Hobo Stew(Good For Crowd)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful stew perfect for feeding a crowd, combining ground beef, beans, vegetables, and savory spices for a comforting, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 1/2 c. onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 c. celery, chopped
  • 2 cans (15 oz.) Ranch Style beans
  • 3 cans (10.5 oz.) minestrone soup
  • 1 c. water
  • 1/2 c. Ro-Tel tomatoes
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Tabasco to taste
  • chili powder to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté ground chuck, chopped onion, and chopped celery until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
  2. Add canned Ranch Style beans, minestrone soup, water, Ro-Tel tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and chili powder.
  3. Simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a dash of smoked paprika. If you don’t have Ranch Style beans, substitute with pinto or black beans. For a spicier kick, include jalapeños or switch to a spicier variety of Ro-Tel tomatoes. To save time, use a pre-chopped vegetable mix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty Hobo Stew with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or coleslaw on the side. For an added touch, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for casual gatherings and works well as a crowd-pleaser.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. The stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hobo Stew(Good For Crowd) contains roughly 734 calories, with 20g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1583mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).

734 kcal 37% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.4g 41% DV
Total Fat 35.1g 45% DV
Carbs 90.5g 33% DV
Fiber 14.3g 51% DV
Sugar 15.7g 31% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1582.7mg 69% DV
Potassium 962.9mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 22.8mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 270.2mcg 30% DV
Vitamin C 8.1mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 206.2mg 16% DV
Iron 7.1mg 39% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hobo Stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method enhances the flavors and makes for a convenient meal preparation.

Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?

Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with plant-based meat or omit it entirely, adding more beans and vegetables instead. Use vegetable broth instead of water and be sure to choose vegetarian-friendly beans and soup options for a delicious vegan recipe.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the stew?

To control the heat, start by adding a small amount of Tabasco and chili powder, tasting as you go. You can always add more if you prefer it spicier. If the stew becomes too hot, balance it by adding a bit of sugar or more beans to mellow the flavors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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