My grandfather taught me this 4-ingredient survival secret. It is the ultimate comfort bowl that stretches a dollar without sacrificing flavor.

This slow cooker 4-ingredient Hoover stew is the kind of humble, comforting meal my grandfather would have called a survival secret. It comes straight out of the Great Depression style of cooking: simple pantry staples stretched to feed a crowd, but still cozy and satisfying. With just hot dogs, macaroni, canned tomatoes, and corn, you get a big pot of hearty, tomatoey goodness that feels like a hug in a bowl and doesn’t break the grocery budget. It’s perfect for busy nights, tight weeks, or anytime you want something warm and filling with almost no fuss.

Ladle this Hoover stew into deep bowls and serve it with slices of buttered sandwich bread, cornbread, or simple dinner rolls to soak up the brothy tomato base. A basic green salad or sliced cucumbers with a little salt and vinegar add a fresh crunch alongside the soft pasta and hot dogs. For extra comfort, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese over each bowl right before serving. It’s also great as a thermos lunch the next day, so make enough to have leftovers if you can.

Servings: 6

1 (14–16 ounce) package beef or turkey hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

Add the sliced hot dogs to the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, spreading them out in an even layer.

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with all their juices and the drained corn. Stir gently to combine with the hot dogs.

Pour in the water (or broth, if using), then add the salt and black pepper. Stir again so everything is mixed and the hot dogs are mostly submerged.

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours to let the flavors come together and the broth heat through. The mixture should be hot and just starting to simmer around the edges.

After 3 hours, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the noodles are pushed down into the liquid so they can cook evenly. If the liquid looks low, add up to 1 additional cup of hot water so the pasta is mostly covered.

Cover and continue cooking on LOW for 30–45 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the macaroni is tender but not mushy. Slow cookers vary, so start checking at 25–30 minutes.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The broth should be lightly tomatoey and savory, with tender noodles, sweet pops of corn, and juicy hot dog slices.

Serve the Hoover stew hot, straight from the slow cooker, ladled into bowls. If the stew thickens as it sits, you can stir in a splash of hot water or broth to loosen it before serving more.

To keep this true to the spirit of a 4-ingredient survival recipe, the core is hot dogs, macaroni, canned tomatoes, and corn; the water and seasonings are just there to help everything cook and taste its best. You can easily adapt it to what your family likes or what you have in the pantry. For picky eaters, use plain diced tomatoes instead of seasoned ones, and choose mild beef or turkey hot dogs. If your kids love extra saucy pasta, add an extra half can of tomatoes or a splash of tomato sauce. For a heartier flavor, swap the water for low-sodium chicken or beef broth, or stir in a small knob of butter at the end for richness. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your own bowl instead of the whole pot. To stretch it even further, you can add another cup of water and a small handful of extra macaroni, just be sure there is enough liquid to cover the pasta. Food safety tips: Keep the hot dogs refrigerated until you’re ready to slice and add them. Use clean utensils and a clean cutting board when handling the hot dogs. Don’t leave the finished stew sitting on the counter; once everyone has eaten, switch the slow cooker to WARM for up to 2 hours, then cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat leftovers until they are steaming hot before serving, and use within 3–4 days. If reheating on the stove, add a little water to loosen the stew as the pasta will have absorbed more liquid overnight.