Hoover Stew Recipe: A Depression Era Classic for Easy, Hearty Family Dinners

I often find myself searching for meals that are both deeply comforting and kind to my wallet. Our Hoover Stew recipe, a true Depression Era Classic, is your answer – an incredibly simple, hearty, and satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table. The savory aroma of simmering tomatoes and beef will instantly fill your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need easy dinner ideas, this humble stew uses pantry staples to create a fulfilling family dinner without breaking the bank. Passed down through generations, this recipe proves that the best meals are often the simplest. Get ready to enjoy a taste of history that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredient List with Smart Choices

This Hoover Stew recipe shines with mostly pantry staples like canned goods and pasta, making it a go-to for impromptu meals. Fresh additions like onions and carrots add essential brightness.

• Ground beef (1 lb / 450g, 80/20 lean or lean ground turkey for a lighter option) for protein and richness.
• Canned crushed tomatoes (one 28-oz / 794g can, or diced) for the stew’s savory base.
• Potatoes (2 medium, diced, about 2 cups / 300g; Russet or Yukon Gold) for bulk and comforting texture.
• Onion (1 large, chopped, about 1 cup / 160g) for aromatic depth.
• Carrots (2 medium, sliced, about 1 cup / 130g) for sweetness and color.
• Canned corn (one 15-oz / 425g can, drained, or frozen) for sweetness and color.
• Elbow macaroni (1 cup / 100g, or any small pasta shape) for a classic, filling component.
• Beef broth (4 cups / 940ml, or vegetable broth) to create the stew’s liquid.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp) for savory depth.
• Dried oregano (1 tsp, or a blend of dried Italian herbs) for classic flavor.
• Salt (1/2 tsp, plus more to taste) to enhance all flavors.
• Black pepper (1/4 tsp, freshly ground is best) for a hint of spice.

Highlight special diet options:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free elbow pasta.
• Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Protein-rich add-ins: Add a can of drained kidney beans with the ground meat or use lentils for a plant-based option.

Seasonal upgrades or affordable substitutions:

• Veggies: Use whatever root vegetables you have on hand (e.g., sweet potatoes, parsnips).
• Meat: Chicken can be used, or omit entirely for a vegetarian Hoover Stew.
• Pasta: Any small pasta shape works well in this hearty stew.

Easy Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Making this Hoover Stew recipe is wonderfully straightforward, perfect for quick meals and family dinners. My kids love helping with the stirring, making it a truly family-friendly activity.

1. Brown the Meat: In my trusty 10-inch skillet or a large Dutch oven, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink and nicely crumbled (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat to keep it lean.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 chopped onion and 2 sliced carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant (for 5-7 minutes). Stir in 1 tsp garlic powder and cook for another minute until aromatic.
3. Combine Stew Base: Pour in one 28-oz can crushed tomatoes, 4 cups beef broth, 2 diced potatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
4. Add Pasta & Corn: Stir in 1 cup elbow macaroni and one 15-oz can drained corn. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the stew has thickened slightly. If it looks too thick, splash in 1/4 cup more broth.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the Hoover Stew recipe from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the stew to thicken to a perfect consistency. Serve warm.

Inline shortcuts for busy cooks:

• No need to perfectly chop veggies – a rustic dice is part of the charm of this Depression Era Classic.
• Use pre-chopped onions or frozen mixed vegetables for an extra time-saver.

Notes for flavor variations or healthier twists:

• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
• Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or lentils for a lighter version of this Hoover Stew recipe.
• Boost nutrition by adding a handful of fresh spinach in the last minutes of cooking.

Ideal Uses and Serving Suggestions

Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas or feeding a crowd, this classic dish fits many scenarios.

• Occasions for your Hoover Stew recipe:
  • Weeknight Dinners: This hoover stew recipe Depression Era Classic is one of the best quick dinner ideas for busy evenings, offering minimal fuss for maximum comfort.
  • Kid Lunches: Pack leftovers in a thermos for a warm, nutritious school lunch.
  • Family Gatherings: This hearty stew feeds a crowd generously without breaking the bank.
  • Holidays: A comforting, budget-friendly option to balance out richer holiday fare.
• Pairings: Sides, sauces, drinks that complement Hoover Stew:
  • Sides: Serve with warm, crusty bread or cornbread for dipping into the rich broth. A simple side salad adds freshness.
  • Sauces: A dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream (if not dairy-free) can elevate individual bowls.
  • Drinks: Keep it simple with water, iced tea, or a clear soda, reflecting its humble origins.
• Guidance for leftovers, storage, and reheating:
  • Storage: Store cooled Hoover Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave individual portions for convenience.
  • Freezing: This hoover stew recipe Depression Era Classic freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Everyday Benefits of Cooking with Hoover Stew Recipe

Discover the simple yet profound benefits this hearty dish brings to your home cooking.

