Go Back

Hobo Dinner Foil Packets

Hobo Dinner Foil Packets are a classic camping meal where ground beef, thin-sliced potatoes, carrots, and onion cook sealed in foil until tender. Cook low and slow over glowing campfire coals for a steamy, flavorful one-packet dinner with easy cleanup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

beef patties
  • 1 lb ground beef, formed into patties
vegetable layer
  • 4 potatoes, sliced Slice thin so they cook through in the same time as the beef.
  • 2 carrots, sliced Slice thin so they cook through in the same time as the beef.
  • 1 onion, sliced
seasoning
  • 2 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 Salt and pepper, to taste Season to taste; use more pepper if you like a bolder flavor.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and assemble foil packets
  1. Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty foil and keep them flat so you can build each packet without leaks.
  2. Place a beef patty on each sheet, then layer sliced potatoes, carrots, and onion on top so the vegetables stay packed together.
  3. Dot each packet with butter pieces and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for even flavor as the packet steams.
  4. Seal the foil packets tightly by folding the edges over twice to prevent leaks during campfire cooking.
Cook over campfire coals
  1. Cook the sealed packets over campfire coals for 25-30 minutes, turning or rotating the packets occasionally for even cooking.
  2. Check doneness by opening carefully and confirming the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through.
Serve
  1. Carefully open each foil packet and serve directly from the foil while hot and steamy.

Notes

Pro tip: slice the potatoes and carrots thin so everything finishes at the same time and stays tender. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat until steaming hot. Freezing is not recommended because potatoes can turn softer after thawing. For a dietary swap, use ground turkey or a plant-based ground for a lighter option with the same packet method.