Greek style beef foil packets are one of my favorite outdoor cooking recipes. There’s something about the combination of tender beef, fresh veggies, and savory spices all wrapped up in a neat little package that just screams “camping trip” to me. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, even when you’re miles from civilization.
When I’m planning a camping trip or a backyard cookout, I always try to think of dishes that are going to be easy to transport, easy to cook, and easy to eat. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good foil packet? It’s like a present for your meal. You get to unwrap it, and there it all is! A perfectly cooked meal, with minimal cleanup required.
You can customize them to your heart’s content, adding in your favorite veggies or spices to give them a personal touch. And because they’re cooked in foil, you don’t have to worry about messing up a bunch of pots and pans. Just throw everything in the packet and toss it on the grill or campfire.
I’ve made these Greek style beef foil packets for everything from quick weeknight dinners to multi-day camping trips, and they never fail to come out good. The best part? They’re actually really healthy, too. You get a good dose of protein from the beef, plus some added nutrients from the veggies. Because you’re cooking everything in foil, you don’t need to add a ton of extra oil or butter.
In this post, I’m going to share my favorite Greek style beef foil packets recipe. It’s a classic combination of beef, onions, and bell peppers, all wrapped up in a neat little package. I’ll walk you through the steps to make it, from prep to cooking, and give you some tips for customizing it to your taste. So grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!
Cooking Instructions For the Greek Style Beef Foil Packets
- The first step of making the Greek style beef foil packets recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the Greek style beef foil packets recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Prepare four huge squares of heavy-duty foil (about. 18″x18″). Tear four big squares of parchment paper in half and place one on top of each foil square. Distribute the cauliflower, onion, peppers, zucchini, olives, and crumbled ground beef among each piece of paper/foil.
- Combine the ingredients (garlic, coriander, thyme, paprika, and cinnamon) and distribute among the four servings/sheets. Wrap parchment paper around each set of ingredients, then cover with foil. For better sealing and prevent leaks, fold or roll the foil’s edges together.
- To cook over a campfire, place a camping grate directly over the fire where the heat is medium/400˚F. Place the beef foil packets on the grate and cook for 22-25 minutes. Rotate the packages many times to achieve equal cooking.
- Place tin foil dinners on the fire grate or grill and cook for 20-25 minutes. Heat is more uniform so you only need to rotate once or twice during cooking.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Ingredients
cauliflower
broccoli
onion
bell pepper
zucchini
cup olives
ground beef
garlic
ground coriander
thyme
paprika
cinnamon
feta cheese
Why I Love This Greek Style Beef Foil Packets
Cooking with foil packets is a popular method among campers for several reasons. Here are ten factual reasons why:
Ease of Preparation:
1. Minimal Prep Time: Preparing foil packet meals is usually quick and straightforward, often involving simply chopping ingredients and seasoning them before wrapping in foil.
Simple Ingredients: Many foil packet recipes require basic, readily available ingredients.
2. Convenience:
No Need for Pots and Pans: Foil packets eliminate the need for multiple cooking utensils and dishes.
Portability: Foil packets are easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips.
3. Versatility:
Variety of Recipes: Almost any meal can be adapted for foil packet cooking, from breakfast to dessert.
Suitable for Various Cooking Methods: Foil packets can be cooked over an open flame, on a grill, or in coals.
4. Flavor Enhancement:
Sealed Cooking: The sealed packets trap steam, helping to retain moisture and enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
Even Cooking: Foil packets promote even cooking by distributing heat uniformly.
5. Easy Cleanup:
Disposable: After cooking, the foil can be disposed of, reducing the need for washing dishes.
Less Mess: The foil contains the food and any cooking juices, minimizing spills and mess.
6. Healthier Cooking:
Less Oil Needed: The steaming effect of foil packets often requires less oil or fat for cooking.
Nutrient Retention: Cooking in foil packets can help retain nutrients in the food since it cooks in its own juices.
7. Portion Control:
Individual Servings: Foil packets can be easily portioned out for individual servings, making it easier to manage meal sizes.
Customizable: Each packet can be customized to accommodate individual dietary preferences or restrictions.
8. Safety:
Reduced Risk of Contamination: Cooking food in sealed packets reduces the risk of cross-contamination, especially important when dealing with raw meat.
Controlled Cooking Environment: The packets help control the cooking environment, reducing the risk of food falling into the fire or grill.
9. Fuel Efficiency:
Shorter Cooking Times: Foil packets often require less cooking time, conserving fuel.
Efficient Heat Use: The packets make efficient use of the heat source, whether it’s a campfire, grill, or portable stove.
10. Fun and Interactive:
Group Activity: Making foil packets can be a fun group activity, allowing everyone to assemble their own meals.
Creative Cooking: Campers can get creative with their recipes, trying different ingredient combinations and cooking techniques.
These reasons make foil packet cooking a favored method among campers, providing practicality, efficiency, and enjoyment.
Campfire Foil Packet Cooking Tips
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will help prevent tearing as you handle the packs and flip them over the campfire/grill.
Take advantage of indirect heat. When cooking over a campfire, you’ll want to use embers/coals, rather than placing the packets right over a roaring fire.
Flip the packets. Turn the packets over every once in a while to make sure they cook evenly.
Protect your hands: We like to use heat-resistant gloves or extra-long BBQ tongs when handling hot foil packets.
Use a meat thermometer. When it comes to foil packets recipes, we highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked through. Take a packet off the fire, carefully open it (it will be full of steam!), and check the temp of a few pieces. If the meat needs more time, re-seal the packet and put it back on the fire to cook for a while longer.
