Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker is an easy, comforting meal that combines savory meatloaf with tender potatoes and onions, all cooked together for a flavorful one-pot dinner. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty home-cooked meal without much fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. 10% fat ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup white onion (diced)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• 15 Saltine crackers (crushed)
• 4 small russet potatoes (sliced)
• ½ cup white onion (sliced)
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• 3 Tbsp. butter (melted)
• 1 cup sharp cheese (shredded; add at the end)
• Ketchup for topping meatloaf

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, diced onion, ketchup, salt, pepper, onion powder, and crushed Saltine crackers. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overmix.
2. Step 2: Shape the meatloaf on one side of the slow cooker, keeping it away from the edges.
3. Step 3: Create a foil “bowl” using a foot or so of foil and place it next to the meatloaf inside the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced potatoes and sliced onions into the foil bowl.
5. Step 5: Season the potatoes and onions with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Toss them gently by hand to distribute the seasoning.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes and onions.
7. Step 7: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes become tender.
8. Step 8: When cooking is complete, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the potatoes. Cover again and let sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
9. Step 9: Add ketchup on top of the meatloaf for serving.
10. Step 10: Serve and enjoy your comforting slow cooker hobo dinner!

Tips & Variations

• Use different cheese varieties like mozzarella or cheddar for a change in flavor.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the potatoes for extra veggies.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Make sure not to open the slow cooker lid during cooking to keep the heat consistent and cook potatoes properly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatloaf and potatoes separately for up to 2 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use red potatoes or Yukon golds, but cooking time may vary slightly since different potatoes have varying textures.

Is it necessary to make a foil bowl for the potatoes?

The foil bowl helps keep the potatoes and onions separate from the meatloaf so they cook evenly and absorb butter well. You can skip it, but layering everything together may change the texture and cooking results.

Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Hobo Dinner recipe combines seasoned ground beef meatloaf with tender slow-cooked potatoes and onions, all cooked together in a slow cooker for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf

• 1 lb. 10% fat ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup white onion (diced)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• 15 Saltine crackers (crushed)

Potatoes and Onions

• 4 small russet potatoes (sliced)
• ½ cup white onion (sliced)
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• 3 Tbsp. butter (melted)

Toppings

• 1 cup sharp cheese (shredded; add at the end)
• ketchup for topping meatloaf

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Instructions

1. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, diced onion, ketchup, salt, pepper, onion powder, and crushed Saltine crackers. Mix gently, being careful not to overwork the meat which can make it tough.
2. Shape Meatloaf: Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf on one side of the slow cooker, trying to keep it away from touching the sides to ensure even cooking.
3. Create Foil Bowl: Make a small foil bowl by folding about a foot of aluminum foil into a bowl shape and place it next to the meatloaf inside the slow cooker.
4. Add Potatoes and Onions: Place the sliced potatoes and sliced onions in the foil bowl next to the meatloaf.
5. Season Potatoes and Onions: Sprinkle salt, onion powder, and pepper over the potatoes and onions, then toss gently by hand to distribute the seasoning evenly.
6. Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the seasoned potatoes and onions.
7. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW setting for 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to allow the potatoes to become tender.
8. Add Cheese: After 5 hours, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheese on top of the potatoes. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
9. Top Meatloaf: Add ketchup on top of the meatloaf for extra flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the meatloaf slices alongside the cheesy potatoes and onions immediately and enjoy your hearty hobo dinner!

Notes

• Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become tender.
• Use 10% fat ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture.
• Foil bowl helps keep the potatoes separate from the meatloaf, allowing them to cook evenly without mixing flavors too much.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, if you prefer less or more.
• Sharp cheese adds a nice zing and creamy texture—feel free to substitute with another cheese if preferred.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; the slow cooker texture might soften further.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: hobo dinner, meatloaf, slow cooker recipes, potatoes and onions, comfort food