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Easy Beef Burger Foil Packets

Name: Easy Beef Burger Foil Packets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 tsp salt (for beef); 1/2 tsp black pepper (for beef); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1.5 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 large onion, sliced or chopped; 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced or chopped (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt (for vegetables); 1/4 tsp black pepper (for vegetables); 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional); Heavy-duty aluminum foil; 4–6 burger buns (optional); 4–6 slices cheese (optional); Favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, condiments – optional)

Friendly and fuss-free, these Easy Beef Burger Foil Packets bring classic burger flavors together with roasted potatoes and veggies in a single, tidy package. Perfect for weeknights, backyard grills, or an easy camping meal, they cook up moist, flavorful patties alongside golden potatoes without a lot of dishes to wash. If you enjoy one-pan beef dinners, you might also like Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, which use a similar comfort-food profile in a different format.

Why make this recipe
This recipe shines because the burger, potatoes, and vegetables all cook together, capturing juices and seasoning so every bite is satisfying. The foil packet method saves cleanup time and makes portioning easy—each person gets their own hot packet. It’s especially handy for grilling or campfire cooking: no pans to lug or scrubbing afterward.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Beef Burger Foil Packets

Prepare Patties

In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20) with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix just until combined—overworking can make patties dense.
Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4–1 inch thick. Press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty; this helps the patty cook flat and prevents doming.

Prepare Vegetables

Wash and cut 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Slice or chop 1 large onion and, if using, 1 bell pepper into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, onion, and bell pepper with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning if using. Make sure the oil and seasonings coat the vegetables thoroughly.

Assemble Packets

Tear off 4–6 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 18×12 inches). For extra security, use double layers—especially for campfire cooking or long grilling sessions.
For each packet, place an equal portion of the seasoned vegetables in the center of the foil. Top the vegetables with one burger patty, placing it gently on top so the juices can mingle during cooking.

Seal Packets

Bring the long edges of the foil up and fold them over twice to create a tight seam, then roll or crimp the short ends inward toward the food to seal completely. Aim for a secure packet with a little headspace so steam can circulate; don’t wrap so tightly that the food is compressed.

Cook Packets

Preheat your chosen cooking method: oven to 400°F (200°C), grill to medium-high (~400°F), or prepare hot campfire coals.
Place the sealed packets either on a baking sheet (oven), directly on the grill grates (grill), or on the coals (carefully) for campfire cooking.
Cook times:
- Oven: 25–35 minutes.
- Grill: 20–30 minutes, flipping the packets halfway through to encourage even cooking.
- Campfire: 20–30 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes to prevent hot spots and burning.
Note: cooking times vary by the size of packets and heat source—start checking toward the shorter end.

Check Doneness & Add Cheese (Optional)

Carefully open one packet away from your face to avoid steam burns. Potatoes should be fork-tender and the burger should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
If you want melty cheese, place a slice of your chosen cheese (Cheddar, American, Swiss, or provolone) on each hot patty, then loosely reseal the packet or leave it open and let the residual heat melt the cheese for 1–2 minutes.

Serve

Transfer hot packets to plates with tongs. Open gently and slide the burger and roasted vegetables onto burger buns, or serve the packet contents on a plate.
Top with your favorite burger garnishes—lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.

Enjoy & Cleanup

Savor your simple, satisfying meal. Cleanup is easy: simply crumple and discard the used foil, or if you used double foil, fold it up and toss after it cools.

Ingredients recap

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 tsp salt (for beef)
1/2 tsp black pepper (for beef)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1.5 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, sliced or chopped
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced or chopped (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt (for vegetables)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for vegetables)
1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
Heavy-duty aluminum foil
4–6 burger buns (optional)
4–6 slices cheese (optional)
Favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, condiments – optional)

Best Way to Store Easy Beef Burger Foil Packets

Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freeze: For longer storage, transfer cooled contents (separated patties and vegetables) into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to 2–3 months at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat refrigerated packets in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. From frozen, thaw first or reheat gently in a covered skillet or oven at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Beef Burger Foil Packets

Classic burger-style: Slide the patty onto a toasted bun, spoon some roasted potatoes and peppers on the side (or inside the bun if you like a loaded sandwich), and top with tomato, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
Bowl: Serve the patty on a bed of greens with the roasted potatoes and vegetables around it, drizzled with a simple vinaigrette or ranch dressing for a heartier salad.
Family-style buffet: Keep packets closed in a warming drawer or on a low grill, and let guests open their own to customize with different cheese slices and condiments.
Dip options: Offer garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, or chipotle mayo for dipping the potatoes and burgers for extra flavor variety.

Tips to make Easy Beef Burger Foil Packets
Q: How do I keep the patties moist?
A: Make sure you don’t overwork the meat when combining seasonings; gently mix and form patties to retain juices. The foil packet method also helps trap steam so burgers stay juicy.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Avoid using Worcestershire sauce if yours contains gluten, or choose a certified gluten-free brand.

Q: How can I ensure the potatoes cook through at the same time as the patties?
A: Cut the potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces and slice the onion and pepper similarly. Tossing them with oil helps transfer heat more evenly. If your potatoes are dense, cut them slightly smaller or par-cook them for a few minutes in the microwave before assembling packets.

Variation(s)

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or seasoned plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef. Keep an eye on cooking times—turkey and chicken require the same 165°F internal temperature, while plant-based options may cook faster.
Vegetables and seasoning switch: Replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes (adjust cook time slightly), or add sliced mushrooms and zucchini. For a Southwestern twist, toss veggies with cumin and chili powder instead of Italian seasoning.

Hints on timing and heat

If grilling for a crowd, prepare all packets ahead of time and place them on a baking sheet for the oven or a platter for the grill; they can be cooked in batches without losing flavor.
For campfire cooking, double up the foil and place packets on hot coals, turning frequently to avoid burning. Keep a close eye the first time you try it to determine the best timing for your particular fire.

FAQs

Q: Can I assemble packets ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble the packets and refrigerate them (sealed) for up to 24 hours before cooking. Bring them to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing on the grill or in the oven for more even cooking.

Q: How do I know the burger is fully cooked?
A: Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a patty; it should read 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Check one packet first to verify doneness and adjust cooking time if needed.

Q: Are heavy-duty foil and double layers necessary?
A: Heavy-duty foil or double layers are highly recommended, especially for grilling or campfire cooking, to prevent tearing and to keep juices contained. For oven use you might get away with single layers, but double is safer.

Q: Can children help assemble these?
A: Absolutely—they’re great for little hands. Let kids toss the vegetables and help place patties on the foil (with supervision). Sealing the packets should be done by an adult.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Any meltable cheese works—Cheddar, American, provolone, or Swiss are classics. Add cheese at the end of cooking and reseal for a minute to melt.

Final notes

These foil packets are flexible—scale ingredients up or down, and customize seasonings to your family’s preferences. The minimal cleanup and generous portions make them a reliable go-to for busy evenings, weekend grilling, or camping trips.

Conclusion

If you like the easy convenience of foil-packet meals and want more ideas, check out this take on classic hobo dinners with potatoes and hamburger at Hobo Dinner Foil Packets (Hamburger & Potato). For another simple, crowd-pleasing version of hamburger packets with tips for camping and backyard cooking, see Hobo Dinner Hamburger Foil Packets – NeighborFood.