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Delicious Hamburger Hobo Packets

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Hamburger Hobo Packets combine lean ground beef with Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, and seasonings wrapped in foil for an easy, flavorful meal. Moisture from water keeps the patties tender while butter adds richness. Customize with your favorite veggies and herbs for variety. Ideal for grilling or baking, this one-pan meal offers both convenience and hearty satisfaction suitable for family dinners or camping trips.

Simply prep the meat and veggie mixtures separately, then layer in foil sheets before cooking until the meat reaches the perfect temperature and the vegetables are tender. Leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer, making this a versatile option for any night.

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A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Sat, 08 Nov 2025 22:56:33 GMT
A hamburger with onions and carrots. Bookmark
A hamburger with onions and carrots. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

These Hamburger Hobo Packets are a perfect blend of hearty ground beef and tender vegetables wrapped up in foil for an easy, flavorful dinner. They work great whether you are cooking in your kitchen, on the grill, or out camping with friends and family. This onepan meal packs in the comfort of a classic burger with the convenience of minimal cleanup and customizable ingredients.

I first made these on a camping trip where cooking was limited, and everyone loved how juicy the burgers were with the tender potatoes and carrots. Now they are a regular request for weeknight dinners at home and outdoor cookouts.

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef: Use lean for less grease and a better flavor balance
  • Ketchup: Adds subtle tomato sweetness and depth to the burger mix
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds a mild umami flavor without overpowering
  • Onion powder and garlic powder: Gives aromatic layers to the burger seasoning
  • Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky warmth, choose Spanish smoked paprika if available
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing taste
  • Water: Keeps the burgers moist and tender, a neat trick for juicier patties
  • Yukon gold potatoes: Creamy texture and sweetness perfect for roasting with the meat
  • Frozen sliced carrots: Convenient and quick to soften without overcooking
  • Large sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and flavor when baked; leave out if onion is not preferred
  • Olive oil: Helps veggies cook evenly and prevents sticking
  • Salted butter: Adds richness and moisture, melting on top of the warm burger patty

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:
Mix ground beef with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and water in a large bowl until well combined. Set aside for the flavors to meld slightly.
Prep the Veggies:
In another large bowl, toss the Yukon gold potatoes, frozen sliced carrots, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper so each piece is well coated. This ensures even cooking and seasoning.
Assemble the Packets:
Lay out six 18 by 12 inch sheets of heavyduty foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the potato and carrot mixture evenly in the center of each foil sheet. Form the beef mixture into six patties and place one patty on top of each vegetable pile. Distribute onion slices evenly on top of the patties. Finally, place a tablespoon of salted butter on top of each packet.
Seal and Cook:
Fold and crimp the foil edges tightly to seal each packet, preventing steam from escaping. Preheat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once warmed, put the foil packets on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the burgers reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and the vegetables are tender when pierced.
Serve with Care:
Remove the foil packets carefully from the grill to avoid steam burns. Open and enjoy your juicy burger and perfectly cooked vegetables straight from the packet for minimal fuss.
Hamburger with onions and carrots.
Hamburger with onions and carrots. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

This recipe brought back memories of family camping trips where the simplicity of foil packets made cooking fun and stress free. My favorite part is how the butter melts over the patty and veggies, creating a rich, irresistible taste.

Storage Tips

To keep leftover hobo packets fresh, transfer them to an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version, though cooking times may vary slightly. Swap Yukon gold potatoes for Russet potatoes or sweet potatoes depending on desired sweetness and texture, and add other sturdy veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these packets with a simple green salad or a side of coleslaw for some refreshing crunch. A dollop of mustard or your favorite burger sauce adds a nice touch, or add cheese near the end of cooking for a cheeseburger twist.

A hamburger with onions and carrots on top.
A hamburger with onions and carrots on top. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

These packets are an easy, customizable weeknight or camping meal with minimal cleanup. Try freezing assembled packs for a convenient readytogo dinner option.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What makes the burgers tender?

Adding water to the ground beef mixture helps keep the patties moist and tender during cooking.

→ Can I reduce the seasonings on the patties?

Yes, you can simplify by using just salt, pepper, and a little water for a milder flavor.

→ Which vegetables work well in these packets?

Besides carrots and potatoes, try peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, or cauliflower.

→ Is it possible to add cheese?

After cooking, open the foil carefully, add cheese on top, then reclose the packet and wait for it to melt.

→ Can these be cooked in an oven?

Yes, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 30-40 minutes until the burgers reach 160°F internally.

→ How to reheat leftover packets?

Reheat using an oven, grill, or microwave, but remove the foil if microwaving.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tasty Hamburger Hobo Packets

Ground beef, potatoes, and carrots cooked together in foil for a simple, hearty meal.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: American

Portion Size: 6 Serving Size

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Meat mixture

01 500 g lean ground beef
02 30 ml ketchup
03 15 ml Worcestershire sauce
04 2 ml onion powder
05 2 ml garlic powder
06 3 g kosher salt
07 2 ml smoked paprika
08 1 ml ground black pepper
09 60 ml water

→ Vegetables

10 750 g Yukon gold potatoes, diced
11 150 g frozen sliced carrots
12 2 ml garlic powder
13 3 g kosher salt
14 1 ml ground black pepper
15 15 ml olive oil
16 1 large sweet onion, sliced

→ Finishing

17 6 tablespoons (90 ml) salted butter, divided

Steps to Make This

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and set aside.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, toss the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 03

Lay out six 18 x 12 inch sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil and lightly spray each with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the vegetable mixture evenly among the foil sheets, placing each portion in the center.

Step 04

Divide the meat mixture into six equal patties. Place one patty on top of the vegetables in each foil sheet. Distribute the onion slices evenly over each patty and top each with one tablespoon of butter.

Step 05

Fold and crimp the edges of each foil sheet securely to create airtight packets that prevent steam from escaping during cooking.

Step 06

Preheat the grill to medium-low heat around 400°F (204°C). Place the foil packets on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the internal temperature of the patties reaches 160°F (71°C) and the vegetables are tender.

Step 07

Carefully remove the packets from the grill using tongs or heat-resistant gloves. Open cautiously to avoid steam. Serve immediately.

Additional Notes

  1. Adding water to the ground beef mixture keeps the burgers tender and moist.
  2. For cheeseburgers, add cheese on top after cooking and reseal for 5 minutes to melt.
  3. Oven cooking alternative: bake packets at 400°F (204°C) for 30–40 minutes.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Grill or oven
  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs or heat-resistant gloves

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains dairy (butter)