up all the saucy goodness. It turns the stew into a stick-to-your-ribs, Southern-inspired meal.
  2. Top It Off: Add shredded sharp cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions on top for some creamy contrast and extra flavor layers. It takes the dish from simple to crave-worthy.
  3. Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun and hearty twist, ladle the stew into hollowed-out bread bowls. The bread soaks up the savory juices, and there’s no extra dishwashing needed!

Tips

  1. Prep Ahead: You can boil and chop the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. This cuts down your cook time and makes weeknight meals faster.
  2. Make It a Freezer Meal: This stew freezes well! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave for a cozy meal anytime.
  3. Use What You Have: This recipe is flexible. Got leftover roast veggies? Toss them in. Only have canned chili beans? Use those. It’s meant to be a low-fuss, pantry-friendly kind of dish.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: ~22g
  • Sodium: ~800mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
    Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and onions first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until everything is well heated and flavors melded.
  2. How do I store leftovers?
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
  3. Can I use canned potatoes?
    You can! If you’re short on time, drained canned potatoes are a quick alternative. Just be gentle when stirring so they don’t break down too much.
  4. What beans can I use besides baked beans?
    Pinto, black, chili, or even cannellini beans all work beautifully. For extra depth of flavor, mix two different types together!

Conclusion

Hobo Stew is one of those humble, hearty meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly flexible, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re serving it up around the campfire or at the family dinner table, this stew brings warmth, flavor, and a little nostalgia with every bite. Cozy up and enjoy!

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Hobo Stew

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

A hearty, no-fuss classic that’s as comforting as it is simple. Hobo Stew brings together savory ground beef, tender red potatoes, and smoky-sweet baked beans in one skillet. It’s a weeknight winner and campfire favorite alike just the kind of cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 (28 oz) can maple cured beans, undrained (or any beans you love!)
  • 3 to 4 medium red potatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes:
    Boil the potatoes in a large pot of water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain, let cool slightly, then peel and chop or slice into bite-sized pieces. (Red potatoes work great here because they hold their shape beautifully!)
  2. Cook the Ground Beef:
    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Combine and Simmer:
    Add the baked beans and cooked potatoes to the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir to combine everything well. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Serve:
    Spoon into bowls and serve hot. This stew is rich, comforting, and perfect for cozy nights in. Add a dash of hot sauce or shredded cheddar if you’re feelin’ bold.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try seasoning the ground beef with a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Want to stretch it further? Add a handful of frozen corn or diced bell pepper with the onions.
  • This also works beautifully in a Dutch oven over a campfire!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: ~420
  • Sugar: ~7g
  • Sodium: ~800mg
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Saturated Fat: ~7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
  • Trans Fat: ~0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: ~40g
  • Fiber: ~6g
  • Protein: ~22g
  • Cholesterol: ~60mg

Keywords: hobo stew, ground beef potato stew, easy skillet dinner, one-pan comfort food

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