Steak n potato foil packets recipe is a staple in my camping cookbook. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve whipped up this meal over a campfire. And trust me, this steak n potato foil packets recipe is a real crowd-pleaser.
I’ve tried plenty of camping recipes over the years, but this one remains a favorite among my friends and family. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with flavor. It’s also really versatile – you can customize it to suit your taste preferences in any way you like.
You don’t need any fancy cooking skills or specialized equipment. Just some basic pantry staples, a few ingredients, and a hot campfire. I’ve made this steak n potato foil packets recipe on countless camping trips, from quick weekend getaways to longer, more leisurely vacations. It’s become a tradition of sorts – as soon as we arrive at the campsite, someone always asks when we’re making the steak n potato foil packets.
Cooking Instructions For the Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe
- The first step of making the steak n potato foil packets recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the steak n potato 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.
- Place the sliced potatoes in a pot of boiling, salted water and cook for 5 minutes. Drain immediately and place in a large bowl. Allow to sit until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.
- Cut the steak into strips or cubes.
- Place the steak, potatoes, onion, olive oil, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a large bowl and toss well.
- Set out 4 pieces of aluminum foil, at least 12×12 inches. Divide the meat and potatoes evenly between the center of the foil sheets. Top with butter cubes, then wrap the foil over the steak and potatoes to seal tightly.
- Cook the foil packets for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the potatoes are cooked. If you’re not using a grilling rack, lay the packets on a 2-inch bed of coal.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Ingredients
steak
potatoes
onion
olive oil
parsley
garlic
Italian seasoning
salt
pepper
butter
Why I Love This Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe
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 this steak n potato foil packets recipe 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 steak n potato 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.
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 Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe
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 Steak and Potato Foil Packets Recipe
Q: What is the steak n potato foil packets recipe?
A: The steak n potato foil packets recipe is a simple and delicious meal prep idea that involves wrapping steak, potatoes, and vegetables in foil packets and baking them in the oven. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Q: What type of steak is best for this steak n potato foil packets recipe?
A: You can use any type of steak you like, but we recommend using a thicker cut such as ribeye or strip loin. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and stays juicy. If you prefer a leaner cut, you can use sirloin or flank steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I customize the vegetables in the foil packets?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of this steak n potato foil packets recipe is that you can customize it to your liking. Some other vegetables that pair well with steak and potatoes include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. Simply add your favorite vegetables to the foil packet along with the steak and potatoes, and season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Q: How long do the steak n potato foil packets recipe need to cook in the oven?
A: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule, cook the steak n potato foil packets recipe in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare, 25-30 minutes for medium, and 30-35 minutes for medium-well. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for medium-well.
Q: Can I make these steak n potato foil packets recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them?
A: Yes, you can prepare the steak n potato foil packets recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. Simply assemble the packets as instructed, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply place the frozen packets in the oven and add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. This is a great way to meal prep and have a healthy, delicious dinner ready in no time!
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Campfire Gnocchi Foil Packets Recipe
Campfire Foil Packet Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Campfire Poblano n Potato Foil Packet Recipe
Campfire Goat Cheese Pasta w Tomatoes Foil Packet Recipe
Campfire Grilled Sausage w Peppers Foil Packets Recipe
Steak and Potato 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
- 2 lb steak sirloin is my favorite
- 1 lb potatoes quartered
- 1 onion peeled halved and then sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp minced garlic or more to taste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- The first step of making the steak n potato foil packets recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the steak n potato 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.
- Cook the sliced potatoes in a saucepan of boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Drain quickly and transfer to a big bowl. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Cut the beef into strips or cubes.
- In a large bowl, combine together the steak, potatoes, onion, olive oil, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare four pieces of aluminum foil measuring at least 12x12 inches. Divide the meat and potatoes evenly over the middle of the foil sheets. Top with butter cubes and wrap the foil around the steak and potatoes to seal securely.
- Cook the foil packets for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the potatoes are done. If you are not using a grilling rack, place the packets on a 2-inch bed of coal.
Nutrition
1 comment
Excellent steak, both tender and juicy.
Comments are closed.