Burger Dinner Foil Packets are a convenient and flavorful solution for preparing a complete meal with minimal cleanup. These packets combine seasoned hamburger patties with a medley of vegetables, all wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked to perfection. Whether prepared in the oven, on the grill, or over a campfire, this recipe offers versatility and ease.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 packet onion soup mix
1 pound baby gold potatoes, quartered
1 cup crinkle-cut carrots
1 red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika can be used as a substitute)
1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

Directions

Prepare the Patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with the onion soup mix. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent tough patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty.
Prepare the Vegetables: In a separate bowl, toss the quartered baby potatoes, crinkle-cut carrots, and sliced red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Assemble the Foil Packets: Lay out four large pieces of aluminum foil. Place a portion of the seasoned vegetables on each piece. Top with a hamburger patty. Fold the sides of the foil over the ingredients and seal tightly to create a packet.
Cooking Methods:
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the foil packets directly on the grill grates and cook for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the beef is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Campfire: Place the foil packets on hot coals and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Add Cheese: Carefully open each foil packet, avoiding hot steam. Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the burger patty. Close the packet again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, either in the oven, on the grill, or over the campfire, until the cheese has melted.
Serve: Open the foil packets and serve the contents directly from the foil or transfer to plates.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: Approximately 695 kcal per serving
Protein: 39 grams
Carbohydrates: 29 grams
Fat: 47 grams
Saturated Fat: 17 grams
Cholesterol: 138 mg
Sodium: 1,167 mg
Potassium: 1,408 mg
Fiber: 4 grams
Sugar: 5 grams
Vitamin A: 306 IU
Vitamin C: 27 mg
Calcium: 187 mg
Iron: 5 mg

The Beauty of Foil Cooking

Foil cooking has long been celebrated for its ability to lock in moisture and flavor while cooking food evenly. The technique is especially useful when preparing meals that involve a variety of ingredients, like in the case of Burger Dinner Foil Packets. The foil acts as a seal, keeping the steam and juices from escaping, which ensures that all the ingredients—such as the hamburger patty and vegetables—remain tender and flavorful. This method allows the beef to retain its juiciness, while the vegetables absorb all the savory flavors, creating a satisfying meal in every bite.

Additionally, the foil cooking method is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re in the comfort of your kitchen, grilling in the backyard, or camping under the stars, foil packets can be cooked using various methods. Each method provides its own benefits, but all result in a tasty meal with minimal effort.

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

One of the key attractions of Burger Dinner Foil Packets is the balance of flavors and textures. The ground beef patty serves as the rich, hearty base, providing a satisfying meaty flavor that appeals to all ages. Seasoned with onion soup mix, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, the patty is infused with aromatic flavors that permeate every bite.

The vegetables—baby potatoes, crinkle-cut carrots, and red onions—provide a contrast to the meat, both in texture and flavor. The potatoes, when cooked in the foil, become soft and tender, offering a slightly sweet and earthy taste that complements the savory beef. The carrots add a touch of sweetness and crunch, while the onions bring a hint of sharpness. This combination of textures, from the juicy beef patty to the tender vegetables, makes for a delightful bite every time.

What makes the Burger Dinner Foil Packets even more irresistible is the addition of melted Colby Jack cheese. As the foil packet cooks, the cheese melts over the patty, creating a gooey, indulgent layer that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The richness of the cheese ties everything together, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

How to Customize Your Burger Dinner Foil Packets

One of the best features of Burger Dinner Foil Packets is their versatility. The recipe itself is a great base, but you can easily customize the dish to suit your personal tastes or accommodate dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to add more vegetables, switch up the type of cheese, or adjust the seasoning, the possibilities are endless.

For example, if you want to add more vegetables to the mix, feel free to toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These vegetables will absorb the flavors of the beef and seasonings, creating a rich, hearty flavor profile. If you prefer a more robust seasoning, you can try adding chili powder, cumin, or a dash of hot sauce to give the patties a spicy kick. Alternatively, you can make the dish milder by omitting the smoked paprika and adding a bit of Italian seasoning.

In terms of cheese, while Colby Jack is a fantastic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese to suit your preferences. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella can all be used in place of Colby Jack. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor and meltability to the dish, so feel free to try different combinations to find your favorite.

For those who are looking to reduce their carb intake or prefer a lighter option, consider swapping the potatoes for cauliflower florets or using a low-carb alternative for the vegetables. You could also opt for lean ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef for a lighter protein option. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be adjusted to meet a wide range of dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

The Convenience of One-Pan Cooking

Burger Dinner Foil Packets are a fantastic example of a one-pan meal that requires very little cleanup. Since the entire dish is cooked inside the foil packet, there are no pots or pans to scrub afterward. Once the meal is cooked, you simply open the foil and serve, making it the ideal choice for those who don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen cleaning up.

This makes the recipe particularly appealing for busy families, individuals with limited kitchen space, or anyone who simply prefers to avoid the hassle of extensive cleanup. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, cooking for your family, or preparing a camping meal, this easy-to-make recipe offers the convenience of minimal dishes without sacrificing flavor.

Cooking Methods: Flexibility for Every Occasion

Another great feature of Burger Dinner Foil Packets is their flexibility when it comes to cooking methods. The packets can be prepared and cooked in various ways, depending on what equipment you have available and your personal preferences. Here are a few options:

Oven: Cooking Burger Dinner Foil Packets in the oven is a simple and reliable method. Preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) allows the packets to bake evenly, ensuring that the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked. This method is great for year-round cooking, especially when the weather doesn’t permit grilling.
Grill: If you’re cooking outdoors, grilling is another fantastic way to prepare these foil packets. Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the dish, which complements the savory beef and vegetables. Simply place the packets on the grill grates and cook them over medium heat, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Campfire: For a truly rustic experience, Burger Dinner Foil Packets can also be cooked over a campfire. This method is perfect for camping trips or outdoor gatherings. Placing the foil packets on hot coals creates a smoky flavor and allows the ingredients to cook evenly. The open flame adds a unique depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with other cooking methods.

No matter how you choose to cook these packets, the end result will be a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Nutritional Value and Health Considerations

While Burger Dinner Foil Packets are a flavorful and hearty meal, they also offer a good balance of nutrients. The ground beef provides a solid source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health. Beef is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin B12, both of which support red blood cell production and overall energy levels.

The vegetables, particularly the baby potatoes, carrots, and onions, add a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the dish. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which is important for heart health, while carrots provide beta-carotene, which promotes good vision and immune function.

Colby Jack cheese, while adding richness to the dish, also contributes calcium and protein. However, since it is high in saturated fat, it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation if you are watching your fat intake.

To make the recipe even healthier, consider using lean ground beef or opting for ground turkey as a lower-fat alternative. Additionally, you can increase the vegetable portion to make the meal even more nutrient-dense. By adjusting the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, you can enjoy a delicious and well-rounded meal without compromising on flavor.

Conclusion: A Recipe That Delivers Flavor and Convenience

Burger Dinner Foil Packets are the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and versatility. This one-pan meal offers a satisfying balance of seasoned beef, tender vegetables, and gooey cheese—all cooked in a simple foil packet.

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