Campsite Cheesy Veggie Burgers
Campsite Cheesy Veggie Burgers are a delightful way to combine the joys of outdoor cooking with the thrill of customization. Originally a fun Boy Scout recipe, this meal brings together hearty ground beef and a colorful mix of your favorite vegetables, all wrapped up in a foil package that cooks to perfection over an open flame or in the oven. Perfect for family camping trips or backyard gatherings, these burgers allow each person to create their unique flavor combination. Kids will love getting involved in the preparation, making it an exciting culinary adventure. The addition of American cheese and beer elevates the flavors, creating a deliciously cheesy, juicy experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the ease of clean up and the fun of cooking outdoors with this great recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1/4 - 1/3 lb (Handful)
Chopped onion
1/2 handful (Fresh or frozen, optional)
Chopped garlic
1 clove (Minced)
Frozen mixed vegetables
1 bag (Chopped, thawed if possible)
American cheese
2 pieces (Torn into small pieces)
Beer
1 splash (Optional for flavor)
Hot sauce
To taste (Optional)
Salt
To taste (Optional)
Pepper
To taste (Optional)
Garlic powder
To taste (Optional)
Other spices
To taste (Optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your campfire or oven to a medium heat.
2
Cut a large square of aluminum foil, at least 18 inches long, for each burger.
3
Each person will create their own personalized burger, so set up a toppings station with various vegetables and seasonings.
4
Place a handful of ground beef in the center of the foil. Depending on appetite, use anywhere from 1/4 lb to 1/3 lb of meat.
5
Add a 1/2 handful of assorted chopped vegetables on top of the meat, mixing them in well for maximum flavor integration, or create a 'Meat Moat' and keep the veggies inside the well.
6
Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite spices. Douse with hot sauce and add a splash of beer for extra moisture and flavor.
7
Tear two pieces of American cheese and mix them into the burger mixture, ensuring they are well distributed.
8
To seal the burger, fold the foil over to create a 'foil duck.' Crimp the edges tightly to avoid leaks and form handles for easy retrieval.
9
For cooking over an open fire, consider double-wrapping the burgers for added protection.
10
Cook the burgers over the fire or in the oven for at least 20 minutes, or until the juices are bubbling and the meat is cooked through. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness and amount of meat used.
11
Be cautious when opening the foil packet as it will release hot steam. Avoid poking holes in the foil to maintain the moisture.
12
Enjoy this delicious, customizable burger right off the fire or oven!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Campsite Cheesy Veggie Burgers?
They are a customizable foil-packet meal featuring ground beef, mixed vegetables, and American cheese, designed for cooking over a campfire or in an oven.
How much ground beef is needed per person?
Each burger typically uses between 1/4 lb and 1/3 lb of ground beef depending on appetite.
Can I cook these burgers in a regular oven?
Yes, you can bake these in an oven at medium heat as an alternative to using a campfire.
What is the recommended cooking time?
The burgers should cook for at least 20 minutes or until the juices are bubbling and the meat is fully cooked.
How do I seal the foil packets?
Fold the foil over the burger and crimp the edges tightly to create a 'foil duck' with handles for easy retrieval.
Why is beer included in the recipe?
A splash of beer is used to add extra moisture and enhance the overall flavor of the meat.
Is the beer mandatory for the recipe?
No, the beer is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
What vegetables are best for these burgers?
A bag of frozen mixed vegetables is recommended, though you can use any of your favorite chopped vegetables.
Do I need to thaw the frozen vegetables?
It is recommended to thaw them if possible for more even mixing and cooking.
What is a 'Meat Moat'?
A Meat Moat is a preparation technique where you create a well in the center of the meat to keep the vegetables inside.
What type of cheese should I use?
American cheese is recommended because it melts well and integrates easily into the meat mixture.
Should I double-wrap the foil?
Yes, especially when cooking over an open fire, double-wrapping provides extra protection against leaks and burning.
How do I prevent steam burns?
Be very cautious when opening the foil packet after cooking, as it will release hot steam.
What seasonings are suggested?
The recipe suggests salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, and your favorite spices.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, this is a great recipe for kids as they can participate in creating their own unique flavor combinations.
Is this recipe easy to clean up?
Yes, because everything is cooked inside the foil, there are very few dishes to clean afterwards.
How large should the aluminum foil be?
Each piece of foil should be at least 18 inches long to ensure there is enough room to wrap the burger and vegetables.
Can I add hot sauce to the burger?
Yes, hot sauce can be added to the mixture for extra flavor and spice.
How do I mix the cheese into the burger?
Tear the American cheese into small pieces and distribute them throughout the burger meat before sealing the foil.
Can I use fresh onions?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen chopped onions for this recipe.
What temperature should the campfire be?
The campfire should be preheated to a medium heat before placing the foil packets over it.
Is it okay to poke holes in the foil?
No, avoid poking holes in the foil to maintain moisture and prevent the juices from leaking out.
Can I use other types of ground meat?
While ground beef is standard, you can adapt the recipe for other ground meats if desired.
Are these burgers good for large groups?
Yes, they are perfect for groups because each person can customize their own packet exactly how they like it.
What makes these burgers 'cheesy'?
The inclusion of torn American cheese pieces mixed directly into the beef creates a juicy, cheesy texture.
Can I prepare the packets ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the packets in advance and keep them cold until you are ready to cook.
Do I need to grease the foil?
The recipe doesn't specify, but the fat from the ground beef usually prevents significant sticking.
What if I don't have garlic powder?
You can use extra minced garlic or other savory spices like onion powder instead.
How do I know the burgers are done?
The burgers are done when the meat is no longer pink and the internal juices are bubbling.
Is there a specific way to fold the 'foil duck'?
Fold the edges tightly and upward to create a handle shape that makes it easy to lift the packet off the grill or fire.