Hobo Stew

Easy Hobo Stew is perfect for cleaning out the pantry and fridge. Combining ground beef and veggies in a beefy, tomato broth.

Easy Hamburger Vegetable Soup

Growing up my momma called this Hamburger Soup. The first winter I was out on my own, I remember calling her for this recipe.

She laughed. "There is no recipe!" she told me. But I made her make it into a recipe. She talked me through making the stew over the phone and I've been making it ever since.

I swear my momma's tastes better than mine. But I make this humble soup often and have served it to many friends over the years. They always talk about how good it is and want to know my secret.

Well, here's the secret to the recipe--It's a great way to use what you have. The soup turns out a little different each time. That's the fun of it!

You may know this soup by one of its many names--Mulligan Stew, Campfire Stew, Girl Scouts Stew, Camp Stew,

But in general, the recipe below is how I make it.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef--I use beef, but feel free to use ground turkey, ground chicken, or pork
• Medium Onion
• Garlic
• Tomato Paste
• Chili Powder
• Canned Tomatoes
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning
• Beef Bouillon--if using beef broth, adjust water amount accordingly
• Carrots--½ inch pieces, about 1 large carrot or a handful of baby carrots
• Celery--diced
• Cabbage--sliced thinly
• Potatoes, cut in ½ inch pieces--I used russet potatoes so I peeled them, you can leave the skins on red potatoes
• Green Beans, canned
• Corn, canned, drained
• Hot Sauce and Shredded Cheddar Cheese, optional

How to Make Hobo Stew

1. In a large pot, over medium-high heat, brown ground meat with onion and garlic until slightly crispy and the brown bits are stuck to the bottom of the pan.
2. Using a wooden spoon, scoot the ground beef to the sides of the pan. Put tomato paste in the center and cook until it turns darker red.
3. Add chili powder to tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to a 1 minute or until fragrant.
4. Add canned tomatoes with juice. Stir to remove any bits stuck to the bottom.
5. Add carrots, celery, cabbage, potatoes and green beans, salt, pepper, sugar, Beef Boulion, and Tony's.
6. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients.
7. Simmer on medium-low for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until veggies are tender.
8. Add drained corn. Cook for 5 more minutes.
9. Adjust seasonings. Serve hot. I like mine with shredded cheddar on top.

Substitutions and Variations

Hobo Soup is very versatile! Use any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge or different ingredients you have an abundance of in the pantry.

Beef Stew Meat--Use beef stew meat instead of ground beef

Rice--Add long-grain rice when adding the vegetables

Noodles--Stir in egg noodles the last 10 minutes of cooking

Add some beans--Great Northern Beans, Lima Beans, Pinto Beans,

Substitute V-8, other tomato juice for water

Substitute beef or chicken broth instead of water and bouillon

Canned veggies--My momma doesn't use as many fresh veggies in her version, so feel free to used canned mixed veggies instead of fresh carrots, potatoes, etc.

Crockpot Hobo Stew

Cook beef with onions and garlic. Then put it in the slow cooker with all of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Cooking time can vary so, check it after a few hours.

Hobo Stew on a Fire Pit

This recipe is perfect for cooking in a Dutch oven on a campfire!

On your next camping trip, pack your big soup pot and try this easy recipe. Just brown the meat with the onions and garlic over hot coals, throw the rest of the ingredients in, and cook over medium coals.

Keep an eye on the fire and enjoy the slower pace of this cooking method.

Storage

Store in a shallow airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. This soup freezes well. Place in individual-sized freezer containers for a perfect grab-and-go lunch.

Serve Alongside

I love serving Hobo Soup with Hot Dog Bun Garlic Bread. It just seems to be a fitting side. Of course, homemade bread is always delicious with soup, too.

Something Else to Try

If you're a soup lover like me, try one of my other favorites!

• One Pot Lasagna Soup
• Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
• Instant Pot Ham and Beans
• Butternut Squash Soup with Cider 

DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?

Lastly, if you made Hobo Stew following this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a rating!

I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.

And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and hashtag it #laughingroostereats! Seeing your photos is our favorite thing!

FOOD SAFETY

• Wash hands before cooking
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended