Name: Hobo Dinner with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Veggies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489499H16M1S
Total time: PT-489499H16M1S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended); 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

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This hobo dinner recipe with ground beef, potatoes, and veggies is a hearty, simple, and satisfying meal that I like to make when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks together in foil packets, which means less mess and easy cleanup. It’s a wholesome, old-fashioned dinner that always feels like home.

Hobo Dinner with Ground Beef, Potatoes, and Veggies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s so versatile and customizable. I can mix and match vegetables depending on what I have on hand, and the foil packet method makes it perfect for both oven baking and grilling. It’s also a family-friendly dish—everyone gets their own packet, and I can season them differently if I want. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and filling, which makes it a great weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Directions

I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat up the grill to medium-high.
I tear 4 large pieces of aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches each).
In a large bowl, I mix together the potatoes, carrots, onion, and bell pepper with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
I divide the seasoned vegetables evenly among the foil sheets.
I shape the ground beef into 4 patties and place one on top of each vegetable pile.
I fold the foil over the contents and seal tightly to make packets.
I place the packets on a baking sheet (for oven) or directly on the grill.
I cook for 30–40 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
I carefully open the packets, let them cool slightly, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 hearty dinner packets. It takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 30–40 minutes of cooking time, so I can have dinner ready in about an hour.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
I like to add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra veggies.
If I want more flavor, I mix Worcestershire sauce or barbecue sauce into the beef before forming the patties.
For a cheesy twist, I sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella inside the packets before sealing them.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I either warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave them in a covered dish. I find reheating in the oven keeps the vegetables from getting too soft.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the foil packets a few hours ahead, keep them in the fridge, and bake or grill them when ready to cook.

Can I freeze hobo dinners?

I can freeze the uncooked foil packets for up to 2 months. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen, adding about 10–15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Do I need to flip the foil packets while cooking?

I usually don’t flip them, but if I’m grilling, I sometimes flip once halfway through to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature of the beef patties reaches 160°F (71°C). The vegetables should also be fork-tender.

Can I bake these without foil?

Yes, I can layer everything in a casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake at the same temperature and time. It won’t have the same presentation, but it works just as well.

Conclusion

This hobo dinner with ground beef, potatoes, and veggies is one of those simple yet satisfying meals I love to come back to again and again. It’s hearty, customizable, and easy to make with minimal cleanup. Whether I’m cooking in the oven on a weeknight or grilling outdoors on the weekend, these foil packet dinners always hit the spot.