I know you love to save money and cook delicious meals so, you'll love this Hoover Stew Recipe! It's easy to make and costs just a few dollars so a very budget-friendly recipe. Plus, it's incredibly tasty. You're going to want to make this dish and more of our cheap dinner ideas again and again!
What was Hoover Stew?
Hoover Stew was a popular dish during the Great Depression. It gets its name from President Hoover, who was in office during the economic downturn. The recipe is simple: add whatever vegetables you have on hand to a pot of water and let it simmer. This stew was a way for people to make use of whatever food they had, no matter how meager. And since there were often no leftovers, it was also known as ” stew-for-two.” Despite its humble beginnings, Hoover Stew has become a cherished part of American cuisine. So the next time you're feeling down, remember that there's always something to be thankful for – even if it's just a pot of Hoover Stew.
Related: 88 Great Depression Recipes
How much does Hoover Stew cost to make?
It's very affordable to make Hoover Stew! The ingredients are all common and inexpensive, and the stew itself is very filling. The recipe below comes out to $1.85 per serving. It's a great dish for a budget-conscious family!
Total Cost = $18.50
Cost per Serving = $1.85
Related: 13 Items They Made During the Great Depression (But We Pay for Now)
What special items do I need to make this great depression-era stew recipe?
Large Pot – Ideal for everything from simmering stews to frying up a big batch of chicken, a large pot is a kitchen essential. The heavy-duty construction ensures even heat distribution, while the non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze.
Strainer – Whether you're draining cooked pasta or rinsing fruits and veggies, a strainer can make your life a lot easier.
Related: Water Pie Recipe
Ingredients for Hoover Stew
Hot dogs
How to make Hoover Stew
In a large pot cook the macaroni per package directions until almost done, just before al dente
Drain the pasta and place it back in the pot
Stir in tomatoes, corn, beans, and hot dogs
Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is done and hot dogs are heated through
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Hoover Stew Recipe
Hoover Stew is easy to make, just chuck everything into a pot and let it simmer. It's not only a simple dish but it's packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni pasta, dry
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes, not drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can of beans, any kind, not drained
- 1 package of hot dogs, sliced
Instructions
- In a large pot cook the macaroni per package directions until almost done, just before al dente
- Drain the pasta and place it back in the pot
- Stir in tomatoes, corn, beans, and hot dogs
- Bring to boil then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is done and hot dogs are heated through
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So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking! With a little creativity, you can make delicious, budget-friendly meals that will have your family asking for seconds. And who knows – maybe you’ll even inspire them to get creative in the kitchen too! What’s your favorite Depression-era recipe?
Simple, tasty, & most importantly for what this dish was originally supposed to be, quite filling! One dish did the trick for me. I’d have had seconds, but that would have just been too much. I took liberties with a can of mushrooms and 1/2 tablespoon of Herbes de France.
While Hoover Stew is simple, it’s very easy, affordable, and completely delish (with a few additions.) Beef OXO, you get the salt, you get the beef flavor and it’s AFFORDABLE. And, of course, a can of mushrooms, thank you Western Family Foods. This will a family of three for two days.