Name: Hobo Foil Packets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups baby potatoes, quartered; 2 medium carrots, sliced into coins; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and pepper to taste

Hey y'all! If you’re craving a hearty, fuss-free meal that’s bursting with savory flavors, look no further than these classic Hobo Foil Packets. Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or your next camping adventure, this all-in-one meal is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep and cleanup. Think juicy beef, tender veggies, and delicious seasonings wrapped up and cooked to perfection—what’s not to love? Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Hobo Foil Packets Recipe

Ready in 40 minutes with just 15 minutes of prep time.
Easy to customize with your favorite proteins and veggies.
Perfect for grilling, oven-baking, or campfire cooking.
Minimal cleanup—just toss the foil when you’re done!
Hearty, comforting, and family-friendly every time.

Hobo Foil Packets Ingredients

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 large russet potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 small yellow onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup (90g) sliced mushrooms
4 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
4 heavy-duty aluminum foil sheets (about 12”x 18” each)
Nonstick cooking spray

How to Make Hobo Foil Packets

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Wash and chop all your vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high (400°F/200°C) or your oven to 400°F/200°C.

Step 2: Assemble the Hobo Foil Packets

Lay out the four foil sheets and lightly spray with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, carrots, onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Drizzle with olive oil and add garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

Step 3: Add the Protein

Evenly divide the seasoned veggie mixture among the foil sheets. Shape the ground beef into four even patties and place one in the center of each veggie pile.

Step 4: Seal and Cook the Hobo Foil Packets

Fold the aluminum foil over the ingredients and seal tightly with double folds on the edges to create airtight packets. Place on grill grates or a baking sheet, sealed side up.

Step 5: Cooking Times

Grill: Cook packets over direct heat for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Oven: Bake for 35-40 minutes until veggies are fork-tender and beef is cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Carefully open the packets (watch out for steam!). Top with shredded cheddar (if using), let it melt, and enjoy directly from the foil or plate up for the family.

Notes for the Best Hobo Foil Packets

Give potatoes a quick parboil for 2-3 minutes if you prefer them extra soft. Learn how to parboil.
Swap in sweet potatoes, zucchini, or corn for a twist on classic flavor combos.
Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing and make for easy handling—check more foil packet cooking tips.

Hobo Foil Packets Variations

Chicken Hobo Packets: Substitute ground beef with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
Vegetarian Hobo Foil Packets: Omit the meat and double up on mushrooms and bell peppers, adding chickpeas for protein.
Southwestern Hobo Foil Packets: Use black beans, corn, and taco seasoning, then finish with a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese.

Required Equipment for Hobo Foil Packets

Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Nonstick cooking spray
Mixing bowls
Grill, campfire, or oven
Tongs or spatula

How to Store and Reheat Hobo Foil Packets

Refrigerate leftover Hobo Foil Packets in airtight containers for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F/175°C for 10-15 minutes or microwave in bursts until heated through. Avoid freezing, as the texture of fresh veggies doesn’t always hold up well.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Hobo Foil Packets

Serve with a crisp green salad for freshness.
Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the juices.
Sip a light lager or a glass of cabernet for an extra special meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Hobo Foil Packets

Don’t overstuff the packets—this ensures even cooking and easy flipping.
Add a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce for extra umami boost (learn about umami here).
Let the packets rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and deliver maximum flavor.

Hobo Foil Packets Recipe FAQ

Can I make Hobo Foil Packets ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the packets ahead and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before cooking—just add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time if straight from the fridge.
What meats work best for Hobo Foil Packets?: Ground beef, ground turkey, chicken breasts/thighs, or even sausage are all delicious choices.
Are Hobo Foil Packets healthy?: Yes, especially if you load up on vegetables and opt for lean proteins! Get more info on healthy grilling here.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Hobo Foil Packets