Today was the first legitimately cool day of the season. We are always inclined to make comfort foods - warm, hearty dishes that make us feel good - during this time of year.
Hobo Dinners are no exception.
My mother made these when I was growing up. I am not sure why they are called "hobo dinners" but as a child I assumed that nomadic, train-hopping men with scruffy beards and overalls carried the ingredients for this dish around in their little bandanna bags tied on their sticks. Whenever they "made camp," they would whip up this tasty little meal. I supposed someone was there to document the event and record the recipe for posterity.
Now that I'm older and (presumably) wiser, I know that these are a great mid-week meal that you can make quickly and that kids enjoy because they get their own little individual packet of fun! You can customize using any vegetables you have on hand.
Hobo Dinners
ground beef
potatoes, diced
onions, sliced
carrots, diced
any other vegetables
olive oil, Worcestershire sauce
1. Form ground beef into patties, just as if you were making hamburgers. I usually add some Worcestershire sauce and diced onion.
2. Lay the patty onto a square of aluminum foil and top with chopped vegetables. I almost always use carrots, potatoes, and onions and but will add whatever I happen to have in the fridge. Tonight I threw in some chopped red and yellow peppers. Mushrooms, squash, zucchini. . . anything would be good.
3. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, garlic powder, some Worcestershire, and olive oil. I add a pat or two of butter, also. Can't hurt.
4. Fold foil to make a little "packet." Isn't this the cutest little meal ever? It's very Girl Scout-y. Bake at 400 degrees until done.
Open with caution - steam will escape and it will be hot!
Curt and I made these during Boy Scouts, as well. We'd cook them in the coals of the fire.
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