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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Potatoes and Onions: Place the sliced potatoes and sliced onions in the foil bowl next to the meatloaf.
- 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.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the seasoned potatoes and onions.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top Meatloaf: Add ketchup on top of the meatloaf for extra flavor.
- 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
