Sizzling Foil Packet Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry appetites with minimal cleanup.

This easy foil packet ground beef and vegetables recipe delivers exactly what busy home cooks need.

Packed with savory flavors and hearty ingredients, these foil packets turn ordinary meal preparation into a stress-free experience.

Tender beef mingles with colorful vegetables, creating a complete meal that cooks perfectly in its own juicy sauce.

The aluminum foil locks in moisture and ensures every bite remains incredibly flavorful and tender.

Clean-up becomes a breeze since each packet traps all the delicious ingredients inside.

Dive into this effortless meal that promises maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort.

Why Foil Packet Beef and Veggies Are Weeknight Magic

• Easily swap vegetables or herbs to match family preferences and create a personalized dining experience.
• Minimal dishes required since cooking and serving happen in the same foil packet, saving precious post-meal time.
• Combine protein, vegetables, and seasoning in a single packet for a complete, nutritious meal with minimal preparation effort.
• Enjoy flexible cooking options whether using a grill or oven, perfect for outdoor cookouts or indoor family dinners.

Ingredients for Simple Foil Packet Dinners

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful main protein that provides a rich, satisfying base for the packet meal.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Onions: A classic combination of root vegetables that offer robust flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Optional herbs that add aromatic depth and complementary earthy notes to the meal.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps prevent the ingredients from drying out during cooking.

• Aluminum Foil: Creates a sealed cooking environment that traps moisture and allows ingredients to steam and cook evenly.

Tools for Hassle-Free Foil Packet Cooking

• Aluminum Foil Sheets: Large, sturdy sheets for creating cooking packets.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for dicing potatoes, slicing carrots and onions.
• Cutting Board: Solid surface for safe and easy vegetable preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately portioning salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Grill or Oven: Primary cooking equipment for preparing the meal.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely handling and transferring hot foil packets.
• Serving Plates: For presenting the delicious cooked packets.

How to Prepare Beef and Veggie Foil Packets

Step 1: Prepare Workspace

Gather a clean cutting board, sharp knife, aluminum foil sheets, and cooking surface like a grill or oven.

Wash your hands thoroughly before starting.

Step 2: Chop Vegetables

Dice potatoes into bite-sized cubes.

Slice carrots and onions into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Place chopped vegetables on a plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Butter

Crumble ground beef into small pieces.

Sprinkle herbs and seasonings evenly over the meat.

Mix gently to distribute flavors.

Step 4: Build Foil Packets

Lay out four large aluminum foil sheets.

Center a portion of chopped vegetables on each sheet.

Top vegetables with seasoned ground beef.

Place a small pat of butter on top of each meat and vegetable mixture.

Step 5: Seal Packets

Carefully fold foil edges, creating a tight seal.

Ensure no openings exist to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.

Crimp edges securely.

Step 6: Cook Perfectly

Grill Method: Place packets on medium-heat grill for 40-45 minutes.

Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F.

Arrange packets on baking sheet and cook for 40-45 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Safely

Remove packets from heat using tongs.

Let rest for 2-3 minutes.

Carefully open packets, avoiding hot steam.

Transfer contents to plates and enjoy your delicious meal.

Tips for Juicy Foil Packet Meals Every Time

• Chop vegetables and season ground beef in advance to save time during meal preparation.
• Slice vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Use lean ground beef or drain excess fat after cooking to reduce greasiness in the packet.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative.

Foil Packet Variations for Every Craving

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cubed tofu, maintaining the same cooking method and vegetable mix for a meatless version.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap thyme and rosemary with oregano and add crumbled feta cheese, incorporating diced zucchini and bell peppers for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Use ground turkey instead of beef, add chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies, topping with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern variation.
• Lean Protein Power: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or lean ground lamb, keeping the vegetable base consistent and adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth.

Creative Serving for Beef and Veggie Packets

• Rustic Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty ground beef and vegetable packet with a fresh green salad for added crunch and nutrition.
• Bread Lovers' Delight: Pair with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious meat and vegetable juices from the packet.
• Comfort Food Combo: Add a side of creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice to create a complete, satisfying meal that warms the soul and fills hungry bellies.
• Wine and Dine Option: Complement the rich flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp Pinot Noir for an elevated dining experience.

Storing Foil Packet Meals for Meal Prep

• Store leftover foil packets in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Ensure packets are completely cooled before storing.
• Wrap individual cooled packets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Unwrap frozen packets, place on baking sheet, and warm at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For refrigerated packets, reheat 15-20 minutes.
• Open foil packet, transfer contents to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap out potatoes, carrots, and onions with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts. Just ensure they have similar cooking times to prevent uneven cooking.

• Is ground beef the only meat option?

No, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even use cubed steak. Just make sure the meat is fresh and reaches the proper internal temperature.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine in this recipe. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh ones. If you don’t have herbs at all, the salt and pepper will still provide great flavor.

Easy Foil Packet Ground Beef and Vegetables Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and vegetable foil packet dinners offer quick comfort for busy families. Simple ingredients combine for a delicious one-pan meal you can customize with favorite seasonal produce and herbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef

Starchy Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced

Seasonings and Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs such as thyme or rosemary

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Instructions

1. Prepare four generously sized aluminum foil sheets, ensuring they’re large enough to create sturdy, leak-proof packets for cooking.
2. Distribute chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, and thinly sliced onions evenly in the center of each foil sheet, creating a colorful vegetable base.
3. Crumble raw ground beef directly over the vegetable medley, covering the surface with an even layer of meat.
4. Season the mixture liberally with salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Strategically place a pat of butter on top of each packet to introduce richness and help prevent the ingredients from drying out during cooking.
6. Carefully fold and crimp the foil edges, creating a tight seal that will trap steam and allow ingredients to cook uniformly.
7. For grilling, place packets on medium-heat grill (around 375°F) and cook for 40-45 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even heating.
8. Alternatively, bake packets in a preheated oven at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until beef is thoroughly cooked and vegetables reach desired tenderness.
9. Remove packets from heat source using tongs, allowing them to rest for 2-3 minutes to prevent steam burns.
10. Gently open packets, releasing the aromatic steam, and serve immediately while the meal remains piping hot.

Notes

• Choose heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing and leaks during cooking, ensuring a mess-free and perfectly sealed packet.
• Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking, allowing potatoes, carrots, and onions to reach the same tenderness simultaneously.
• Experiment with lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier protein option without compromising the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives after opening packets for a bright, fresh garnish that elevates the final presentation and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg