Hoover Stew

Hoover Stew is more than just a simple meal—it’s a dish that tells the story of resilience during one of America’s toughest periods. As the Great Depression ravaged the country, families turned to affordable, adaptable recipes to survive, and Hoover Stew became a lifeline for many.

With its combination of pasta, vegetables, and hot dogs, it was filling, inexpensive, and easy to make.Today, Hoover Stew serves as a reminder of the resourcefulness of past generations, and while it might not be a luxurious meal, it is a symbol of how communities and families came together during a time of need.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Ingredients

1/4 cup elbow macaroni or spaghetti broken into pieces
1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes with juice
1 hot dog sliced into rounds
1/4 cup canned corn drained
1/4 cup canned peas or green beans drained
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta:

Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni or spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the stew:

In a medium saucepan, add the canned diced tomatoes and their juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the sliced hot dog, corn, and peas (or green beans) to the saucepan. Stir to combine.

Simmer the ingredients:

Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine with pasta:

Once the tomato mixture has simmered, add the cooked pasta to the stew. Stir everything together and let it heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve:

Pour the Hoover Stew into a bowl and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Versatility: Hoover Stew was often made with whatever ingredients were on hand. Feel free to substitute different canned vegetables, such as carrots or beans, or use different types of pasta depending on what you have available.

Meat substitutes: While hot dogs were common during the 1930s due to their low cost, you can substitute them with sausages, ground meat, or even leave the meat out entirely for a vegetarian version.

Flavor variations: Some variations of Hoover Stew included seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you'd like to add a little more flavor, consider these simple additions.