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A close-up shot of an opened campfire foil packet, showing the steam rising from the cooked ground beef, tender potatoes, and vibrant carrots.

Hobo Foil Packets: The Ultimate Easy Dinner

This easy Hobo Foil Packets recipe combines savory ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a single no-mess packet. Perfect for the oven, grill, or campfire, it's a customizable and delicious all-in-one meal the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 packets
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 recommended
  • 4 medium potatoes thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch)
  • 2 large carrots thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp butter cut into 4 pieces
  • 1.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil
  • Baking Sheet For oven method

Method
 

  1. Tear off four 18x12 inch sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Divide ground beef into four equal portions and form into 1/2-inch thick patties. Place one patty in the center of each foil sheet.
  2. Layer the sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions on top of each beef patty.
  3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the vegetables in each packet.
  4. Top the vegetables with a tablespoon of butter. Bring the long sides of the foil together and fold down to seal. Then, double-fold the ends to create a completely sealed packet.
  5. Cook using your desired method: OVEN: Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet for 35-45 minutes. GRILL: Grill over medium heat (400°F) for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway. CAMPFIRE: Cook over hot coals for 25-35 minutes, flipping occasionally.
  6. Carefully open the packets, allowing steam to escape. Check that the meat is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tears and leaks.
Slice vegetables thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
Feel free to customize with different vegetables or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.