• Showcase practical wins:
  • Saves Time: This easy, one-pot meal means less time cooking and minimal cleanup, perfect for busy schedules.
  • Budget-Friendly: Utilizing inexpensive pantry staples, it’s an excellent choice for budget meal prep and stretching your grocery dollar.
  • Nourishing: Packed with vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates, it’s a complete, filling, and nutritious meal.
• Tie Hoover Stew to balanced lifestyle goals:
  • Healthy Eating: A balanced, hearty meal where you control all the ingredients, making it easy to eat well.
  • Meal Prep: Makes fantastic leftovers, providing healthy recipes for families and quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. I often double this hoover stew recipe Depression Era Classic on Sundays; it’s a lifesaver for my son’s school lunches.
  • Family-Friendly: A delicious and approachable way to get kids to eat their veggies in a familiar, comforting format.

Tips, Variations, and Dietary Adjustments

Make this adaptable dish truly your own with these simple tweaks.

• Technique upgrades to improve results:
  • For deeper flavor, brown the ground beef thoroughly until caramelized before adding other ingredients.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to soften slightly as the stew rests and when reheated.
• Flavor/spice tweaks for different cuisines:
  • Add a bay leaf during simmering for extra depth, removing it before serving.
  • A spoonful of Worcestershire sauce can add a rich umami note.
  • Experiment with different dried herbs like thyme or a touch of smoked paprika for variety.
• Adjustments for common diets:
  • Low-Carb: Omit potatoes and pasta. Instead, increase other non-starchy vegetables like green beans, cauliflower florets, or extra carrots.
  • Plant-Based: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of meat, and vegetable broth, for a delicious and hearty plant-based version of this classic stew.
  • Kid-Safe: Keep seasonings mild. Cut vegetables into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier eating by younger children.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Hoover Stew suitable for gluten-free diets?

  Yes! Simply use gluten-free elbow macaroni or another small gluten-free pasta shape. The rest of this hoover stew recipe Depression Era Classic is typically naturally gluten-free.

• How can I meal prep with this Hoover Stew recipe for the week?

  Cook a large batch of this hoover stew recipe Depression Era Classic on the weekend. Divide it into individual airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. It reheats beautifully and makes excellent budget meal prep.

• What’s the best way to store homemade Hoover Stew?

  Once cooled, transfer your homemade Hoover Stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. I usually label my freezer containers with the date to keep track.

• Can I add other vegetables to my Hoover Stew?

  Absolutely! This classic stew is very forgiving. Feel free to add celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas to boost the veggie content and flavor.

• What makes this a ‘Depression Era Classic’?

  This hoover stew recipe Depression Era Classic gets its name from its historical use of inexpensive, readily available pantry staples during the Great Depression. It was a resourceful and common way to feed families with simple, hearty ingredients during tough times.

• Is this Hoover Stew recipe spicy?

  The basic hoover stew recipe Depression Era Classic is not spicy, using mild seasonings. If you prefer a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking or serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side.

This hoover stew recipe Depression Era Classic isn’t just a meal; it’s a piece of history and a testament to delicious, resourceful cooking. Simple, satisfying, and incredibly budget-friendly, it’s a perfect addition to your family’s rotation for hearty, easy home meals.

Whip up this comforting dish tonight and don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for future family dinners!

hoover stew recipe Depression Era Classic

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• Author: Liana Brooks
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian Option, Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free

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Description

Our Hoover Stew recipe is a simple, hearty, and satisfying Depression Era Classic that uses pantry staples to create a fulfilling family dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and brings comforting flavors to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean or lean ground turkey for a lighter option)
• one 28-oz can crushed tomatoes (or diced)
• 2 medium potatoes, diced (about 2 cups) (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, sliced (about 1 cup)
• one 15-oz can canned corn, drained (or frozen)
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or a blend of dried Italian herbs)
• 0.5 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground is best)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a 10-inch skillet or large Dutch oven, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink and nicely crumbled (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
2. Saute Aromatics: Add 1 chopped onion and 2 sliced carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant (5-7 minutes). Stir in 1 tsp garlic powder and cook for another minute until aromatic.
3. Combine Stew Base: Pour in one 28-oz can crushed tomatoes, 4 cups beef broth, 2 diced potatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
4. Add Pasta & Corn: Stir in 1 cup elbow macaroni and one 15-oz can drained corn. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the stew has thickened slightly. (If it looks too thick, splash in 0.25 cup more broth).
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the Hoover Stew from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

For flavor variations, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings. For healthier twists, swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or lentils, or boost nutrition by adding a handful of fresh spinach in the last minutes of cooking. No need to perfectly chop veggies (a rustic dice is fine). Use pre-chopped onions or frozen mixed vegetables for an extra time-saver.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 370 calories
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: Depression Era Classic, comfort food, easy dinner, pantry staples, family meal, hearty stew, ground beef, budget-friendly, macaroni, quick meal