Are you craving a delicious, no-fuss meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table? Look no further than the Hobo Dinner in Oven - a mouthwatering one-pan wonder that will have your family begging for seconds! This rustic American classic combines juicy ground beef, hearty vegetables, and simple seasonings into a meal that's not just delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or just someone who loves satisfying comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup corn, frozen
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking sheet or rectangular baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Gently mix the seasonings into the meat without overworking it to keep the texture tender.
- Wash and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. Peel and slice the onion into thin rings.
- Create individual foil packets or one large foil-covered casserole. If making individual packets, cut 4 large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and form into patties. Place each patty in the center of a foil square or in the baking dish.
- Arrange the sliced potatoes, carrots, onions, and frozen corn around and on top of the beef patties. Distribute ingredients evenly.
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and meat. Season the entire dish with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- If using foil packets, fold and seal the edges tightly to create a steam-tight package. For baking dish, cover with aluminum foil.
- Place the foil packets or covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Carefully remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before opening the foil to prevent steam burns.
- Check that the ground beef has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer. Serve hot directly from the foil or transfer to plates.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the most flavorful and juicy patties.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming too soft or undercooked.
- Don't overwork the meat when forming patties - this keeps them tender and prevents a tough texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef.
- If using frozen vegetables, there's no need to thaw them first - they'll cook perfectly in the packet.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- For easier cleanup, you can line your baking dish with parchment paper before adding the foil packets.
- Customize the recipe by swapping vegetables or adding your favorite seasonings to make it your own unique dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 526kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
