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Easy Flavor-Packed Foil Packet Hobo Dinners Recipe with Ground Beef and Potatoes

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A quick and easy foil packet dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and veggies baked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set a baking sheet aside.
  2. Dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion and bell pepper into similar-sized pieces.
  3. In a bowl, toss the potatoes, onion, and bell pepper with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  4. In another bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty foil (about 12×12 inches each). Place an equal portion of the potato and veggie mix in the center of each sheet.
  6. Top each with a quarter of the seasoned ground beef, breaking it into smaller chunks.
  7. Fold the foil over the filling and crimp the edges tightly to seal, leaving some space inside for heat circulation.
  8. Place the packets on the baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and beef is fully cooked.
  9. Optional: Open each packet carefully, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, close loosely, and bake for another 3-5 minutes until cheese melts.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot straight from the foil.

Notes

Season the ground beef separately before mixing with potatoes and veggies for maximum flavor. Use heavy-duty foil or double wrap packets to prevent leaks. Let packets rest 3-5 minutes after baking for juicy results. Parboiling potatoes for 5 minutes before assembling can reduce baking time and ensure tenderness.

Nutrition

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