Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker Recipe
Introduction
Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker is a comforting one-pot meal featuring a flavorful meatloaf paired with tender potatoes and onions. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked dinner with minimal 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
- 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 avoid overworking the meat.
- Step 2: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on one side of the slow cooker, keeping it away from the sides to allow even cooking.
- Step 3: Create a foil “bowl” by folding a foot of aluminum foil to form a shallow container.
- Step 4: Place the foil bowl next to the meatloaf inside the slow cooker.
- Step 5: Add the sliced potatoes and sliced onions into the foil bowl.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the potatoes and onions with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Toss gently by hand to coat evenly.
- Step 7: Drizzle the melted butter over the seasoned potatoes and onions.
- Step 8: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes become tender.
- Step 9: When cooking is complete, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheese over the potatoes, cover again, and let sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Step 10: Add ketchup on top of the meatloaf as a finishing touch.
- Step 11: Serve the meatloaf alongside the cheesy potatoes and enjoy your hearty hobo dinner!
Tips & Variations
- Use different cheese varieties, like cheddar or mozzarella, to change the flavor profile of the potatoes.
- Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutritious alternative.
- For added veggies, mix sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the potatoes and onions.
- If you prefer a firmer meatloaf, add a bit more crushed crackers as a binder.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid reheating on high heat to keep the meatloaf moist and the potatoes tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake the meatloaf and potatoes separately in the oven. Bake the meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-55 minutes, and roast the potatoes with butter and seasoning until tender, about 30-40 minutes.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Just be sure to bring the slow cooker to room temperature before cooking and add a bit more cooking time if needed.
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Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker is a comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring seasoned ground beef meatloaf paired with tender, buttery potatoes and onions. Cooked low and slow to perfection, this hearty dinner comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. The sharp cheese melted atop the vegetables and a fresh ketchup topping on the meatloaf adds delicious finishing touches.
Ingredients
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
Finishing:
- 1 cup sharp cheese, shredded (to add at the end)
- Ketchup for topping meatloaf
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, diced white onion, ketchup, salt, pepper, onion powder, and crushed Saltine crackers. Mix gently to incorporate all ingredients without over mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and place it on one side of the slow cooker, ensuring it does not touch the sides of the cooker for even cooking.
- Create Foil Bowl: Make a small bowl using a foot or so of aluminum foil and position it next to the meatloaf inside the slow cooker. This will hold the potatoes and onions.
- Add Potatoes and Onions: Place the sliced potatoes and sliced onions into the foil bowl next to the meatloaf.
- Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle the potatoes and onions with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Toss them gently by hand to coat evenly.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the seasoned potatoes and onions for richness and flavor.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as this will prevent the potatoes from becoming tender.
- Melt the Cheese: After 5 hours, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheese evenly over the potatoes and onions. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Add Ketchup Topping: Spread ketchup over the top of the cooked meatloaf to add moisture and tangy flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the meatloaf and vegetables from the slow cooker and serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to ensure the potatoes become tender.
- Using a foil bowl keeps the potatoes and onions separate from the meatloaf for even cooking and easy serving.
- You can adjust the seasoning in the meatloaf and potatoes to taste, adding garlic powder or herbs if desired.
- For extra moisture, brush the meatloaf with additional ketchup before or during cooking if preferred.
- Leftover hobo dinner can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hobo dinner, slow cooker recipes, meatloaf, potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner
