Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker is a comforting one-pot meal that combines savory meatloaf with tender potatoes and onions. This easy recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty dinner without a lot of 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 the meatloaf

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, eggs, ketchup, salt, pepper, onion powder, and crushed Saltine crackers. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
2. Step 2: Shape the meat mixture into a meatloaf and place it on one side of the slow cooker, making sure it does not touch the sides.
3. Step 3: Create a foil “bowl” about a foot long and shape 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 by hand to coat evenly.
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. Do not open the lid during cooking to ensure potatoes become tender.
8. Step 8: When cooking is complete, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the potatoes. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
9. Step 9: Add ketchup to the top of the meatloaf.
10. Step 10: Serve the meatloaf with the cheesy potatoes and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use extra sharp cheese for a more pronounced flavor or substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the potato mixture for added texture and flavor.
• To save time, prepare the meatloaf mix and slice potatoes the night before and refrigerate separately until ready to cook.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until warmed through. For best results, avoid reheating multiple times to maintain moisture and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef. Keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat’s fat content.

Is it necessary to use the foil “bowl” for the potatoes?

The foil bowl keeps the potatoes separate from the meatloaf, allowing them to cook evenly and stay tender. If you prefer, you can place the potatoes on the opposite side of the slow cooker without foil, but monitor their doneness closely.

Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 138 reviews

This Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy days. Featuring a flavorful meatloaf paired with seasoned potatoes and onions, all cooked together in a slow cooker for tender, delicious results. The melted sharp cheese topping and ketchup add the perfect finishing touches, making this an easy yet satisfying one-pot dinner.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf 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)

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)

Topping

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

Instructions

1. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, diced white onion, ketchup, salt, pepper, onion powder, and crushed Saltine crackers. Mix gently to combine, taking care not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
2. Shape Meatloaf in Slow Cooker: Shape the prepared meatloaf mixture on one side of the slow cooker, avoiding contact with the slow cooker sides to ensure even cooking.
3. Create Foil Bowl for Vegetables: Make a foil “bowl” by folding a foot or so of aluminum foil to contain the potatoes and onions beside the meatloaf inside the slow cooker.
4. Prepare Potatoes and Onions: Place sliced potatoes and sliced white onions into the foil bowl next to the meatloaf. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
5. Toss and Add Butter: Toss the potatoes and onions by hand for even seasoning, then drizzle the melted butter over the top to add flavor and help them cook tender.
6. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking as this will prevent the potatoes from becoming tender.
7. Add Cheese Topping: After 5 hours, sprinkle shredded sharp cheese over the cooked potatoes and cover again. Let it melt for about 5 minutes.
8. Finish with Ketchup: Add ketchup on top of the meatloaf as a finishing touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the meatloaf with the cheesy potatoes and onions and enjoy this comforting, all-in-one meal.

Notes

• Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to ensure potatoes cook through properly.
• Using 10% fat ground beef balances flavor and moisture in the meatloaf.
• Crushed Saltine crackers act as a binder and help keep the meatloaf moist.
• The foil bowl keeps the potatoes and onions contained for easy serving and even cooking.
• For a lower fat version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken and reduce butter amount.

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