Some meals just stick with you forever. I often think about the simple perfection of these Cheeseburger Hobo Packets. They deliver that satisfying, savory cheeseburger flavor. Plus, the veggies cook up perfectly tender inside the foil. This method locks in every bit of moisture. It makes for a truly flavorful and mess-free dinner experience.
I first made these for a late summer camping trip. Now, they are my go-to for busy weeknights too. Cleanup is practically nonexistent which every mom appreciates. This hearty American dish quickly joins your rotation for easy weeknight meals.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe truly shines for busy cooks like us. You get full meal satisfaction with minimal fuss. Forget scrubbing pots and pans later. The flavor development inside that foil pouch is fantastic. It tastes like comfort food made easy. Plus, they work great on the grill or in the oven.
Cheeseburger Hobo Packets Ingredients
Mixing simple ground beef with fresh vegetables creates magic here. Every component plays a vital role in this satisfying foil packet dinner. The beef patty brings the main flavor, obviously. Then, the diced potatoes and carrots offer texture and substance. That splash of beef broth keeps everything wonderfully moist while cooking. Don’t forget the cheddar; it makes everything better.
Substitutions and Tips
Feel free to swap out the veggies. Try mushrooms or sweet potatoes instead. For seasoning, try a dash of smoked paprika for depth. If you need a shortcut, use pre-diced potatoes. A pat of butter added before sealing boosts richness immensely. Remember, exact measurements are always on the printable card below. These simple swaps make the Cheeseburger Hobo Packets your own.
How to Make Cheeseburger Hobo Packets
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Mixture
Grab a nice mixing bowl first. Add your ground beef to that bowl. Next, stir in the diced onion. Then, add Worcestershire sauce for tang. Throw in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper too. Gently mix these ingredients well. Do not overwork the meat mixture. Now, shape the seasoned beef into four equal patties.
Step 2: Assembling the Vegetable Base
Unfold four large sheets of heavy-duty foil. Distribute your diced potatoes evenly. Add the sliced carrots next to them. Then sprinkle the frozen corn over everything. Try to keep the veggies centered on the foil. This even layering ensures everything cooks through perfectly.
Step 3: Sealing the Foil Packets
Place one beef patty right on top of the vegetables. Pour two tablespoons of broth over the patty in each packet. Bring the long edges of the foil up over the food. Fold these edges down tightly together. Next, crimp the ends securely closed. You want a true airtight seal. This seals in moisture for a great grilled dinner result.
Step 4: Cooking the Hobo Packets
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit easily. Alternatively, prepare your grill for medium heat now. Place the sealed packets on a baking sheet. If grilling, set them directly on the grates. Cook them for 30 minutes initially. Check the potatoes for tenderness carefully. Times can change based on your heat source.
Step 5: Melting the Cheese and Serving
Open the packets with much caution. Steam will escape fast, so watch out. Place one slice of cheddar atop each patty. Fold the foil loosely closed again. Let them sit for about one or two minutes only. This melts the cheese beautifully. Serve these amazing Cheeseburger Hobo Packets right away.
How to Store Cheeseburger Hobo Packets
Storing leftovers is quite simple. Cool any unused packets completely first. Keep them in the sealed foil or an airtight container. Refrigerate them within two hours maximum. They usually last well for three days. Freezing is possible but impacts texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results later.
Tips for Success
- Always use heavy-duty aluminum foil for safety.
- Pre-shredded cheese melts faster when added last.
- Do not stack packets too closely on the grill.
- If using frozen veggies, they add extra liquid.
- Test potato doneness before removing packets from heat.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil is essential here.
- A large mixing bowl for the meat mixture goes first.
- Sharp vegetable peeler for quick prep work.
- Tongs are helpful for turning on the grill.
- A baking sheet works best for oven cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- A simple green salad works wonderfully alongside.
- Serve with pickles and crunchy coleslaw on the side.
- Offer condiments like ketchup or mustard bottles nearby.
- Cold lemonade pairs perfectly with this hearty meal.
- These are great eaten right from the foil packet.
Cheeseburger Hobo Packets
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven or Grill (Foil Packet Cooking)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheeseburger Hobo Packets are a convenient and flavorful meal cooked in individual aluminum foil packets, combining seasoned ground beef patties with diced potatoes, carrots, and corn, all steamed in beef broth and topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Ketchup and mustard for serving (optional)
- 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare grill for medium heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then form into 4 patties.
- Divide the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and frozen corn evenly among the four sheets of aluminum foil.
- Place one beef patty on top of the vegetables in each foil packet.
- Pour 1/8 cup (2 tablespoons) of beef broth over the contents of each packet.
- Bring the opposite sides of the foil together over the food and fold them down tightly, then fold in the ends to create a sealed packet.
- Place packets on a baking sheet (for oven) or directly on the grill grates.
- Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or grill for 20-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and beef is cooked through. Cooking time may vary based on grill temperature and thickness of patties/vegetables.
- Carefully open one packet to check for doneness. Once cooked, open the packets, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each beef patty, and reseal for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve hot directly from the foil packets, with ketchup and mustard on the side if desired.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary based on grill temperature and thickness of patties/vegetables.
- Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing during cooking.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pat of butter to each packet before sealing.
