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Hobo Foil Packets

Hobo foil packets are a classic camping-style all-in-one dinner cooked on a grill grate. Layer sliced potatoes, carrots, onions, and green beans with seasoned ground beef, then steam-cook in sealed foil until tender.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
rest 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 820
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Hobo foil packet layers
  • 1 lb ground beef or stew meat Use ground beef for 1-inch patties or stew meat for portions.
  • 4 potatoes, sliced
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
  • 0.25 tsp salt and pepper to taste Season to your preference.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tbsp butter 1 tablespoon per packet.
  • 4 heavy-duty aluminum foil 4 sheets.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep the meat
  1. If using ground beef, form into 4 patties; if using stew meat, divide into 4 portions.
Build the foil packets
  1. On each foil sheet, layer potatoes, carrots, onions, and green beans.
  2. Place the meat on top of the vegetables.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then top with 1 tablespoon butter.
  4. Fold foil into sealed packets so steam stays inside.
Cook and serve
  1. Place packets on a campfire grate over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until you see steaming through the foil and the potatoes are tender.
  2. Let packets cool for 5 minutes so juices thicken slightly and the foil is safer to open.
  3. Carefully open and serve while hot, with visible steam rising from the contents.

Notes

Pro tip: Slice potatoes and carrots evenly so everything finishes at the same time, and seal the edges firmly to prevent leaks. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or skillet until hot. Freezing is not recommended because foil-packed vegetables can soften further after thawing. For a lighter option, use lean ground beef and reduce butter to 2 tbsp total across all packets.