Campfire Delight Hobo Packets
Hobo Dinners, also known as Campfire Delight Hobo Packets, are a nostalgic tradition perfect for any family camping trip. Originating from our annual family canoe camp-outs in the breathtaking landscapes of northern Wisconsin, these packets offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that cater to everyone’s tastes! Whether you're a picky eater or someone who enjoys heartier meals, these customizable foil packets can easily accommodate any palate. Cooking over open flames or coals not only infuses the meal with a delicious smoky flavor but also brings everyone together to share in the excitement of outdoor cooking. With a cooking time influenced by the heat of the coals, these meals also serve as a bonding experience for families. Embrace your culinary creativity at camp and delight in the comfort of a home-cooked stew under the stars!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heavy-duty aluminum foil
8 (Rectangular pieces, use for wrapping)
Potatoes
4 (Peeled and diced)
Carrots
4 (Peeled and diced)
Large mushrooms
4 (Sliced (optional))
Hamburger
1 lb (Divided into quarters (or use stew meat))
Onion
1 (Quartered (optional))
Garlic cloves
4 (Minced or pressed (optional))
Beef base (bouillon)
2 (Teaspoons, divided)
Butter
4 (Tablespoons, divided)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Dried herbs
to taste (Basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, etc.)
Water
8 (Tablespoons, divided)
Instructions
1
Prepare your campfire ahead of time, ensuring you have hot coals or a stable grilling area.
2
Lay out four pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a flat surface, keeping the other four pieces aside for wrapping.
3
For each packet, peel and dice one potato and one carrot. If using, slice one mushroom.
4
Crumble a quarter pound of hamburger (or stew meat) over the vegetables in the center of the foil.
5
If desired, slice or mince one-quarter of the onion and press one clove of garlic over the meat.
6
Sprinkle half a teaspoon of beef base (bouillon) over the mixture.
7
Snip one tablespoon of butter over the packet, then season with salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs such as basil, parsley, thyme, or oregano.
8
Carefully bring the ends of the foil up to the center and fold them twice to seal the top. Roll up one end tightly to secure the packet.
9
With the packet upright, gently shake it to compress the contents. Pour two tablespoons of water into the open end, then fold and roll it up tightly.
10
For extra security, place the first foil packet into the center of a second piece of foil and wrap it again to prevent any juices from escaping.
11
Cook over indirect heat near the campfire or grill for about 30 minutes, checking occasionally until the potatoes are tender.
12
When ready, carefully open the packets, being cautious of the hot steam, and serve directly from the foil or transfer to plates.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Campfire Delight Hobo Packets?
Hobo Dinners, also known as Campfire Delight Hobo Packets, are a nostalgic tradition perfect for any family camping trip, consisting of meat and vegetables cooked together in foil.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe originated from annual family canoe camp-outs in the landscapes of northern Wisconsin.
What kind of foil should be used for Hobo Packets?
It is recommended to use heavy-duty aluminum foil to ensure the packets do not tear and to help prevent juices from escaping.
How should the potatoes and carrots be prepared?
The potatoes and carrots should be peeled and diced before being placed in the center of the foil.
What meat is best for this recipe?
You can use either a quarter pound of hamburger meat or stew meat for each individual packet.
Are mushrooms a required ingredient?
No, large mushrooms are optional and can be sliced and added if desired.
How is the onion prepared for the packet?
The onion is optional and should be quartered, then sliced or minced before being added to the meat.
How much garlic is recommended per packet?
One clove of garlic can be minced or pressed over the meat in each individual packet.
What is the purpose of the beef base?
Beef base (bouillon) is sprinkled over the mixture to provide a rich, savory flavor to the stew as it cooks.
Why is butter added to the foil packet?
One tablespoon of butter is snipped into each packet to add moisture and richness to the ingredients.
What dried herbs work well with this recipe?
Dried herbs such as basil, parsley, thyme, or oregano are excellent choices for seasoning the packets.
How do you properly seal the foil packet?
Bring the ends of the foil to the center, fold them twice to seal the top, and then roll up one end tightly to secure it.
Why do you shake the packet before final sealing?
You gently shake the packet while it is upright to compress the contents and create space for the water.
How much water is added to each packet?
Two tablespoons of water are poured into the open end of each packet before it is fully rolled up and sealed.
Why is water added to the hobo packet?
The water creates steam inside the sealed packet, which helps cook the meat and vegetables thoroughly and keeps them moist.
Why is double-wrapping recommended?
Placing the first packet inside a second piece of foil provides extra security to prevent any flavorful juices from escaping during cooking.
How long do the packets need to cook?
The packets usually cook for about 30 minutes, though this can vary based on the heat of the campfire coals.
Where should the packets be placed on the fire?
The packets should be cooked over indirect heat near the campfire or on a grill area with hot coals.
How do you know when the Hobo Dinners are done?
The meal is ready when the potatoes are tender; you can check one packet occasionally to verify doneness.
Are these packets suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, they are highly customizable, allowing you to include or omit specific vegetables or seasonings based on individual preferences.
What flavor profile can I expect from this meal?
The meal offers a delicious smoky flavor from the open flames and the comfort of a home-cooked beef stew.
What should I be cautious of when opening the packets?
Be very cautious of the hot steam that will escape when you first unfold the aluminum foil.
Can I use different types of meat?
While hamburger and stew meat are standard, the recipe is versatile enough to experiment with other meat choices.
Do I need plates to serve this meal?
You can serve the food directly from the foil packets for an authentic camping experience, or transfer the contents to plates.
Is this a good recipe for group bonding?
Yes, the process of assembling the packets and cooking them over a fire serves as a wonderful bonding experience for families.
How many pieces of foil do I need in total?
You need a total of eight pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil: four for the initial wrapping and four for the outer layer.
What kind of heat is best for cooking?
Hot coals or a stable grill area providing indirect heat are best for even cooking without burning the foil.
Can I prepare the packets ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and assemble the packets before your camping trip to save time at the site.
Is the recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, the simple steps of dicing, layering, and wrapping make it an easy and accessible recipe for any outdoor cook.
What makes this meal a 'Campfire Delight'?
The combination of outdoor cooking excitement, customizable ingredients, and the smoky, comforting stew flavor makes it a true delight.