Imagine a meal that cooks itself while you go about your day, filling your home with the tantalizing aroma of comfort food. The "Crockpot Baked Potato Tin Foil Dinner" is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a time-saver, perfect for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious dinner that combines tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and vibrant broccoli, all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet. Ready to discover how to make this effortless yet satisfying dish? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, scrubbed
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes, ensuring all dirt is removed. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Prepare a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 18 inches long, and lightly grease the center with cooking spray or butter.
- Form the ground beef into 4 equal patties, seasoning each generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place one potato in the center of the foil and top with a beef patty.
- Chop broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces and distribute evenly around and on top of the beef patty.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef and broccoli, ensuring even coverage.
- Carefully fold the foil edges upward, creating a sealed packet with room for steam to circulate.
- Place the foil packets into the crockpot, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until potatoes are tender and beef is fully cooked to 160°F internal temperature.
- Carefully remove packets using tongs, allowing them to rest for 5 minutes before opening to prevent steam burns.
- Open foil packets, check seasoning, and serve hot directly from the foil.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best results, as they hold their shape well during cooking.
- Season Generously: Don't skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning the beef patties well enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out broccoli for your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for a personalized twist.
- Use Heavy-Duty Foil: Make sure to use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing and to hold in the steam, ensuring your meal cooks evenly.
- Check Doneness: Always check that the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F for safe consumption, and ensure the potatoes are fork-tender before serving.
- Let It Rest: Allow the packets to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the steam settle, making it safer and easier to open.
- Serve with a Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 495kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
