This wonderful recipe comes with a special story – it’s what my mom lovingly calls “Hodge Podge,” and it’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. This hearty, warming dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something filling and delicious that the whole family will love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6-8 generous portions
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds hamburger meat (ground beef)
- 3 cans minestrone soup
- 2 cans ranch style beans
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- A handful of cooked shell pasta (optional, but recommended)
Seasonings:
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Seasoning salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Ground Beef
Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and begin cooking it, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
Step 2: Once your hamburger is fully cooked, drain off any excess grease. You can do this by carefully tilting the pan and spooning out the fat, or by using a colander if you prefer.
Step 3: While the meat is still warm, season it generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt. Start with about 1 teaspoon of each seasoning, taste, and adjust to your family’s preferences. Mix the seasonings in well so every bite is flavorful.
Building Your Hodge Podge
Step 4: Get out your largest pot or your trusty crockpot – you’ll need plenty of room for all these wonderful ingredients. If you’re using the stovetop method, place your large pot over medium heat.
Step 5: Add your seasoned, cooked hamburger to the pot first, then begin adding your canned ingredients one by one. Pour in all 3 cans of minestrone soup – this forms the flavorful base of your hodge podge.
Step 6: Add both cans of ranch style beans (liquid and all – that liquid adds great flavor), followed by the 2 cans of diced tomatoes and the can of Rotel. The Rotel adds just the right amount of mild heat and extra flavor.
Step 7: If you’re using pasta, add your cooked shell pasta now. The shells are perfect because they hold onto all the delicious flavors, but any pasta shape you have on hand will work beautifully.
The Final Simmering
Step 8: Give everything a good, thorough stir to combine all the ingredients. You’ll see how all these simple ingredients come together to create something that looks and smells absolutely delicious.
Step 9: If cooking on the stovetop, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Alternative Crockpot Method: If you prefer using your crockpot, simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, stir well, and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty hodge podge is a complete meal in itself, but it’s wonderful served with some warm cornbread, crusty dinner rolls, or even over a bed of rice. A simple side salad or some steamed vegetables make nice accompaniments if you want to add some extra nutrition.
Why This Recipe is Special
What makes this hodge podge so beloved is its simplicity and versatility. It’s the kind of recipe that uses pantry staples and ground beef to create a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and leftovers taste even better the next day!
Helpful Kitchen Tips
- This recipe is very forgiving – feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste
- If you like it spicier, add an extra can of Rotel or some hot sauce
- The dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
- You can easily double the recipe for meal prep or large gatherings
- If you don’t have shell pasta, try elbow macaroni, rotini, or even broken spaghetti
Perfect for Busy Families
This hodge podge proves that some of the best family recipes are the simplest ones. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and creates warm memories around good food shared with loved ones.
