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I always reach for Campfire Cheeseburger Hobo Packets when I want a laid-back but super flavorful dinner outside. The first time I handed these out on a camping weekend, folks went wild for their own little foil parcels—gooey cheese, juicy burger, tender spuds, and sweet carrots all in one. Barely any mess afterward and these bundles are bursting with flavor.
Tasty Ingredients
- Cheese: Grab slices that melt well like American or cheddar If you want to mix things up try smoky gouda instead
- Salt and pepper: Sprinkling on flaky or kosher salt brings out every flavor
- Olive oil: Keeps veggies moist so they roast up even and don't stick Extra virgin adds a boost of flavor
- Baby carrots: Sweet little carrots out of the bag with fresh ends and bright color are best
- Small potatoes: Yukon Gold or red varieties hold together and get buttery inside Skip any with green spots for the best results
- Garlic powder: This gives a punch of gentle, sweet flavor—straight from the jar or fresh if you want more oomph
- Seasoning salt: Brightens up everything and pushes those classic burger flavors to the front
- Egg: One egg holds the patties together—no more, no less
- Ground hamburger: Go for around 80% lean for juicy patties Good beef from the counter makes these even better
Mouthwatering Instructions
- Make It Cheesy:
- Carefully peel back the foil—seriously, the steam is hot—and lay a cheese slice on each patty Slide the foil back onto the grill for just two or three minutes until that cheese turns extra melty
- Seal and Cook:
- Pinch the foil sides together nice and tight to trap in heat and flavor Lay the beef side up over a grill already at 350 degrees Flip after twenty minutes so veggies brown evenly Give it 35 to 45 minutes and check that potatoes are soft and meat is cooked to 160 degrees
- Assemble Foil Packets:
- Spray four big sheets of foil with nonstick before you start Scoop an equal share of the seasoned veggies into the center, then stack on a burger patty for each
- Season and Toss Vegetables:
- Scoop potato slices and carrots into a big bowl Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle on pepper and salt Then toss with your hands until everything gets a thin coat and the seasoning spreads around
- Mix and Shape Patties:
- Gently blend the hamburger, seasoning salt, garlic, and egg in a mixing bowl Don’t mash too long or the meat turns tough Divide in four and flatten them into half-inch patties Set aside on a plate until you’re ready
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Easy Storage
Let leftover packs cool down before stashing them Keep them wrapped up, pop them in a sealed container, and park them in the fridge for up to three days Later, put the foil straight in a hot oven until everything is warm again On day two, the flavors get even better I like cracking one open and topping it with a fried egg for breakfast
Swaps and Variations
Switch things up by using ground turkey or even a plant-based patty Swap Yukon for russets or sweet potatoes for something new Want more veggies? Add onions, bell peppers, or zucchini If I want a nuttier taste, I trade in Swiss for cheddar
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How to Serve
I usually put out crunchy dill pickles or little bowls of ketchup and mustard for dipping Toast a bun for sandwich fun—makes a mean campfire cheeseburger Let everyone pick toppings like barbecue sauce or diced green onion so they can make it their own
Backyard Tradition
These hobo packs started out as a trick from campfire and scout cooking—hot dinner with barely any gear right on the flames My folks would let us fill our packets and draw stars on the foil so no one mixed theirs up Even now, dinner feels a bit adventurous and special every time we make these
Common Questions
- → Can I switch up the veggies with my beef?
Totally! Add stuff like onions, zucchini, or bell pepper for new flavors and colors.
- → Which ground meat should I choose?
Go for 80% lean ground beef if you want extra juicy burgers, but ground chicken or turkey work great too.
- → How can I tell the packets are ready?
Make sure the potatoes are soft and burgers hit 160°F in the center—then you’re good to go.
- → Could I make these in the oven?
For sure! Line up your foil bundles on a pan and bake at 350°F until everything’s cooked through and fork-tender.
- → How do I keep the packets from sticking?
Give the foil a little spray with nonstick cooking oil before you start piling on your ingredients. Makes it super easy to open up later.