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Campfire Cheeseburger Hobo Packets

Campfire cheeseburger packets are an all-in-one foil packet dinner with thin burger patties, tender sliced potatoes, and melty cheddar. Cook on a grate over medium heat until the filling is hot, then open and melt cheese for that classic stretch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
rest 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

ground beef
  • 1 lb ground beef Form into 4 thin patties.
hamburger buns
  • 4 hamburger buns Optional for serving.
cheddar cheese
  • 4 cheddar cheese Use slices for melting inside packets.
potatoes
  • 3 potatoes Thinly sliced for even cooking.
onion
  • 1 onion Sliced.
tomatoes
  • 2 tomatoes Sliced.
ketchup
  • 4 tbsp ketchup
mustard
  • 4 tbsp mustard
salt and pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt and pepper To taste.
heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • 4 heavy-duty aluminum foil You need 4 sheets.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make the patties
  1. Form the ground beef into 4 thin patties and season with salt and pepper. Keep them evenly thin so they cook through inside the packets.
Build the foil packets
  1. On each sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil, layer the thinly sliced potatoes and onions. Spread them into an even layer so the potatoes steam-cook properly.
  2. Place a burger patty on top of the potato-onion layer. Position it centered so the patty heats evenly.
  3. Add tomato slices over the patty. Make sure the tomatoes sit on top rather than spilling to the foil edges.
  4. Drizzle the ketchup and mustard over each packet filling. Use a light, even drizzle so flavor distributes across the potatoes.
  5. Fold the foil into sealed packets. Crimp tightly along the edges to prevent steam from escaping.
Cook over campfire heat
  1. Place packets on the campfire grate over medium heat. Cook for 25-30 minutes total, keeping the packet sides closed.
  2. Flip the packets halfway through cooking, around the 12-15 minute mark. Use heat-safe tongs so the foil stays sealed.
Melt cheese and serve
  1. Open the packets and add cheese slices on top of the hot filling. Reseal briefly so the cheese melts from the steam and retained heat.
  2. Let the packets cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling thicken slightly for easier eating.
  3. Serve the packets as-is or on hamburger buns. Keep the packets hot and spoon fillings carefully so cheese stretches less when scooped.

Notes

For best packet results, slice the potatoes thin and seal the foil edges firmly—steam is what cooks them through. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat packets in the oven at 350°F until hot. Freezing is not recommended because potatoes can turn mealy after thawing. For a lower-carb option, skip hamburger buns and serve the cheeseburger hobo packets directly in the foil.