Hobo Stew

Hobo stewPhoto byJustina Price

Hobo stew originated in the early 1900s during the great depression. It was said to be a staple in the Hobo camps of the time. During the depression, living life as a Hobo was a hard and food was not easy to come by but when the opportunity did present itself to take in a hot meal, they made the best of what they had, and Hobo stew was a way to make what they had available go a little further. The name Hobo Stew came to mean a stew made from whatever can be scrounged up to make a decent mix of meat, vegetables, and beans. Hobo Stew is sometimes made with hotdogs, sausage, pork, deer meat or whatever protein is easy to obtain.

This recipe is my own version. I use the one pot method which I am sure was how they made it at the Hobo camps during the depression. Modern day camping has evolved into a family activity and our family is no exception. Food is always the center of our whole camping experience, we look for good, affordable, and practical recipes. If camping is in your future this recipe is an easy and delicious winner.

Large pot

1 pound ground beef

1 14.25 oz can of diced tomatoes

1 14.25 oz. can of corn.

1 14.25 oz. can of green beans

1 14.25 oz can of cannelloni beans

2 medium potatoes washed and cut in chunks.

1 1/2 cup beef bouillon

2/3 cup BBQ Sauce.

In a large stock pot, brown the beef over medium heat. Add in your favorite seasonings, let the meat cook Once the meat is browned and cooked through, drain off any liquid. When the meat is well drained begin to dump all the remaining ingredients into the pot with the meat. If you are cooking over a campfire keep the heat low and let the stew cook slowly. At home I like to cook Hobo Stew low and slow on the stove for a couple hours. This is also an easy recipe to cook in a crockpot, or if you need to save time an Instapot works great. When the ingredients have had time to simmer, and the flavors have melded together serve with a big slice of homemade buttered cornbread and enjoy.