The first step of making the Greek style beef foil packets recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the Greek style beef foil packet recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
What Are Foil Packets and How Do I Use Them
Campfire foil packets are dishes prepared on a campfire or grill packaged in foil and served all at once. You might have tried them previously or seen others camping with food wrapped in tinfoil and thrown on a grill to cook together.
Like a one-pot dinner, all of the ingredients cook altogether within the foil, resulting in a steaming, tender, and wonderful all-in-one dish. Foil packages can be prepared over a campfire, on a grill, or in the oven.
This dish is extremely adjustable, so if someone doesn’t like onions, for instance, you may substitute it with green beans, making it ideal for a group. These are a few typical items found in foil packs.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hash browns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
What Exactly is a Foil Pack Meal?
A foil pack dinner, also known as a hobo package or foil packet dinner? is a complete meal composed of vegetables, meats, carbohydrates, and spices wrapped in many layers of aluminum foil. It’s cooked over campfire embers, on the grill, or in the oven. The tight closure retains moisture while steam cooks the food within the package.
Additionally, there are several vegetable and protein combos that may be used to create quick foil pack camping dinners. For example, in this package, I combine asparagus, chicken, and potatoes with garlic flavor.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hash browns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
How To Make Foil Packets
- Tear out a 16-inch piece of tinfoil.
- Place the meal onto the foil sheet.
- Fold up both long edges of the foil until the ends touch above the meal.
- Double fold both ends, allowing heat circulation inside.
- To close the packet, double fold the two short ends.
Make Ahead Tips For the Greek Style Beef Foil Packets
Start The Coals / Prepare Your Fire
The first step is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them a lot so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
Campfire Cooking Tools
Kitchen Twine
Mixing Bowl
Cast Iron Skillet
Grill Grate
Knives
Campfire Cooking Utensils
Campfire Serving Utensils
Campfire Fork or Tongs
Fire Proof Cooking Gloves
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Foil Paper Non Stick
FAQ For the Greek Style Beef Foil Packets
Q: What are Greek style beef foil packets?
A: A Greek style beef foil packets recipe is a type of dish that originated in Greece, where beef is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and thyme, then wrapped in foil and grilled or baked. The result is a tender, flavorful, and aromatic beef dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Q: What are the important ingredients for a Greek style beef foil packets recipe?
A: The important ingredients for a Greek style beef foil packets recipe typically include beef strips or cubes, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. You may also add other ingredients like onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and feta cheese to enhance the flavor and texture. Don’t forget to use high-quality ingredients, especially the olive oil, to get the authentic Greek flavor.
Q: Can I customize a Greek style beef foil packets recipe to suit my taste?
A: Absolutely! Greek style beef foil packets recipes are highly customizable. You can adjust the amount of garlic, herbs, and spices to your liking. You can also add or substitute ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, you can use leaner beef cuts, reduce the amount of olive oil, or add more vegetables for a healthier option. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!
Q: How do I cook a Greek style beef foil packets recipe?
A: Cooking a Greek style beef foil packets recipe is easy and convenient. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or grill to medium-high heat. Place the beef and marinade mixture in the center of a large piece of foil, fold the foil to create a packet, and seal the edges. Bake for 20-25 minutes or grill for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Q: Can I make Greek style beef foil packets recipes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Greek style beef foil packet recipes ahead of time. In fact, the longer the beef marinates, the more flavorful it will be. You can prepare the marinade and beef mixture up to a day in advance, then assemble the foil packets just before cooking. You can also cook the packets ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. Simply reheat them in the oven or on the grill when you’re ready to serve.
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Steak n Potato Foil Packets Recipe
Easy Grilled Cod Foil Packets Recipe
Steak w Cowboy Butter Foil Packet Recipe
Cowboy Butter Salmon Foil Packet Recipe
Grilled Mushrooms n Onions Foil Packet Recipe
Greek Style Beef Foil Packets Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Twine
- mixing bowl
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Grill Grate
- knives
- Campfire Cooking Utensils
- Campfire Serving Utensils
- Campfire Fork Or Tongs
- fire proof cooking gloves
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Foil Paper Non Stick
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower cut into small, bite-sized florets
- 1 onion small chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 zucchini cut into 1/2” cubes
- 1/2 cup olives Kalamata chopped
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb beef ground lean crumbled
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon ground
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
Instructions
- The first step of making the Greek style beef foil packet recipes is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the Greek style beef foil packet recipes, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Prepare four huge squares of heavy-duty foil (about. 18"x18"). Tear four big squares of parchment paper in half and place one on top of each foil square. Distribute the cauliflower, onion, peppers, zucchini, olives, and crumbled ground beef among each piece of paper/foil.
- Combine the ingredients (garlic, coriander, thyme, paprika, and cinnamon) and distribute among the four servings/sheets. Wrap parchment paper around each set of ingredients, then cover with foil. For better sealing and prevent leaks, fold or roll the foil's edges together.
- To cook over a campfire, place a camping grate directly over the fire where the heat is medium/400˚F. Place the beef foil packets on the grate and cook for 22-25 minutes. Rotate the packages many times to achieve equal cooking.
- Place tin foil dinners on the fire grate or grill and cook for 20-25 minutes. Heat is more uniform so you only need to rotate once or twice during cooking.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Nutrition
1 comment
This was easy for me to make over a campfire and made a good side dish.
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