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Hobo Dinner Foil Packets

Hobo dinner foil packets are an all-in-one campfire meal with thin ground beef patties, sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions cooked until tender. Open a sealed foil packet to reveal steaming vegetables and browned beef, then serve right from the packet for easy cleanup.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting/Cooling 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Hobo dinner foil packets
  • 1 lb ground beef Lean ground beef works well; 80–85% is easiest to cook through without excess grease.
  • 4 potatoes Use medium potatoes and slice evenly for similar doneness.
  • 4 carrots Slice into similar thickness as the potatoes so they tenderize on time.
  • 1 onion Slice into thin rings or half-moons for even cooking.
  • 1 salt and pepper to taste Season generously across each layer for balanced flavor.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Sprinkle evenly over the packets before butter.
  • 4 tbsp butter Use 1 tbsp per packet so each one melts and bastes the filling.
  • 4 heavy-duty aluminum foil sheets You’ll need 1 sheet per packet to fully seal and crimp.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Shape and prep
  1. Divide the ground beef into 4 portions and shape each into a thin patty so it cooks through by the time the vegetables are tender.
  2. On a work surface, layer sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions on each heavy-duty aluminum foil sheet, keeping the layers even across the packet.
  3. Place 1 beef patty on top of each vegetable pile for steady heat transfer and faster browning.
Season and seal
  1. Season each packet with salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the vegetables and beef for even flavor throughout.
  2. Top each packet with 1 tablespoon butter, distributing it so it melts as the packet cooks.
  3. Fold the foil into sealed packets and crimp the edges tightly to prevent steam leaks.
Campfire cook
  1. Place packets on the campfire grate over medium heat for 25–30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
  2. Flip the packets halfway through to promote even cooking and prevent one side from steaming rather than baking.
Open and serve
  1. Carefully open each packet, watching for steam, and check that the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  2. Let packets cool for 5 minutes before serving directly from the packets.

Notes

For best texture, slice potatoes and carrots evenly (about the same thickness) so everything finishes at the same time. Refrigerate leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3 days; reheat until steaming. Freezing is not recommended because potatoes can turn mealy after thawing. If you want a lighter option, use 93% lean ground beef or swap with turkey while keeping the same seasoning and cook time.