Easy Foil Packet Campfire Favorite
These Beef Hobo Dinner Packets are the ultimate easy weeknight dinner and camping classic! Tender seasoned ground beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful veggies cook together in convenient foil packets for a juicy, flavor-packed meal with almost no cleanup. Perfect for busy families, backyard grilling, or cozy campfire nights, this simple foil packet dinner recipe is customizable and beginner-friendly. Everything steams together, creating a savory, comforting meal in under an hour. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd, these beef foil packets make dinner stress-free and delicious!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: 50–60 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil (heavy-duty recommended)
- Baking sheet (if cooking in oven)
- Tongs
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (or prepare a medium campfire grill). Lay out 4 large sheets of heavy-duty foil.
2️⃣ Season the Beef
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3️⃣ Assemble the Packets
Place sliced potatoes in the center of each foil sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Top with carrots, green beans, and diced onion.
4️⃣ Add the Beef
Form the seasoned beef into 4 equal patties and place one on top of each veggie pile. Add 1 tablespoon of butter on each patty.
5️⃣ Seal Tightly
Fold foil over the ingredients and seal edges tightly to lock in steam.
6️⃣ Cook
Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 35–45 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and beef reaches 160°F internally.
(If cooking over a campfire, place on hot coals and cook about 30–40 minutes, flipping carefully halfway 🔥)
7️⃣ Optional Cheese Finish
Carefully open packets (watch for steam! 💨). Sprinkle cheese on top and return to oven for 2–3 minutes until melted.
8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Let cool slightly, then serve right in the foil for easy cleanup 😊
💡 Pro Tips
- Thinly slice potatoes so they cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture instead of microwaving.
🔄 Variations
- Cheesy Ranch Version: Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning to the beef mixture.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.
- Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms for earthy depth.
- BBQ Style: Brush beef patties with BBQ sauce before sealing.
❓ FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the packets up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Can I grill them instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat for 30–40 minutes, flipping once.
How do I know they’re done?
Potatoes should be fork-tender, and beef should reach 160°F internally.
Can I use sliced beef instead of ground beef?
Yes, but slice it thinly so it cooks through evenly.