Hobo Dinners

In our latest installment of Meat Eater Monday, let’s talk about Beef Nutrition.  Did you know that beef is a vital source of protein, iron and many other important nutrients that sustain a healthy diet?  In fact, calorie-for-calorie it is one of the most nutrient-rich foods to fuel an active and healthy lifestyle. 

There are more than 29 cuts of beef that meet government guidelines for lean (USDA defines “lean” as less than 10 grams of total fat per 3-ounce serving).  Lean cuts of beef have 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol (per 3-ounce serving).  Four of the most popular lean beef cuts chosen at restaurants are:  

• Strip Steak (Kansas City/New York)

• Filet Mignon/Tenderloin Steak

• Top Sirloin/Sirloin Steak

• T-Bone Steak

Four of the most popular lean beef cuts chosen in grocery stores include:

• Top Sirloin/Sirloin Steak

• Strip (Top Loin) Steak

• Top Round Steak

• T-Bone Steak

For some more great recipes and beef facts, check out: Beef It's What's for Dinner and http://www.beefnutrition.org/.  They have lots of wonderful recipes and tips, as well as nutritional information.  

I boarded in town with my Aunt and Uncle for high school (the 160 mile round trip to get to and from school didn't really appeal to me on a daily basis)!  They took very good care of me.  I spent every lunch period at my Grandma Larios’s house.  She really spoiled me.  While a lot of high schooler’s were bumming rides to a fast food joint, or brown bagging it, I had a warm, home cooked meal just about every day.  One of my favorite meals my grandma would make were called Hobo Dinners.  I’m not positive where my grandma got the recipe, but it is wonderful, and worth sharing!

Hobo Dinner (makes a single serving).

¼ lb. Ground Beef

1 Potato, sliced

1 Carrot, sliced

2 tbs. Onion, chopped

1 Dab of Butter

Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Salt to taste

1 sheet Heavy Duty Aluminum foil

Shape beef into a patty; place in the center of foil, top with potato, carrot, and onion.  Sprinkle with seasonings, and place dab of butter on top.  Fold foil over and seal well.  Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350* for 45 minutes, or until carrots are tender.

As you can tell, it is very easily doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled.  It can be as simple, or as fancy as you like it, and cleanup is so easy!  I hope you try it and let me know how you like it!