Layer sliced potatoes over ground beef, along with 3 ingredients, into slow cooker for a hearty dinner that's my default when I don't know what to make

This slow cooker 5-ingredient hobo stew is the dinner I fall back on when I’m staring into the fridge without a plan. It’s inspired by classic hobo foil packet meals cooked over a campfire—ground meat, potatoes, and a few pantry staples—translated into an easy, hands-off crockpot version. You simply layer raw ground beef in the bottom, top it with sliced potatoes and three more simple ingredients, then let the slow cooker do its work. The result is a hearty, comforting, one-pot meal that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually does.

Serve this hobo stew straight from the slow cooker into warm bowls, with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness, and steamed green beans or peas make an easy vegetable side. If you’d like to stretch the meal a bit further, spoon the stew over cooked egg noodles or rice. A sprinkle of extra black pepper or hot sauce at the table lets everyone adjust the flavor to their own liking.

Servings: 4-6

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)

Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with a bit of oil or cooking spray to help prevent sticking.

Break the raw ground beef into small, even chunks and spread them in a loose, even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker. Do not brown the beef first; it will cook gently in the slow cooker.

Scatter the sliced onion evenly over the ground beef, covering as much of the surface as possible. This creates a flavorful layer between the meat and potatoes.

Layer the sliced potatoes over the onions and beef. Arrange them in overlapping circles or rows so they form a fairly solid layer, similar to the close-up process shot of hands layering potatoes over the raw ground beef in the slow cooker.

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the potatoes, breaking up any clumps with your fingers so it distributes well.

Pour the diced tomatoes with all their juices evenly over the top. The tomatoes and their liquid will help create the broth as the stew cooks.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the ground beef is fully cooked through.

Once cooked, gently stir from the bottom to combine the beef, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes into a rustic stew. Taste and add salt and black pepper if needed, keeping in mind that the onion soup mix is already seasoned.

Ladle the hobo stew into bowls and serve hot, making sure each portion gets a good mix of potatoes, beef, and broth.

For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef; you may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to keep the texture moist. If you prefer a thicker, more gravy-like base, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with the diced tomatoes, or whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into 1/4 cup water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. To add more vegetables without increasing prep time much, layer a cup of frozen mixed vegetables or sliced carrots on top of the potatoes before adding the soup mix and tomatoes. You can also shift the flavor profile by using fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smokier note, or a different dry soup mix (such as beefy onion) for deeper savory flavor. If you need to stretch the dish for more people, add an extra potato and an additional can of tomatoes; just be sure your slow cooker has enough room. Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth if needed.