Hobo Foil Packets are the ultimate all-in-one meal—simple to prep, easy to clean up, and packed with hearty flavor. Traditionally cooked over a campfire, these foil dinners combine seasoned meat, tender potatoes, and colorful vegetables all wrapped in foil and baked or grilled to perfection. They’re versatile, customizable, and ideal for camping trips, backyard grilling, or weeknight oven dinners with zero mess.
For more flexible meal ideas, explore our Asian Salmon and Noodles and comforting Louisiana Red Beans and Rice.
Credit: Pinterest
Ingredients You Will Need
For Each Packet (Serves 1):
- 1/3 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, sausage, or diced chicken)
- 1 medium Yukon gold or red potato (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup carrots (sliced)
- 1/4 cup green beans or bell pepper strips
- 1 tablespoon onion (sliced or chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small cubes)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Optional add-ins: Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, shredded cheese, or Italian seasoning.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Serves: 4 (adjust as needed)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Baking sheet (if using oven)
- Grill or campfire (for outdoor version)
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs or spatula
How to Make Hobo Foil Packets: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Foil
Tear off 4 large sheets of heavy-duty foil (about 12×18 inches each). Lightly spray or grease the center to prevent sticking.
2. Assemble the Packets
Layer sliced potatoes in the center of each foil sheet. Top with ground beef, carrots, green beans, onion, and butter cubes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Tip: Keep vegetables in a single layer for even cooking.
3. Wrap the Packets
Fold up the long sides of the foil and roll them down to seal. Then fold and crimp the short edges tightly to form a sealed packet.
4. Cook the Packets
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until meat is cooked through and potatoes are fork-tender.
Grill: Grill over medium heat for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Campfire: Place directly on hot coals and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Use tongs to avoid burns.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Carefully open each packet (watch out for steam!). Serve straight from the foil or transfer to a plate. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, or BBQ sauce if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Packet)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Tips and Variations
- Change the Meat: Swap ground beef for sliced kielbasa, chicken breasts, or tofu for different flavors.
- Add More Veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, or corn work great. Softer veggies cook faster.
- Spice It Up: Add taco seasoning, Cajun spice, or Italian herbs for bold flavor.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella into each packet just before serving.
- Make It Saucy: Add a spoonful of BBQ sauce, ketchup, or ranch inside each packet for extra moisture.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store cooked, cooled packets in an airtight container or foil in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Assemble uncooked packets and freeze them raw (without potatoes for best texture) for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
Reheat:
Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 15–20 minutes, or microwave the contents after opening the foil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hobo Foil Packets are comfort food with minimal mess and maximum flavor. They’re completely customizable, kid-friendly, and perfect for camping or easy oven meals. You can assemble them ahead of time and toss them on the grill, in the oven, or over a fire—no pans required.
From picky eaters to meal preppers, everyone loves the simple, hearty charm of a foil packet dinner. Each bundle steams in its own juices, locking in flavor and tenderness in every bite.
Final Thoughts
Hobo foil packets are my go-to when I want a stress-free meal with zero cleanup. I especially love making them for family cookouts or road trip meals—you can prep everything ahead and cook them anywhere. Plus, they’re super fun to eat straight from the foil.
Whether you’re camping in the woods or just want a no-fuss weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a full, satisfying meal that never disappoints.
Credit: Pinterest
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Assemble the packets up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Can I cook them directly on the coals?
Absolutely—just double-wrap with foil and rotate halfway through for even cooking.
Do I have to pre-cook the meat or veggies?
Nope! Everything cooks together inside the packet—just slice ingredients thinly for even doneness.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based protein or skip the meat and double the veggies for a delicious meatless version.
What sides go well with this?
Honestly, these are full meals, but you can pair with grilled corn, a garden salad, or garlic bread.
For another Southern-style favorite, check out this bold and comforting Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo.
hobo foil packets
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Oven or Grill:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat grill to medium-high.
- Prepare the Foil Packets:
- Tear off 4 large sheets of heavy-duty foil (about 12–14 inches long). Lightly grease or spray each with nonstick spray.
- Assemble the Packets:
- Divide potatoes, carrots, onion, and bell pepper evenly among the foil sheets. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Top each with a quarter of the ground beef (formed into a loose patty or crumbled). Optional: Sprinkle cheese on top or save it for after cooking.
- Seal the Packets:
- Fold the foil over the ingredients and seal tightly to form a packet. Place packets on a baking sheet (if baking) or directly on the grill.
- Cook:
- Oven: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until meat is cooked through and veggies are tender.
- Grill: Cook for 30–35 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Serve:
- Carefully open the packets (watch for steam!) and serve directly in the foil or transfer to plates. Add cheese on top if not added earlier and let it melt.
Notes
- Customize it: Add corn, mushrooms, zucchini, or use sweet potatoes for a twist.
- Make ahead: Assemble packets a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Camping tip: Cook directly in campfire coals for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in foil for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
