Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Hobo DinnersA simple, budget-friendly one-pot meal of ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onion soup mix. Everything cooks together slowly, creating tender vegetables and juicy, savory beef.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the potatoes and carrots fairly thinly so they become tender during the slow cooking.
- Season the beef: Mix the ground beef with the onion soup mix. Divide into 4 portions and form into patties.
- Layer: Divide the potatoes and carrots among four large pieces of heavy-duty foil. Place one beef patty on top of each.
- Make packets: Fold the foil into secure packets, leaving enough room for steam to circulate.
- Slow cook: Place the packets in a large slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for about 3½–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
- Serve carefully: Open the packets cautiously—the steam and juices will be very hot.
Easy additions
You can add sliced onion, mushrooms, green beans, or a little shredded cheese after cooking.
Tip: Use heavy-duty foil or double-wrap the packets so they don’t tear and lose their cooking juices.
Food-safety note: Ground beef should reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). A food thermometer is the most reliable way to check.
