Mulligan Stew (Hobo Stew): A Hearty Dish Born on the Road

When you think of comfort food, few dishes are as hearty, simple, and steeped in American history as Mulligan Stew, also known as Hobo Stew. This humble yet filling meal emerged from the resourcefulness of travelers, hobos, and itinerant workers during the early 20th century. With just a few ingredients—often whatever was on hand—they created a dish that could feed a group of hungry people with warmth, flavor, and plenty of nutrition.

The Story Behind Mulligan Stew

Mulligan Stew is more than a meal; it’s a symbol of ingenuity and community. During the Great Depression and other hard times, people often didn’t have access to grocery stores or fresh ingredients. Travelers would pool together whatever meat, vegetables, and seasonings they had and cook them in a single pot over a campfire.

The result was a thick, flavorful stew that varied with each cook—no two Mulligan Stews were exactly alike.

Ingredients: Flexible and Simple

One of the beauties of Mulligan Stew is its adaptability. Traditional ingredients often include:

Meat: beef, pork, chicken, or even canned meat
Vegetables: potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, corn, beans
Broth or water: to simmer the ingredients
Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic, herbs (whatever is available)

The key is stewing everything together slowly so flavors meld, producing a hearty and nourishing meal.

How to Make Mulligan Stew (Hobo Stew)

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

1 lb beef stew meat or chicken, cut into cubes
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 cup cabbage, chopped
2 cups water or broth
Salt, pepper, and herbs to taste

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Instructions:

In a large pot, brown the meat over medium heat.
Add onions and sauté until translucent.
Pour in water or broth, then add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Cover and simmer for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Mulligan Stew

Mix and match vegetables depending on what’s available; potatoes and carrots are classic staples.
Use whatever meat you have on hand; leftovers work perfectly.
Simmer low and slow to develop deep, comforting flavors.
Add beans or lentils for a vegetarian or heartier version.

Why Mulligan Stew Still Matters

Mulligan Stew is more than food—it’s a reminder that great meals don’t need fancy ingredients, just creativity, patience, and a little communal spirit. Today, it’s enjoyed not just by campers and budget-conscious cooks, but also by anyone looking for a warm, hearty, and flexible stew.

Whether you’re cooking for a family, friends, or just yourself, Mulligan Stew is a dish that nourishes both body and soul, carrying forward a rich tradition of resourcefulness and comfort.