If you’re seeking a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as easy to make as it is fun to eat, Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets are about to become your new obsession. This recipe brings together all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger—seasoned beef, melted cheddar, and crisp toppings—bundled up with tender potatoes and fresh veggies in a no-fuss foil packet. Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or a cozy campfire cookout, these delicious packets make the whole experience feel special, effortless, and a little bit adventurous.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few humble ingredients, you can create big, bold flavors and satisfying textures. Each ingredient in Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets has a role to play, adding something essential to the mix, whether it’s savory depth, creamy richness, or that irresistible cheesiness that ties everything together.
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 or 85/15 for juicy, flavorful patties that stay moist inside the foil.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle, aromatic warmth that enhances the beefy flavor.
- Onion Powder: Adds that classic burger shop vibe without the bulk of fresh onion.
- Salt: Seasoning that’s key to drawing out flavors in both the meat and potatoes.
- Black Pepper: Gives a gentle kick that lifts up the whole dish.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Thin slices cook quickly and turn buttery-tender, soaking up all the meaty juices.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: That gooey melt is the soul of a cheeseburger—don’t skimp!
- Red Onion: Thin slices add a burst of color and zesty crunch after baking.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These roast down to juicy, sweet pops that brighten up each bite.
- Ketchup: A classic burger condiment drizzled at the end for tangy sweetness.
- Yellow Mustard: Offers bright acidity and traditional cheeseburger tang.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness that ties all those flavors together.
- Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes roast up golden and delicious beneath the beef patty.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Keeps everything from sticking to the foil and makes cleanup easy.
- Optional Toppings (pickles, chopped lettuce, crumbled bacon, green onions): Mix and match for custom packets—these are your finishing touches.
How to Make Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets
Step 1: Prep the Oven or Grill
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or getting your grill nice and hot over medium-high heat. This ensures you’ll get even cooking—no underdone potatoes or overcooked beef!
Step 2: Make the Burger Patties
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined (don’t overwork it for tender burgers!) then divide into four equal portions. Shape each into a thin patty. These will cook up perfectly juicy inside the foil.
Step 3: Toss the Potatoes
In a separate bowl, toss your thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes with olive oil and a little more salt and pepper. Try to keep those slices uniform for even cooking—if you’re short on time, you can quickly parboil these for five minutes to speed up the process.
Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets
Lay out four large sheets of aluminum foil and give each a generous spritz with nonstick cooking spray. Center a layer of the sliced potatoes in the middle of each piece, and follow up with a seasoned beef patty. Top each with a handful of sliced red onions and some halved cherry tomatoes for that colorful, juicy layer.
Step 5: Seal and Cook
Fold up the sides of each foil sheet to create a sealed packet, making sure all edges are tightly crimped to keep those savory juices and steam locked in. Place the packets on a baking sheet if using the oven, or directly on the grill grates. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or grill for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the patties are cooked through.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Carefully open each packet (watch out for that hot steam!) and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese across the top. Return the open packets to the oven or grill for 2 to 3 minutes—just until the cheese is bubbly and irresistibly melty.
Step 7: Top and Serve
As the finishing touch, drizzle ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise over each foil packet. Pile on any of your favorite optional toppings—like tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, or fresh green onions. That’s it: dig in and enjoy every layered bite of Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets
Garnishes
The fun of Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets is personalizing your toppings! Set out little bowls of pickles, chopped lettuce, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions so everyone can finish their packet to their own taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives look pretty and punch up the flavor, too.
Side Dishes
Turn your meal into a full-on picnic by pairing these foil packets with classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob. If you’re craving something lighter, a green salad or crisp veggie sticks are perfect for balancing the rich and cheesy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Make serving Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets a true event! Try labeling each foil packet with a marker (right on the foil!) for customized toppings, or arrange them on a big platter lined with parchment for a rustic, shareable centerpiece. For backyard parties or camping, hand out packets straight from the grill—no plates needed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra packets, simply let them cool to room temperature before sealing them up in an airtight container or wrapping them well in the foil. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days and are just as comforting the next day.
Freezing
Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets freeze beautifully for meal prep—or those nights when you want dinner, fast. Wrap packets tightly and freeze them flat for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the packets (still in foil) on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until hot all the way through. For a crispier finish, open up the foil during the last five minutes to melt the cheese and let some steam escape.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work well in place of beef. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as leaner meats may cook a bit faster and benefit from a brush of olive oil to stay moist.
What’s the best way to cook Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets while camping?
For campfire cooking, nestle the foil packets directly into the coals or over the grill grate. Rotate and flip them occasionally for even heat, and keep an eye (and nose) out—the wonderful aroma will tell you they’re ready!
Can I add other veggies to the packets?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini slices all taste wonderful nestled into these packets. Just slice them thin so everything cooks evenly alongside the meat and potatoes.
How can I make these lower carb?
Skip the potatoes and substitute in thin cauliflower or zucchini rounds. You’ll get the same satisfying feel with far fewer carbs, and the dish will still be packed with cheeseburger flavor.
Are Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets safe to prep ahead?
Yes! You can assemble your packets up to a day in advance and keep them chilled until ready to cook. They’re perfect for making ahead before a camping trip, party, or busy weeknight.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so rewarding about making and sharing these Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets—they’re hearty, customizable, and bring a sense of fun to any meal. Let your creativity run wild with toppings, or stick with the classics for guaranteed smiles. Give these foil packets a try, and I guarantee your kitchen (or campsite!) will be filled with happy faces and satisfied appetites.
Print
Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 foil packets
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheeseburger Hobo Foil Packets are a fun and convenient way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a neat, individual serving. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a camping trip, these foil packets are easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the beef patties:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the packets:
- 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Optional toppings: pickles, chopped lettuce, crumbled bacon, green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or grill to medium-high heat. Mix ground beef with seasonings and shape into patties. Toss potatoes with oil and seasonings.
- Assemble: Lay out foil, place potatoes, beef patty, onions, and tomatoes. Seal the packets.
- Cook: Bake for 30–35 minutes or grill for 20–25 minutes until done.
- Finish: Open packets, add cheese, melt, and drizzle with condiments. Add optional toppings and serve.
Notes
- Parboil potatoes for faster cooking.
- Customize with different toppings.
- Great for camping or meal prepping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil packet
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
