Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Hobo Dinner
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
1½ lbs (680 g) stew beef or cubed chuck roast
4 medium potatoes, quartered (Yukon Gold or red)
4 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth
(or 2 cups water + 1 beef bouillon cube)
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Wash and cut the potatoes into quarters
Peel (optional) and chop carrots into large chunks
Cut beef into bite-sized pieces if not already cubed
2. Layer in Slow Cooker
Add ingredients in this order for best results:
Potatoes (bottom layer)
Carrots
Beef on top
Pour the beef broth evenly over everything
3. Cook
Cover and cook:
Low: 7–8 hours (best for tender meat)
High: 4–5 hours
4. Finish & Serve
Stir gently before serving
Taste and add salt/pepper if needed
Serve hot with the broth spooned over the top
Tips for Best Flavor
Keep pieces large so they don’t get mushy
Don’t open the lid while cooking (it slows the process)
If you want thicker broth, mash a few potatoes into the liquid
Optional Add-Ins (if you want extra flavor)
(Not part of the original 4-ingredient version)
1 chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
A splash of Worcestershire sauce
Serving Ideas
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the broth
Add a simple salad on the side
Sprinkle fresh parsley for a fresh finish
This is one of those old-school, no-fuss meals—simple, hearty, and perfect for busy days or cozy nights.
If you want, I can show you a foil packet (campfire-style) version of this recipe
