Looking for a quick, delicious, and fuss-free dinner idea? Say hello to Easy Foil Packet Ground Beef and Vegetables! This recipe is the ultimate one-pan (or one-packet) wonder, combining juicy ground beef, tender veggies, and mouthwatering seasonings all wrapped up in a foil packet. The best part? There’s virtually no cleanup required!

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying a campfire cookout, this recipe is a game-changer. Just toss everything in, wrap it up, and let your oven or grill do the work. It’s a simple, satisfying, and customizable dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor adventures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep and Cleanup: Everything cooks in a foil packet, leaving you with zero mess to scrub afterward.
• Hearty and Balanced: Protein-packed ground beef, colorful veggies, and flavorful seasonings make this a complete and satisfying meal.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether baked in the oven or cooked over a campfire, these foil packets are ideal for quick family meals, meal prep, or camping trips.

What Do Foil Packet Ground Beef and Vegetables Taste Like?

This dish is a flavor-packed medley of savory ground beef, sweet roasted vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. The juices from the beef infuse the veggies as they cook, creating a rich, hearty dish with every bite. The foil packets also lock in moisture, making the meat tender and the veggies perfectly cooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Easy Foil Packet Ground Beef and Vegetables:

For the Main Ingredients:

• Ground beef (1 lb, lean or your preferred fat content)
• Baby potatoes (2 cups, halved or quartered)
• Carrots (2 large, sliced into rounds or sticks)
• Green beans (1 cup, trimmed)
• Bell peppers (1, diced or sliced into strips)

• Onion (1 small, diced)

For the Seasoning:

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons, for drizzling)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Tools You’ll Need

To prepare this recipe, you’ll need:

• Aluminum foil (for making the packets)
• A large bowl (to mix the ingredients and seasonings)
• A baking sheet (if baking in the oven)
• Tongs or a spatula (for flipping the packets if grilling)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Protein Options: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for the beef.
• Vegetables: Swap in zucchini, broccoli, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before sealing the packets for extra indulgence.
• Saucy Twist: Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.

How to Make Easy Foil Packet Ground Beef and Vegetables

Let’s walk through the simple steps to prepare this delicious meal:

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), or heat your grill to medium-high.
2. Wash and prep all the vegetables, cutting them into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, potatoes, carrots, green beans, bell peppers, and onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, then add garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything until evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets

1. Tear off 4 large pieces of aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each).
2. Divide the beef and vegetable mixture evenly between the foil sheets, placing the mixture in the center of each sheet.
3. Fold the foil over the ingredients to create a packet, sealing the edges tightly to prevent leaks.

Step 4: Cook the Packets

1. If Baking: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
2. If Grilling: Place the packets directly on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully open the packets (be cautious of the hot steam!) and serve directly from the foil, or transfer to a plate. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired.

What to Serve with Foil Packet Ground Beef and Vegetables

These packets are a complete meal on their own, but here are a few ideas for sides and accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices from the packets.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve alongside for a heartier option.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the warm, hearty flavors of the packets.

Tips for Perfect Foil Packets

• Don’t Overfill: Leave enough room to fold the foil tightly around the ingredients, so the steam stays locked in.
• Use Heavy-Duty Foil: This helps prevent tears and leaks, especially if cooking on the grill.
• Cut Veggies Evenly: This ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
• Customize Cooking Time: Thicker cuts of vegetables or fattier ground beef may require a bit more time, so adjust as needed.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover packets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Place the packet back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave the contents on a plate.
• Freeze: Assemble the packets (uncooked), seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these packets in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the foil packets up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook the foil packets at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness and adjust the time if needed.

What if I don’t have aluminum foil?

You can use parchment paper and fold it tightly, but avoid placing it directly on a grill. If baking, place the parchment packets on a baking sheet.

How can I tell if the ground beef is cooked through?

The beef should no longer be pink, and its internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.

Conclusion

There you have it—Easy Foil Packet Ground Beef and Vegetables, a no-fuss recipe that’s as delicious as it is versatile. Whether you’re grilling under the stars or baking in your kitchen, these packets deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Packed with hearty ground beef, vibrant veggies, and warm seasonings, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

I’d love to hear how your foil packets turn out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas, check out my sheet pan chicken and veggies or baked stuffed bell peppers—you’re going to love them!

Nutritional Information (Per Packet)

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Enjoy every bite of these hearty, flavorful foil packets—you deserve it! 😊