How to make Hobo Dinner Foil Packets
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef, lean
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
1 pound baby red potatoes, washed and sliced in half
3 carrots, sliced or cut into cubes
½ white onion, sliced
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
1 cup Colby Jack cheese, finely shredded
Instructions
Cut 4 large sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil
In a medium bowl combine the ground beef, garlic powder, salt, pepper and onion powder and mix it all together to combine well
Shape the meat into 4 equal sized patties and place in the center of the sheet of foil
In a medium bowl add in the cut potatoes, the sliced or cubed carrots, the sliced onion, the Olive Oil and the Italian Seasoning
Toss to coat all ingredients well
Divide the potatoes and carrots evenly between all four packets
Bring the sides of the foil up and roll the edges together
Flatten the ends and roll the two edges together
Place the packets on a medium hot grill or on the coals on the sides of a campfire
Let cook for 45 minutes and test the potatoes, if needed, close the packet and cook for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
When done, open the packet and top with ½ cup of cheese over the meat patty.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
YIELS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 500 | Total Fat: 30 grams | Saturated Fat: 10 grams | Cholesterol: 80 milligrams | Sodium: 800 milligrams | Total Carbohydrates: 30 grams | Dietary Fiber: 5 grams | Sugars: 5 grams | Protein: 25 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the type of meat used.
Can I add other vegetables to the foil packets?
Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables to the foil packets. Consider including vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the vegetables you choose.
Can I bake the foil packets in the oven instead of grilling or using a campfire?
Yes, you can bake the foil packets in the oven as an alternative cooking method. Preheat the oven to around 400°F (200°C) and place the foil packets on a baking sheet.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the meat is cooked through.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Certainly! You can use a different type of cheese based on your preference. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack are good alternatives to Colby Jack.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese flavors to suit your taste.
How can I ensure that the meat and vegetables cook evenly?
To ensure even cooking, make sure the meat patties are relatively flat and of equal thickness.
Additionally, try to slice the potatoes and carrots into similar sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate. This will help achieve consistent doneness throughout the foil packets.
Can I prepare the foil packets in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the foil packets in advance. Once assembled, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
This can be convenient for meal prep or camping trips.
Can I freeze the foil packets?
Yes, you can freeze the foil packets for future use. Make sure the packets are tightly sealed in airtight containers or freezer bags.
When ready to cook, thaw the packets in the refrigerator before grilling or baking.
Can I cook the foil packets on a stovetop?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill or campfire, you can cook the foil packets on a stovetop. Use a large skillet or pan with a lid.
Cook the packets over medium heat, flipping occasionally, for approximately 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Can I add other seasonings or spices to the meat and vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of your foil packets.
You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices such as paprika or chili powder to enhance the taste according to your preferences.
Can I use different types of potatoes or vegetables?
Yes, you can use different types of potatoes or vegetables in this recipe. While the recipe calls for baby red potatoes and carrots, you can substitute them with other varieties such as Yukon gold potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Similarly, you can swap the carrots with other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans. Just ensure that the vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.