Cheeseburger Hobo Packets

Cheeseburger Hobo Packets are the easiest, most delicious dinner you can make on the grill or campfire! These individual foil wrapped bundles are stuffed with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and melty cheese. All the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger without the bun.

Love More Cheeseburger Ideas? Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Frito Pie or this Cheeseburger Sliders next.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal cleanup – Everything cooks in foil, so there’s barely any dishes to wash!
• Perfect for camping – Makes over a campfire or grill with no fancy equipment needed
• Kid-approved favorite – The individual packets make kids feel special, and they love the cheeseburger flavors
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have
• Customizable – Everyone can add their favorite toppings or leave things out

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Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground beef (80% lean works great).

1 egg beaten.

1 teaspoon seasoning salt.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

4 small potatoes peeled and sliced thin.

1 pound baby carrots or regular carrots sliced.

2 tablespoons olive oil.

1/2 teaspoon salt.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

4 slices American or cheddar cheese.

Heavy duty aluminum foil. Nonstick cooking spray.

Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option, or use whatever cheese your family loves best!

Why These Ingredients Work

The ground beef mixed with egg and seasonings creates juicy, flavorful patties that stay together beautifully even without a bun. That little bit of egg acts as a binder, keeping everything nice and cohesive while it cooks.

Those thin-sliced potatoes and carrots aren’t just filler – they soak up all the delicious beef juices as everything steams together in the foil.

The olive oil helps them get tender without drying out, and when you add that cheese at the end, it melts down into every nook and cranny. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy duty aluminum foil – Regular foil works but heavy duty prevents tears
• Mixing bowls – One for meat, one for veggies
• Grill or campfire grate – Or you can bake these in the oven
• Tongs – For flipping the packets safely
• Meat thermometer – To check that beef reaches 160°F

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Get your grill heated to 350°F or preheat your oven to the same temperature. Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty foil, each about 12×18 inches, and spray them generously with nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup even easier!

Step 2: Make the Burger Patties

In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, beaten egg, seasoning salt, and garlic powder until just combined. Don’t overmix or your patties will be tough! Form into 4 equal patties and set them aside while you prep the veggies.

Step 3: Season the Vegetables

Toss your sliced potatoes and carrots with the olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure everything’s evenly coated – this helps them cook evenly and adds so much flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Packets

Place 1/4 of the veggie mixture in the center of each piece of foil. Top with a beef patty, then fold up the sides of the foil to create a sealed packet. Make sure to crimp the edges well so no steam escapes! Place them seam-side up on the grill.

Step 5: Cook Until Done

Grill for 35-45 minutes, flipping the packets halfway through cooking. The beef should reach 160°F internally and the veggies should be fork-tender. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce a potato through the foil with a fork.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Carefully open the top of each packet (watch out for steam!) and place a slice of cheese on each burger. Close the grill lid and let it melt for 2-3 minutes. That cheese gets all gooey and perfect!

You Must Know

The biggest mistake people make is not sealing their foil packets tightly enough. If steam escapes, your veggies won’t cook properly and everything will dry out. Take your time crimping those edges!

Personal Secret: I always double-layer my foil packets or use heavy-duty foil. Regular foil can tear too easily, especially on a grill or campfire grate, and nobody wants their dinner falling through the cracks!

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Slice potatoes thin – About 1/4 inch thick ensures they cook through
• Use a vegetable peeler – Makes quick work of potato prep
• Test for doneness – Pierce veggies through the foil with a knife
• Let them rest – Give packets 2-3 minutes before opening to finish steaming
• Keep packets closed – Until you’re ready to eat for maximum heat retention
• Try different seasonings – Montreal steak seasoning or taco seasoning work great too

Flavor Variations & Suggestions

Want to switch things up? Try adding sliced onions or bell peppers to the veggie mix for extra flavor and color. You can also swap the American cheese for pepper jack if your family likes a little kick.

For a bacon cheeseburger version, crumble some cooked bacon over the patty before sealing the packet. Or go Italian-style by using Italian seasoning in the meat and topping with mozzarella and a spoonful of marinara sauce before serving!

Make-Ahead Options

These packets are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble them completely (minus the cheese) up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator.

Just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if they’re going straight from the fridge to the grill. This makes them ideal for camping trips – prep at home, store in a cooler, and you’re ready to go!

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Hobo Packets

These packets are pretty much a complete meal on their own, but a simple green salad or coleslaw makes a nice fresh contrast to the hearty, savory packets. If you’re camping, baked beans heated over the fire are a classic pairing.

For dessert, try foil packet s’mores or grilled fruit! And don’t forget ice-cold lemonade or sweet tea to wash it all down on a hot summer evening.

Allergy Information

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (cheese).

For egg-free, you can omit it from the beef mixture – it’ll still hold together but might be slightly more crumbly.

For dairy-free, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Storage & Reheating

Leftover hobo packets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, wrap in fresh foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

The flavors actually get even better the next day as everything has more time to meld together!

FAQs

Can I make these in the oven instead of on the grill?

Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until the beef reaches 160°F and veggies are tender.

What if I don’t have baby carrots?

Regular carrots work great – just peel and slice them into thin rounds or matchsticks so they cook at the same rate as the potatoes.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F instead of 160°F.

How do I know when the packets are done?

Pierce a potato through the foil with a fork – if it goes in easily, they’re done. You can also use a meat thermometer through the foil to check the burger.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely! Kids love assembling their own packets and choosing what goes in them. Just supervise the foil sealing to make sure they’re tight!

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