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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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