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