Sometimes the simplest meals bring the biggest smiles. Hobo Stew is pure, nostalgic comfort—like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe you whip up when you want something hearty, filling, and just plain satisfying without a ton of fuss.
Tender potatoes, savory ground beef, sweet maple bacon beans—each bite is rich with flavor and memories. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a little taste of home, this stew is ready to make your evening cozier.
Bonus: It’s super affordable and perfect for busy nights when you want dinner on the table fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
- Cozy, hearty, and filling—perfect for cooler evenings.
- Totally customizable with your favorite beans or toppings.
Hobo Stew Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 (28 oz) can maple cured bacon baked beans (undrained)
- 3 to 4 medium red potatoes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the red potatoes and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain the water, let the potatoes cool slightly, then peel and cut them into bite-sized chunks. (Red potatoes are perfect—they hold their shape without getting mushy!)
- Cook the Ground Beef: While the potatoes are cooling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are nice and soft. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the undrained baked beans and the chopped potatoes right into the skillet with your beef and onions. Stir everything together until well mixed. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes so all those delicious flavors can cozy up together.
- Serve: Ladle your stew into bowls and serve it piping hot. Feel free to jazz it up with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
Variations to Try:
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor twist.
- Stir in some chopped bell peppers or corn for extra color and sweetness.
- Use smoky barbecue beans for an even deeper, richer taste.
Pro Tips:
- For even quicker prep, you can microwave the potatoes until just tender instead of boiling.
- Add a splash of beef broth when simmering if you prefer a slightly soupier stew.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for a rainy day—it reheats beautifully!
- For a smoky kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika while cooking the beef.
Enjoy every cozy, hearty spoonful!
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Hobo Stew
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 (28 oz) can maple cured bacon baked beans (undrained)
- 3 to 4 medium red potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the red potatoes and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain the water, let the potatoes cool slightly, then peel and cut them into bite-sized chunks. (Red potatoes are perfect—they hold their shape without getting mushy!)
- Cook the Ground Beef: While the potatoes are cooling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are nice and soft. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the undrained baked beans and the chopped potatoes right into the skillet with your beef and onions. Stir everything together until well mixed. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes so all those delicious flavors can cozy up together.
- Serve: Ladle your stew into bowls and serve it piping hot. Feel free to jazz it up with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
