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A Hobo Dinner (also known as a Foil Packet Meal) is a classic, easy, and fun meal where everything cooks together in its own little packet, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for camping, grilling, or a simple oven-baked dinner.
Based on your ingredients, here is a complete recipe with instructions and tips.
Hobo Dinner with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Veggies
This method creates a steamy environment inside the foil that cooks the vegetables to tender perfection while the ground beef browns and soaks up all the flavors.
Yields: 4 large dinner packets
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
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4 medium potatoes, very thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
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2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional additions:
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1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter pats
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Other veggies: zucchini, mushrooms, corn kernels
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Instructions
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Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a campfire/grill for medium-high heat. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches each).
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Season the Beef: In a bowl, break up the ground beef. Sprinkle it with the garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can mix in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
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Assemble the Packets:
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Place one quarter of the sliced potatoes in the center of each foil sheet, slightly off-center.
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Layer on top of the potatoes: carrots, onions, and bell peppers.
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Divide the seasoned ground beef into four equal portions. Flatten each portion into a patty shape and place it on top of the vegetable pile.
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Optional: Place a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil over the beef and veggies for extra richness.
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Seal the Packets: Bring the long sides of the foil together over the food. Fold the edges down in a series of tight, overlapping folds until you reach the food. Then, fold the short ends up and inward to create a sealed, leak-proof packet. Leave a little room for steam to circulate inside.
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Cook:
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In the Oven: Place the packets on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes.
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On the Grill: Place packets directly on the grill grates. Cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
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Over a Campfire: Place packets on hot coals (not roaring flames). Cook for 15-25 minutes, flipping occasionally.
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Check for Doneness: Carefully open one packet (watch out for steam!). The potatoes and carrots should be easily pierced with a fork, and the ground beef should be cooked through with no pink.
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Serve: Let the packets cool for a few minutes before opening fully. You can eat right out of the foil for easy cleanup! Serve with ketchup, hot sauce, or your favorite condiments.
Why This Method Works
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Steam is the Key: The sealed foil packet traps steam, which cooks the vegetables evenly and keeps everything incredibly moist.
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Layering: Putting the potatoes on the bottom ensures they get the most direct heat and become tender. The beef on top browns as it cooks, and its juices drip down to flavor the vegetables.
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Customizable: Everyone can build their own packet with their favorite ingredients and seasonings.
Success Tips
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Slice Thinly and Evenly: The thinner you slice the potatoes and carrots, the faster and more evenly they will cook.
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Use Heavy-Duty Foil: This prevents the packets from tearing and leaking.
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Don’t Overfill: Overstuffed packets won’t cook evenly. If you have a lot of ingredients, make an extra packet.
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Let it Rest: Allowing the packets to rest for 5 minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute, making everything even more flavorful.
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Add Cheese: For a delicious twist, open the packets for the last 5 minutes of cooking and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef until melted.
This is a timeless, satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy
