Hobo Foil Packets

Hobo foil packets are an all-in-one campfire meal with tender potatoes, carrots, onions, and green beans wrapped in sealed foil around seasoned beef. The packets cook over medium heat until the filling is steaming, then rest briefly before opening.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

rest 5

Total Time 55

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Hobo foil packet filling

1 lb ground beef or stew meat Use ground beef for easy patties, or stew meat for bite-size portions.
4 potatoes Slice thin for even cooking in the foil packet.
4 carrots Slice thin so they soften within the cook time.
1 onion Slice for sweet, cooked layers.
1 can (15 oz) green beans Drain before layering.
0.5 tsp salt Season to taste.
0.5 tsp pepper Season to taste.
1 tsp garlic powder Add warmth and savory depth.
4 tbsp butter Top each packet with 1 tablespoon for richness and moisture.
4 heavy-duty aluminum foil Use 4 sheets to build sealed packets.

Equipment

1 sheet pan
1 cast iron skillet

Method

Make the foil packets

If using ground beef, form into 4 patties; if using stew meat, divide into 4 portions. Keep portions similar in thickness so they finish at the same time.
On each foil sheet, layer potatoes, carrots, and onions first, then add green beans. Press the vegetables into an even layer so the packet heats uniformly.
Place the meat on top of the vegetables on each foil sheet. Set it centered so steam circulates evenly around it.
Season each packet with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then top with 1 tablespoon butter. Leave the surface covered so the butter melts into the filling as it cooks.
Fold the foil into sealed packets, pinching edges tightly to prevent leaks. Make the packet snug but not overly compressed for steam flow.

Cook over campfire heat

Place packets on the campfire grate over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Look for steady bubbling steam inside the foil as the vegetables soften and the meat cooks through.
Flip the packets halfway using heat-safe tongs or a flat tool. The visual cue is the foil should still be sealed with no visible gaps or leaks.

Rest and serve

Let the packets cool for 5 minutes before carefully opening and serving. The texture cue is steaming hot contents that are slightly set for easier serving.

Notes

Pro tip: Slice potatoes and carrots thin so they become tender without overcooking the meat. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet covered over low heat until hot. Freezing isn’t recommended because potatoes can turn grainy after thawing. For a lighter option, use lean ground beef or swap in turkey while keeping the same seasonings and butter.