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A close-up, macro shot of a freshly unwrapped hobo foil packet, emphasizing the juicy texture of the seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. (Hobo foil packets)

The Ultimate Hobo Foil Packets: A Juicy, Rustic Dinner Masterpiece

This easy hobo foil packets recipe features a juicy ground beef patty, tender potatoes, carrots, and onions, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's the perfect no-mess dinner for the oven, grill, or campfire.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 packets
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs 85/15 Ground Beef (680g)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (15ml)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (5g)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder (5g)
  • 4 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes (680g), thinly sliced
  • 2 Large Carrots cut into chunky pieces
  • 1 Large Yellow Onion sliced
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (30ml)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (8g), chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or grill to medium-high. In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes, carrots, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
  2. In a separate bowl, gently mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form into four equal-sized patties.
  3. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty foil. Divide the vegetable mixture evenly among them, placing it in the center. Top the vegetables with a beef patty.
  4. Bring the long sides of the foil together and fold down to seal. Then, fold in the sides to create a fully sealed packet. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Carefully open the packets, mindful of steam. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cook for another 2-3 minutes until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don't Overcrowd the Packet: Give the ingredients enough room to steam and roast.
Uniform Vegetable Size: Cut your vegetables to a relatively similar size to ensure they all cook through at the same rate.
Check for Doneness: The best way to check is to carefully open one packet and pierce a potato with a fork.
Heavy-Duty Foil is Key: It prevents punctures and leaks, which is crucial for retaining moisture and flavor.