Hobo Dinner Foil Packets

A complete meal cooked in one foil packet — juicy ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, perfect for the grill, oven, or campfire.

If you need an easy, mess-free dinner that works anywhere — backyard grill, oven, or campfire — these Hobo Dinner Foil Packets are exactly what you need. Seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and onions all cook together in individual foil packets, making cleanup practically nonexistent.

This is a classic family camping recipe that works just as well for a simple weeknight dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Almost no cleanup — everything cooks and serves in the foil packet
• Versatile cooking method — grill, oven, or campfire all work
• Customizable — swap in your family’s favorite vegetables
• Great for camping or backyard dinners — no dishes required

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef, formed into 4 patties
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

Instructions

1. Prep the foil. Cut four large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12×12 inches each.
2. Assemble the packets. Divide the diced potatoes, carrots, and onion evenly among the four foil squares, placing them in the center of each. Top each pile of vegetables with a ground beef patty.
3. Season. Drizzle each packet with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a tablespoon of butter on top of each patty.
4. Seal the packets. Fold the foil over the ingredients and crimp the edges tightly to seal, leaving a little room inside for steam to circulate.
5. Cook.

• Grill: Cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes.
• Campfire: Place directly on hot coals for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.

1. Check for doneness. Carefully open one packet to check that the beef is fully cooked and the potatoes are fork-tender. Reseal and cook a few more minutes if needed.
2. Serve. Carefully open each packet (watch for hot steam) and serve directly from the foil.

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