Hobo Foil Packets – The Stay At Home Chef

Do yourself a favor and make these hobo foil packets! They’re ridiculously easy to put together. Even the kids can join in on making dinner. This recipe uses simple and affordable ingredients, and you don’t even need a campfire to make it.

For more beefy comfort food, try our Ground Beef Cheesesteak.

These little tinfoil dinners are so nostalgic! There’s just something about prepping these packets like you’re a kid about to go on a camping trip with the whole family. Even if you’re just making these in the oven for an easy dinner at home, this is a meal the whole family will love to help make—and eat!

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef: We use a lean ground beef (80/20) to avoid excessive grease.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These naturally have a higher moisture content, giving them a softer texture. You can also use red tomatoes or russet if you prefer.
• Carrots: Make sure to cut thin slices, so they cook all the way through.
• White Onion: White onions have a sharper flavor, but yellow onions also work.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps with caramelization. You could also substitute with butter in the same amount.
• Italian Seasoning: Found at most grocery stores in the spice and baking aisle. You can also easily make your own with our Homemade Italian Seasoning recipe.

Variations

Meat: We use lean ground beef for this recipe, so your dinner isn’t too greasy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, opt for ground turkey or chicken. Looking for a little more flavor? Add some bacon!

Veggies: Foil packets traditionally use a mix of potatoes, carrots, and onions, but you can add almost anything you like. Other great options include yellow squash, zucchini, and mushrooms.

Extras: You can easily add a dollop of gravy or sour cream for a little more moisture. Or, keep it simple and add a slice of cheese on top of your ground beef patty, hamburger-style!

Cooking Methods

This recipe is written for the oven because it’s the easiest and most consistent method, especially when you’re cooking at home. But don’t worry, you’re not limited to baking indoors! These hobo foil packets are just as easy to make on the grill or over campfire coals, making them perfect for backyard cookouts or a night under the stars.

Grilling gives you that extra bit of smoky flavor, while cooking over the campfire adds a fun and rustic twist. You’ll find notes in the recipe card with simple instructions for both of these outdoor cooking methods.

Make-Ahead Instructions

These tinfoil dinners can easily be made ahead and stored in your refrigerator or a cooler for up to 24 hours. The oil keeps the potatoes from turning brown, but you’ll want to cook that raw ground beef sooner rather than later. If you’re making these foil packets for a camping trip, I’d recommend you cook them the first night you get there!