Ground Beef and Potato Foil Packets
In short: Seasoned beef patties baked in foil with sliced potatoes, carrots and onion, a no-pan dinner that steams in its own juices and needs no washing up. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 500 kcal
Foil packets are a camping habit that works just as well in a home oven. Each packet holds a seasoned beef patty on a bed of sliced potatoes, carrots and onion, with a little butter and stock to keep things moist. Everything steams together in about 40 minutes and the juices run into the vegetables. Pack them at the table so everyone chooses their own seasonings, or make them ahead and bake them later.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Cut four sheets of heavy-duty foil, each about 40 cm (16 inches) long, and set them on a baking tray.
- Mix the beef with the grated onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika just until combined. Shape it into 4 flat patties about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick.
- Toss the potatoes, carrots and onion with the olive oil, salt and thyme. Divide them between the foil sheets, piling them in the center.
- Place a patty on each pile. Spoon 1 tbsp of stock over each and top with 1 tsp of butter.
- Fold the foil over and crimp the edges tightly to seal, leaving a little room inside for steam. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Open one packet carefully, because of the hot steam. The vegetables should be tender and the patty should read 71°C (160°F). Bake 5 minutes more if needed.
- Open the packets, sprinkle with parsley and serve straight from the foil.
Tips
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. Thick slices stay hard while the beef overcooks.
- On a grill, cook the packets over medium heat for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once. Lay a slice of cheese on each patty for the last 3 minutes if you like.
Questions and answers
Can I make foil packets ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake them straight from the fridge, adding about 5 minutes.
Can I cook beef foil packets on a grill or campfire?
Yes. Cook them over medium heat or hot coals for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once, and check that the center of a patty reaches 71°C (160°F).
Do I need heavy-duty foil?
It is best, because standard foil can tear when you fold or turn the packets. Otherwise use a double layer.
How long does it take to make Ground Beef and Potato Foil Packets?
About 1 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ground Beef and Potato Foil Packets?
About 500 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 37 g of carbohydrates and 28 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 500 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
