Go Back

Hobo Dinner Foil Packets

Hobo dinner foil packets are an all-in-one dinner where thin ground beef patties steam with sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions inside sealed aluminum foil. Cook them over campfire heat until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked, then open to serve from the packet.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
cooling 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 710
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, sliced
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 heavy-duty aluminum foil Sheets

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep the packets
  1. Divide the ground beef into 4 portions and shape into thin patties.
  2. Layer sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions onto each foil sheet, then place a beef patty on top.
  3. Season each packet with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then top with 1 tablespoon butter.
  4. Fold the foil into sealed packets and crimp the edges tightly so steam stays inside.
Cook over campfire heat
  1. Place packets on a campfire grate over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, visual cue: foil should puff slightly as it steams.
  2. Flip the packets halfway through cooking so the beef and vegetables cook evenly, visual cue: steam will continue when turned.
  3. Carefully open one packet to check doneness, watching for steam, until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Rest and serve
  1. Let packets cool for 5 minutes before serving directly from the packets.

Notes

Pro tip: crimp the foil edges tightly—loose seams cause steam to escape and the potatoes won’t soften evenly. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently until hot. Freezing is not recommended because potatoes may turn mealy after thawing. For a lighter option, use lean ground beef (or swap to ground turkey) while keeping the same foil-packet cooking time.