Okay folks, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s pure comfort food magic. What is a throwback to my childhood camping trips? The smell of woodsmoke, and these savory packets cooking right in the campfire. Is it a shepherd’s pie? What is a good weeknight meal What is the best part? Clean-up is a breeze! I swear, this one is a lifesaver when you want to eat healthy with minimal effort.
What is Hobo Dinner Foil Packet?
Think of Hobo Dinner Foil Packet as the ultimate customizable campfire meal. Is it a combination of ground beef and any protein you like? ), potatoes, onions, carrots, and any other veggies that strike your fancy, all seasoned and wrapped. Is it possible to wrap a The foil packet is then cooked over a campfire, on the grill, or even baked in the oven. The beauty of simplicity is in its adaptability. The name comes from the old tradition of hobos cooking meals in foil over open fires. Is this a rustic, hearty meal that’s perfect for outdoor adventures? What is a quick and easy dinner to make at home? Is it essentially a stew, cooked to perfection in its own little steamy package?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this Hobo Dinner Foil Packet recipe is a winner. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The beef and veggies meld together in this amazing, savory dance, infused with all the wonderful seasonings. I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, and trust me, it’s a good one! What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, you just chop, season, wrap, and cook! It’s also incredibly cost-efficient. Ground beef is budget-friendly, and you can use whatever veggies you have on hand. I’ve even thrown in leftover roasted veggies before, and it’s always delicious. The versatility is another huge plus. You can customize it to your liking with different proteins, veggies, and seasonings. I’ve even made vegetarian versions with beans or lentils, and they’re just as good! This is also perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen. They love helping assemble their own foil packets! My family also loves campfire chili, and this is just as satisfying but with less mess to clean up!
How do you make a Hobo Dinner Foil Packet?
Quick Overview
How do you make Hobo Dinner Foil Packets? First, you’ll prep your ingredients by chopping the veggies and browning the ground beef (if using). Then, you’ll layer everything onto sheets of heavy-duty foil, season generously, and wrap tightly. How do you cook potatoes over a campfire, on the grill or in the oven? are tender and the beef is cooked through. Is it really that easy?
Ingredients
For the Hobo Dinner Foil Packet:
* 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or sausage)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed (I like Yukon gold or red potatoes)
* 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* Optional: corn, green beans, zucchini, mushrooms
Equipment:
* Heavy-duty aluminum foil
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Foil
If you’re baking in the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a campfire or grill, get your heat source ready. Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches each). The heavy-duty foil is really important here, especially if you are cooking over a campfire to prevent tearing. I’ve had a few packets burst on me before using regular foil, lesson learned! Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional)
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. I always do this because I find it gives the beef a better flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the browned ground beef (or uncooked ground beef, if skipping step 2), chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 4: Assemble Foil Packets
Divide the beef and vegetable mixture evenly among the four prepared foil sheets. Place the mixture in the center of each sheet.
Step 5: Seal the Packets
Fold the foil in half over the mixture, bringing the edges together. Crimp the edges tightly to seal the packet, creating a secure closure. You want to make sure the packets are well-sealed to trap the steam and cook the ingredients evenly. I usually fold over the edges at least twice.
Step 6: Cook the Packets
If baking in the oven, place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through. If cooking over a campfire or grill, place the foil packets directly on the embers or grill grates. Cook for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on the heat source, so check for doneness by carefully opening a packet and testing the potatoes with a fork.
Step 7: Let Rest & Serve
Carefully open the foil packets, being mindful of the hot steam. Let the packets rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. Serve directly from the foil packets, or transfer to plates if desired. The first time I ever made these, I was so excited I burned my fingers trying to open them. So be careful!
5. What to Serve It With
Hobo Dinner Foil Packets are a complete meal on their own, but there are still some great things you can serve alongside them!
For Camping: I usually just bring a simple coleslaw or potato salad for a side while camping, no need to overthink sides while in nature
For Weeknights: Toasted garlic bread is a great addition for soaking up all the savory juices from the foil packets.
For Cookouts: Grilled corn on the cob is a classic cookout side that pairs perfectly with the hearty hobo dinners.
My family often requests a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt on top of their Hobo Dinners. It adds a nice creaminess and tanginess that complements the savory flavors. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a pop of freshness.
How do I make a perfect Hobo dinner foil packet?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take these Hobo Dinner Foil Packets to the next level.
Beef Prep:Pre-browning ground beef adds a deeper, richer flavor to the packets. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just make sure the beef is cooked through during the cooking process. I always drain the beef well after browning to avoid overly greasy packets.
Potato Choice:Yukon gold or red potatoes are my go-to for Hobo Dinners because they hold their shape well and have a good flavor. What is the best cream texture? Russet potatoes can also be used, but they tend to get a bit mushier.
Seasoning TweakDon’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings! I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for some heat. Can you use your favorite seasoning blends, like Cajun or Italian?
Adding Liquid: If you want to create even more steam inside the packets, you can add a tablespoon of beef broth or water to each packet before sealing. This will help the vegetables cook more evenly and keep the beef moist.
Checking for Doneness: The best way to check if the Hobo Dinners are done is to carefully open a packet and test the potatoes with a fork. If the potatoes are tender, the beef is cooked through, and the veggies are soft, then you’re good to go! Be careful of the steam when opening!
Ingredient Swaps: You can customize these Hobo Dinners with whatever veggies you have on hand. Corn, green beans, zucchini, and mushrooms are all great additions. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or even diced chicken.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Hobo Dinner Foil Packets, here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the packets cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator. You can either store them in the original foil packets or transfer the contents to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave the leftovers for a few minutes until heated through or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing cooked Hobo Dinners, as the potatoes can become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the uncooked ingredients (beef and veggies) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to cook, thaw completely and assemble the foil packets as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Hobo Dinner Foil Packets are truly a fantastic meal. Whether you’re camping under the stars or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The incredible flavor, minimal effort, and customizable nature make it a winner in my book! And the memories of those campfire dinners are simply priceless. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other camping favorites! I hope you enjoy making and eating these Hobo Dinners as much as my family and I do. Happy cooking!
Hobo Dinner Foil Packet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Potatoes, diced
- 0.5 cup Carrots, sliced
- 1 onion Onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Divide the mixture between two large sheets of aluminum foil.
- Fold the foil to create sealed packets.
- Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
