hobo dinner

A hobo dinner (also known as a foil packet meal or tin foil dinner) is a classic, comforting camp-style dish where meat, potatoes, and vegetables are wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil and cooked either over a campfire, on a grill, or in the oven.

Classic Ground Beef Hobo Dinner Recipe

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30–40 minutes
• Servings: 4 individual packets

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced or diced into bite-sized cubes
• 3-4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into rings or chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Optional extras: Shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, barbecue sauce, or Worcestershire sauce for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Foil Sheets: Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each). Lightly spray the center of each sheet with non-stick cooking oil or brush with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Vegetables: Divide the sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions evenly among the four foil sheets, placing them right in the center. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Add the Meat: Season your ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Form the meat into a flattened patty or divide it into loose chunks and place it directly on top of the bed of vegetables.
4. Seal the Packets: Bring the long edges of the foil up over the food and fold them down tightly several times to create a secure top seal. Then, crimp and fold the short ends upward so steam cannot escape. Tip: Leave a little bit of air space inside the packet so the steam can circulate.
5. Cook:
   • Campfire: Place the foil packets directly over hot coals (not roaring flames) for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
   • Oven: Bake on a rimmed baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 40 to 45 minutes.
   • Grill: Cook on a medium-hot covered grill for 35 to 40 minutes.
6. Serve: Carefully open the packets (watch out for escaping hot steam!), top with a sprinkle of cheese or a drizzle of barbecue sauce if desired, and eat straight out of the foil or empty onto a plate.

Popular Flavor Variations

• The Smoked Sausage Packet: Swap ground beef for sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa, paired with bell peppers, onions, and potatoes.
• The Garlic Herb Chicken Packet: Use diced chicken breasts tossed in Italian seasoning, olive oil, baby potatoes, and green beans.