Hamburger Macaroni Stew (Hobo Stew)

Hamburger Macaroni Stew (Hobo Stew)

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbl. butter
  • 1 lb. extra lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped into 1/2" chunky pieces
  • 1 rib celery, sliced
  • 8 oz. baby carrots, sliced thickly into 4ths
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. dried italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbl. flour
  • 1 (48 oz.) box beef stock or broth
  • 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 Tbl. tomato paste, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 Tbl. beef bouillon base such as Better Than Bouillon
  • 2 - 3 tsp. (packed) dark brown sugar (as you like)
  • one small parmesan rind, optional but always so good!
  • 1/2 small head fresh cabbage, cut into large bite-sized pieces
  • 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can beef consommé
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
  • 1 small skinny courgette such as zucchini or yellow squash, quartered and sliced
  • 1 (7 oz.) can white shoepeg corn, drained
  • Garnish with grated parmesan cheese if desired and set out a bottle of hot sauce for heat lovers!

Instructions

  • In a stock pot, add butter and melt over medium heat. Crumble in ground beef and add onion, celery carrots, and seasonings up to garlic. Sauté until beef is done breaking up as it cooks. (*No need to drain when using extra lean ground beef. The juices left are wonderful!) Add garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute longer. Sprinkle with flour, stir and sauté 1 more minute.
  • Add stock, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, worcestershire, beef base, dark brown sugar, parmesan rind (optional), cabbage and consommé. Bring to a simmer, cover, lower heat to Low, and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add macaroni noodles, and courgette(s). Re-cover, raise heat to medium to bring back to a simmer. Once simmering, lower heat to Low again and continue simmering until noodles and vegetables are tender. About 20 more minutes (once simmering) depending on brand of noodles. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking on the bottom.
  • Stir in drained can of corn. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let sit a few minutes until canned veggies are heated through and stew has cooled down enough to eat.
  • Ladle into bowls and serve with fresh grated parmesan cheese on top if desired. Set out a bottle of hot sauce for heat lovers! Enjoy!!