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Hobo Dinner Foil Packets

Hobo dinner foil packets are an all-in-one campfire meal where thin beef patties steam with sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions inside sealed aluminum foil. Open one at the table to reveal tender vegetables and juicy, cooked-through beef with buttery aroma.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
cooling 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ground beef
  • 1 lb ground beef Use 80/20 for extra flavor and juiciness.
Potatoes
  • 4 medium potatoes Slice thin for even cooking inside foil.
Carrots
  • 4 carrots Slice into thin coins so they become tender in the same time as potatoes.
Onion
  • 1 onion Slice into rings or half-moons for steady steam-cooking.
Seasoning and butter
  • 0.5 tsp salt Season to taste; start with a light sprinkle per packet.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground is best for aroma, but any pepper works.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Sprinkle over the layered vegetables before sealing.
  • 4 tbsp butter Cut into small pieces so it melts evenly over each packet.
  • 4 heavy-duty aluminum foil Use 1 sheet per packet to prevent leaks.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prepare the beef and vegetables
  1. Divide the ground beef into 4 portions and shape each into a thin patty so it cooks through evenly.
  2. Slice the potatoes, carrots, and onion thinly for faster steam-cooking inside the foil packets.
Assemble the foil packets
  1. Layer potatoes, carrots, and onions on each heavy-duty aluminum foil sheet in an even base.
  2. Place a ground beef patty on top of the vegetables on each foil sheet.
  3. Season each packet with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then top with 1 tablespoon butter per packet.
  4. Fold foil into sealed packets and crimp edges tightly to prevent steam from escaping.
Cook over medium campfire heat
  1. Place the packets on a campfire grate over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
  2. Carefully open one packet (watch for steam) and check that the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Finish and serve
  1. Let the packets cool for 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle and it’s easier to handle.
  2. Serve directly from the opened foil packets for the classic campfire meal presentation.

Notes

For the best texture, keep potato slices fairly thin and try to match thickness across packets so everything finishes at the same time. Refrigerate leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3 days; reheat covered until hot through. Freezing is not recommended because potatoes and vegetables can turn softer after thawing. For a lower-fat option, use 93% lean ground beef and reduce butter slightly without changing cook time.