Hobo Dinner in Foil Packs Recipe

Introduction

Hobo Dinner is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining savory beef patties with tender potatoes and carrots, all wrapped in foil for easy baking and cleanup, it delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
• 4 small russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
• 3 medium carrots, peeled, halved, and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ medium yellow onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375℉ and cut four pieces of foil, each measuring 12″ x 18″.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the black pepper, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and dried rosemary. Set this seasoning mix aside.
3. Step 3: Lay out the foil pieces on a baking sheet. Evenly divide the sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions among the foil pieces. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the vegetables.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, minced garlic, barbecue sauce, and bread crumbs. Mix gently until just combined, then form into four equal-sized patties.
5. Step 5: Place one beef patty on top of the vegetables in each foil packet. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the patties. Top each patty with 1 tablespoon of butter.
6. Step 6: Seal the foil packets tightly to trap steam. Arrange them beef-side up on the baking sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
• Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.
• Include chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the vegetables for added variety.
• If you prefer less smoky flavor, reduce or omit the paprika.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap the foil and warm the packets in a 350℉ oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving in foil to prevent sparks.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these foil packets ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the foil packets and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of Italian bread crumbs?

If you don’t have Italian bread crumbs, plain or panko bread crumbs will work fine. You can also crush some crackers or use oats for a different texture.

Hobo Dinner in Foil Packs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

Classic Hobo Dinner is a hearty, all-in-one meal featuring seasoned ground beef patties nestled on a bed of tender potatoes, carrots, and onions, all cooked together in foil packets for easy preparation and cleanup. Baked to perfection with flavorful spices and a touch of butter, this comforting dish is perfect for a simple family dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• ½ cup Italian bread crumbs

Vegetables

• 4 small russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
• 3 medium carrots, peeled, halved, and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ medium yellow onion, sliced

Seasoning Mix

• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary

Others

• 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃) and prepare four pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil measuring approximately 12 by 18 inches each.
2. Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the black pepper, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and dried rosemary. Set this spice blend aside for later use.
3. Arrange Vegetables: Lay out the four foil pieces on a large sheet pan. Evenly divide the sliced potatoes, carrot pieces, and sliced onions among each foil section. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the vegetables to enhance their flavors.
4. Make Beef Patties: In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, minced garlic, barbecue sauce, and Italian bread crumbs. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat. Shape the mixture into four equal-sized patties.
5. Assemble Packets: Place one beef patty on top of the vegetables in each foil piece. Sprinkle the remaining half of the seasoning evenly over the patties and vegetables. Add one tablespoon of butter on top of each patty for added richness.
6. Seal and Bake: Fold and seal each foil packet tightly to lock in moisture and flavors. Position the packets beef-side up on the sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender and the beef is fully cooked through.

Notes

• Use heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks during baking.
• For easier cleanup, place the foil packets on a baking sheet.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variation.
• Ensure patties are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
• Leftover foil packet contents can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.

Keywords: hobo dinner, foil packet meal, ground beef recipe, baked dinner, easy family dinner, one-pan meal