So you want a complete meal that basically cooks itself while you sit back and relax? Meet your new best friend: Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Packets. These little foil bundles are packed with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, colorful vegetables, and all the flavors that make you feel like you’re camping even if you’re just chilling in your backyard. Each packet is like opening a present filled with perfectly steamed, savory goodness that somehow tastes way better than it has any right to. My dad, who’s usually skeptical of anything that sounds “too easy,” literally asked me to make these every week after trying them. It’s comfort food that requires zero cleanup and makes everyone feel like they’re getting their own personal meal made just for them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One packet = one complete meal with protein and veggies
- Literally zero cleanup (thank you, foil!)
- Perfect for camping, grilling, or lazy weeknight dinners
- Everything cooks together so flavors meld beautifully
- Great for meal prep – make a bunch and freeze them
- Kids think it’s fun to open their own “present”
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Beef & Veggie Mix:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is perfect)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced small (about 1/2-inch pieces)
- 2 carrots, sliced into coins
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you like)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Seasoning Magic:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional but amazing)
For Assembly:
- 4-6 tbsp butter, cut into small pats
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Prep Your Station
Preheat your oven to 400°F, or get your grill ready for medium-high heat.
Cut 4-6 large pieces of heavy-duty foil (about 12×18 inches each). Trust me, go big or go home with the foil.
Dice all your veggies into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Nobody wants crunchy potatoes and mushy carrots.
Step 2: Season That Beef
In a large bowl, crumble the raw ground beef and mix it with all the seasoning ingredients.
Don’t be shy – really work those spices into the meat with your hands. It’s messy but effective.
The beef will look darker and smell amazing when you’re done.
Step 3: Veggie Party Time
In another large bowl, toss all your diced vegetables with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Make sure everything gets coated – this helps them cook evenly and taste better.
If your potatoes look a little dry, add a bit more oil. They need it most.
Step 4: Assembly Line Action
Lay out your foil pieces and lightly spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Divide the seasoned ground beef among the foil pieces (about 1/4 lb per packet).
Top each portion of beef with an equal amount of the veggie mixture.
Add a pat or two of butter on top of each packet – this is where the magic happens.
Step 5: Wrap It Up
Bring the long sides of foil up over the filling and fold them together, making a seam at the top.
Fold the ends up and crimp them closed. You want these sealed tight so no steam escapes.
Double-wrap if you’re worried about leaks – better safe than sorry.
Step 6: Cook Time
For Oven: Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
For Grill: Place packets on medium-high heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
For Campfire: Nestle in hot coals for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally.
Step 7: The Big Reveal
Carefully open one packet to check doneness – potatoes should be tender and beef should be fully cooked.
Let packets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving (they’re HOT!).
Open carefully and watch the steam – it’s like a delicious sauna for your face.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve right in the foil or transfer to plates if you’re feeling fancy.
Top with shredded cheese while hot if you want extra indulgence.
Garnish with fresh parsley and prepare for the compliments.
Serving Suggestions
These are complete meals on their own, but a simple salad on the side never hurts.
Great with cornbread or dinner rolls for soaking up the juices.
Cold beer or iced tea pairs perfectly with the campfire vibes.
Switch It Up
Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with cheese and salsa.
Italian Vibes: Use Italian seasoning, add diced tomatoes, and finish with mozzarella.
BBQ Twist: Mix some BBQ sauce into the beef and add diced sweet potatoes.
Cheesy Dream: Add cubes of cream cheese or shredded cheddar before sealing.
Veggie Boost: Throw in mushrooms, zucchini, or whatever needs to be used up.
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble packets up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – just add 10 minutes to cooking time.
Prep all vegetables and seasonings ahead for super quick assembly.
Double or triple the recipe for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead? A: Absolutely! Just add a bit more oil since turkey is leaner than beef.
Q: What if my packets leak? A: Double-wrap with foil next time, and make sure you’re crimping those edges tight.
Q: Can I cook these in a slow cooker? A: You can, but you’ll lose the foil packet experience. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Q: Do I need to brown the beef first? A: Nope! That’s the beauty of this – everything cooks together in the packet.
Q: How do I know when they’re done? A: Potatoes should be fork-tender and beef should be fully cooked (no pink).
Q: Can I make vegetarian versions? A: Sure! Use extra beans, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
Print
Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Packets
- Total Time: 17 minute
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
So you want a complete meal that basically cooks itself while you sit back and relax? Meet your new best friend: Ground Beef Veggie Hobo Packets. These little foil bundles are packed with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, colorful vegetables, and all the flavors that make you feel like you’re camping even if you’re just chilling in your backyard. Each packet is like opening a present filled with perfectly steamed, savory goodness that somehow tastes way better than it has any right to. My dad, who’s usually skeptical of anything that sounds “too easy,” literally asked me to make these every week after trying them. It’s comfort food that requires zero cleanup and makes everyone feel like they’re getting their own personal meal made just for them.
Ingredients
For the Beef & Veggie Mix:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is perfect)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced small (about 1/2-inch pieces)
- 2 carrots, sliced into coins
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you like)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Seasoning Magic:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional but amazing)
For Assembly:
- 4–6 tbsp butter, cut into small pats
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F, or get your grill ready for medium-high heat.
Cut 4-6 large pieces of heavy-duty foil (about 12×18 inches each). Trust me, go big or go home with the foil.
Dice all your veggies into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Nobody wants crunchy potatoes and mushy carrots.
In a large bowl, crumble the raw ground beef and mix it with all the seasoning ingredients.
Don’t be shy – really work those spices into the meat with your hands. It’s messy but effective.
The beef will look darker and smell amazing when you’re done.
In another large bowl, toss all your diced vegetables with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Make sure everything gets coated – this helps them cook evenly and taste better.
If your potatoes look a little dry, add a bit more oil. They need it most.
Lay out your foil pieces and lightly spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Divide the seasoned ground beef among the foil pieces (about 1/4 lb per packet).
Top each portion of beef with an equal amount of the veggie mixture.
Add a pat or two of butter on top of each packet – this is where the magic happens.
Bring the long sides of foil up over the filling and fold them together, making a seam at the top.
Fold the ends up and crimp them closed. You want these sealed tight so no steam escapes.
Double-wrap if you’re worried about leaks – better safe than sorry.
For Oven: Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
For Grill: Place packets on medium-high heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
For Campfire: Nestle in hot coals for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally.
Carefully open one packet to check doneness – potatoes should be tender and beef should be fully cooked.
Let packets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving (they’re HOT!).
Open carefully and watch the steam – it’s like a delicious sauna for your face.
Serve right in the foil or transfer to plates if you’re feeling fancy.
Top with shredded cheese while hot if you want extra indulgence.
Garnish with fresh parsley and prepare for the compliments.
Notes
These are complete meals on their own, but a simple salad on the side never hurts.
Great with cornbread or dinner rolls for soaking up the juices.
Cold beer or iced tea pairs perfectly with the campfire vibes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~385 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Protein: ~24g