Description
Hearty Hobo Dinner foil packets bring rustic campfire comfort straight from midwest kitchens to your table. Packed with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, these simple, satisfying meals offer a delicious one-pan solution for hungry travelers and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 pounds yellow potatoes, sliced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices precooked bacon, chopped
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking surface by heating the oven to 375°F, firing up the grill, or building a campfire for outdoor cooking.
- Create a vegetable mixture by combining sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions in a large mixing bowl, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt, tossing until evenly coated.
- Season ground beef with salt and pepper, then shape into four thin, flat patties to ensure even cooking.
- Lay out foil sheets in a cross formation, creating two layers per packet to prevent potential leaks.
- Distribute the seasoned vegetable mixture evenly in the center of each foil cross, creating a bed for the meat.
- Carefully place a beef patty on top of the vegetable base in each individual packet.
- Carefully fold the foil edges upward, creating a sealed packet that will trap moisture and allow steam to circulate.
- Cook the packets on a medium-heat grill away from direct flames, or place on a sheet pan in the preheated oven.
- Allow packets to cook for 30-40 minutes, ensuring the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and vegetables become tender.
- Cautiously open the packets, then top each with a slice of cheese and sprinkle of chopped bacon.
- Reseal the packets and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese completely.
- Serve the packets directly in the foil for a rustic presentation and easy cleanup.
Notes
- Customize Ingredients: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- Perfect Seasoning Hack: Mix your own seasoning blend using garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs to enhance flavor profiles beyond basic salt and pepper.
- Vegetable Variation: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture variety in the packet.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble packets ahead of time and refrigerate, making them perfect for camping trips or quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg