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Four individual meatloaf portions baked in aluminum trays with sliced potatoes and carrots, topped with a savory brown glaze.

Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner

Classic Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner with seasoned ground beef patties, thinly sliced potatoes, and carrots cooked in individual foil trays. Four ingredients, perfectly portioned, and full of comforting flavor
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
2 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 17 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
  • 3 large carrots peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 packet 1 oz dry onion soup mix

Equipment

  • Large slow cooker, heavy-duty aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Form 4 shallow trays from heavy-duty foil (about 12×18 inches each).
  2. Divide thinly sliced potatoes among the trays; top with sliced carrots.
  3. Mix ground beef with dry onion soup mix. Shape into 4 thick patties and place one on each tray of vegetables.
  4. Reinforce the foil edges. Place trays in a single layer in a large slow cooker.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3½–4 hours, until vegetables are very tender and beef is cooked through.
  6. Carefully remove trays, spoon juices over the top, and serve in the foil.

Notes

Slice potatoes and carrots thinly for even cooking. Use heavy-duty foil. Do not overmix the beef. Optional: add cheese or cream of mushroom soup on top during the last 10 minutes. Excellent with a simple salad or green vegetables. Easy cleanup—serve right in the foil trays. Budget-friendly and family-approved.