Foil packets, also called hobo packets or hobo dinners, are an easy way to cook protein and vegetables together. Ingredients are wrapped in foil and cooked over an open fire, on the grill, in a smoker, or in the oven. The steam and juices mingle inside the sealed packet, producing juicy, tender, flavorful results when you open them.
This recipe uses steak, potatoes, onion, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, butter, and olive oil. You may already have most of these staples on hand, and the recipe is forgiving—swap in vegetables or seasonings you prefer. Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to avoid tears and keep juices contained.
Foil packets are a complete meal and require little cleanup—no side dishes are necessary, though a simple salad or extra vegetables pairs nicely. They’re great for camping, grilling, or an easy weeknight dinner. You can bake, smoke, grill, or finish them open to char the top for extra flavor.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of the simplest and most satisfying ways to cook steak and potatoes. Everything cooks together in the foil, concentrating flavor and keeping the meat moist. It’s fast, adaptable, and perfect for varying numbers of guests.
How to Serve
Serve foil packets hot, straight from the grill or oven. They make a full meal on their own, but a green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread are nice accompaniments.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the packets ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook. Leftovers keep for a few days in a covered container in the refrigerator; reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds strip steak or a similar cut
- 1 yellow onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 pound potatoes, cut into ½-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs
Step 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Step 2. Add a pinch of salt and the potato slices; cook for 5 minutes to par-cook them so they finish tender in the foil packets.
Step 3. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
Step 4. Cut the steak into bite-size chunks; marinate briefly if desired (optional).
Step 5. In a large bowl, combine the steak, par-cooked potatoes, sliced onion, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 6. Prepare four large squares of heavy-duty foil. Divide the steak and potato mixture among the foil squares, placing the filling in the center of each.
Step 7. Top each packet with pieces of chilled butter. Fold the foil over and seal each packet well so steam stays inside while cooking.
Step 8. Cook the sealed packets on a hot grill, in a smoker, or in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired doneness and the potatoes are tender. Cooking time may vary with thickness of meat and heat source.
Step 9. For a charred finish, carefully open each packet and broil or place over direct heat for 1–2 minutes to brown the top. Be careful of steam when opening.
Enjoy!
Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packets
15
25
5
5
4 foil packets
Method
Notes
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds strip steak or similar
- 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 pound potatoes, cut into ½-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt and the potatoes; cook for 5 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.
- Cut the steak into chunks; marinate if desired.
- Toss the steak, potatoes, onion, oil, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a bowl to combine.
- Divide the mixture among four large foil squares.
- Top each portion with butter pieces, seal the foil tightly, and cook on a hot grill or in a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes, until steak and potatoes are cooked through.
- For extra char, open the foil and broil or place over direct heat briefly at the end.
Notes
Use any steak cut you prefer and swap in different vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste. Bell peppers, carrots, or green beans work well. Adjust cooking time for thicker cuts or larger vegetables.
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