Campfire Cheeseburger Hobo Packets (Printer-Friendly)
Ground beef, potatoes, veggies, and cheddar cheese sealed in foil packets and cooked over open flame or grill.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large russet potato, thinly sliced
03 - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 3.5 oz button mushrooms, sliced
06 - 2 dill pickles, sliced (optional)
→ Cheese
07 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
→ Seasonings and Pantry
08 - 2 tbsp ketchup
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 1 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1 tsp onion powder
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Optional Toppings
15 - Chopped lettuce
16 - Sliced tomatoes
17 - Additional ketchup and mustard
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your campfire, grill, or oven to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F).
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
03 - Divide the seasoned beef mixture into 4 equal portions.
04 - Tear 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 12 inches per side, and brush the centers lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
05 - Arrange thinly sliced potatoes in the center of each foil sheet, then layer with onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Season the vegetables lightly with salt and pepper.
06 - Flatten each portion of seasoned ground beef into a patty and place one on top of the vegetables in each foil packet.
07 - Drizzle approximately 1/2 tbsp ketchup and a small amount of yellow mustard over each patty.
08 - Fold the foil tightly to form sealed packets, ensuring all edges are securely closed to prevent juices from leaking during cooking.
09 - Place the sealed packets on the campfire grate, grill, or in the oven. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
10 - Carefully open each packet, watching for hot steam. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, then reseal the packets for 2 additional minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
11 - Serve directly from the foil packets or transfer to plates. Garnish with sliced pickles, chopped lettuce, tomato slices, and extra condiments as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one sealed packet, so cleanup is basically nonexistent and you feel like a genius.
- The vegetables steam in burger juices, creating a flavor combo that tastes like a cheeseburger married a stew.
02 -
- Steam burns are real and they hurt. Always open foil packets away from your face and use tongs or gloves.
- If your potatoes are sliced too thick, they will be crunchy while the beef is already done. Thin slices are non-negotiable.
03 -
- Double wrap your packets if cooking over open coals rather than a grate. A single layer can puncture against hot rocks and you will lose your dinner.
- Write names on the outside of the foil with a toothpick or by folding a small tab differently so everyone gets their customized packet back.