Unforgettable Flavor, Effortless Cleanup: The Ultimate Grilled Steak and Potato Packets (Hobo Packets)
Imagine tender, juicy steak and perfectly seasoned potatoes, all cooked together in a convenient foil packet with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. That’s precisely what you get with these incredible Grilled Steak and Potato Packets, affectionately known as Hobo Packets! Whether you’re gathered around a roaring campfire, firing up the backyard grill, or even using your oven, this recipe promises a hearty, delicious meal that’s a breeze to prepare and even easier to clean up. Forget stacks of dirty dishes; these all-in-one meals are a game-changer for busy weeknights, outdoor adventures, and everything in between.
A Timeless Classic for Any Occasion
For generations, these versatile Steak and Potato Packets have been a staple for outdoor enthusiasts and busy home cooks alike. Their enduring popularity stems from their simplicity and adaptability, making them perfect for a variety of cooking methods. The name “Hobo Packets” hints at their origin as a resourceful, on-the-go meal, ideal for cooking over an open flame while camping. But don’t let the name limit your imagination; these foil packets are just as fantastic when prepared on a backyard grill for a summer barbecue or baked in the oven for a cozy family dinner. The beauty lies in their customization – simply pop your favorite meats and vegetables into a foil packet, season them generously, and let the magic happen. You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor and the incredibly easy cleanup!
Unpacking Your Questions: FAQs About Steak & Potato Packets
Absolutely! While steak is a fantastic choice for these foil packet meals, you have plenty of delicious alternatives. Chicken, especially chicken breast or thighs cut into cubes, works wonderfully and cooks quickly. Lean ground beef is another excellent option; for specific instructions, you might even check out our Hamburger Hobo Packets recipe. Lean pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin, also makes for a delightful variation. The key is to select lean cuts of meat to prevent excessive grease from accumulating in the packet during cooking, ensuring a cleaner and more pleasant eating experience.
Yes, absolutely! These Hobo Packets are incredibly versatile and cook beautifully in the oven. The preparation steps remain essentially the same as if you were grilling. Simply assemble your packets on a baking tray to catch any potential drips and ensure easy transfer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 35-45 minutes. Oven temperatures and cooking times can vary, so always keep an eye on your packets. The goal is to reach your desired doneness for the steak and ensure the potatoes are tender throughout. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak.
The “best” steak ultimately comes down to your personal preference and budget. Popular choices that yield excellent results in steak and potato packets include sirloin, ribeye, and flat iron steaks. When selecting your steak, look for good marbling – those tiny streaks of fat running through the meat. Marbling is crucial because it melts during cooking, infusing the steak with rich flavor and keeping it wonderfully tender and moist. Avoid overly lean cuts, as they can dry out more easily in the enclosed foil environment. A well-marbled steak ensures a succulent, flavorful result every time.
Seasoning is where you can truly make these grilled steak and potatoes your own! Our base recipe uses a classic combination of salt, pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning. While it might seem like a lot of salt initially, remember that the potatoes will absorb a significant amount of it, balancing the flavors beautifully. However, if you’re mindful of your sodium intake, feel free to reduce or omit the added salt and opt for a sodium-free seasoning blend instead. Other fantastic additions include smoked paprika, a pinch of chili powder for a subtle kick, dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a dash of garlic powder for extra aroma. Experiment to find your perfect flavor profile!
Keeping the steak moist and tender in these foil packet meals is crucial for a perfect outcome. The primary key is to avoid overcooking. A meat thermometer is your best friend here, allowing you to cook the steak to your preferred level of doneness (e.g., medium-rare, medium, medium-well). If you prefer your steak on the rarer side, but still want fully cooked, tender potatoes, consider parboiling your diced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes before assembling the packets. This gives the potatoes a head start. Another ingenious tip is to place a large ice cube on top of the meat before sealing the packet. As the ice melts, it creates steam, adding extra moisture and preventing the steak from drying out, resulting in a wonderfully succulent bite.
The beauty of Hobo Packets lies in their incredible versatility when it comes to vegetables! You can truly add whatever you love or have on hand. Beyond the classic potatoes and onions, bell peppers (any color), sliced mushrooms, cauliflower florets, carrots, and broccoli are all fantastic additions that complement the steak beautifully. For heartier vegetables like carrots or larger broccoli florets, you might want to slice them thinner or parboil them briefly, similar to potatoes, to ensure they cook through at the same rate as the steak. Get creative with seasonal produce for an ever-changing and exciting meal!
While these Steak and Potato Packets are undoubtedly at their best when enjoyed fresh off the grill or out of the oven, leftovers can certainly be stored and reheated. To keep them fresh, remove any remaining steak and potatoes from the foil packets as soon as they’ve cooled. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave for a quick warm-up, or gently reheat them on the grill or in the oven at a lower temperature. Be mindful not to overcook them during reheating, as both the steak and potatoes can easily dry out and become tough. A splash of broth or water can help maintain moisture if reheating in the oven.
Gather Your Ingredients for Flavorful Foil Packets
Crafting the perfect Hobo Packets starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust flavors and satisfying texture of this simple yet delicious meal. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Steaks: You’ll need 2-3 pounds of steak, cubed. This is where personal preference and budget come into play! Sirloin, ribeye, or flat iron steaks are all excellent choices. Look for cuts with good marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Olive Oil: A generous drizzle of olive oil not only adds a beautiful richness but also helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking. If you only have vegetable oil, that will work in a pinch.
- Onion: One small onion, diced or sliced, adds a wonderful aromatic base. If you’re not a fan of eating onions, you can still include them during cooking for flavor and then easily remove them before serving.
- Russet Potatoes: Two large russet potatoes are ideal for their sturdy texture. Scrub them well, as we’ll be leaving the skins on for extra nutrients and rustic appeal. For a slightly creamier potato, Yukon Gold varieties are a great alternative. If you prefer, peeling them is always an option.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic, about two cloves, makes a significant difference in taste. While jarred garlic is convenient, the vibrant flavor of fresh garlic truly shines in this recipe.
- Salted Butter: Eight tablespoons (one stick) of salted butter adds incredible richness and helps achieve that golden, caramelized crust on the potatoes. The extra salt in the butter, combined with additional seasoning, is balanced by the potatoes’ ability to absorb a fair amount of sodium.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the steak and potatoes. Season generously, remembering that potatoes tend to soak up salt.
- Your Favorite Steak Seasoning: Elevate the steak’s flavor with a quality steak seasoning. Montreal Steak Seasoning is a popular choice for its robust blend of herbs and spices. Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute or your own homemade blend would also be fantastic.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Steak & Potato Packets
Get ready to create some seriously delicious Steak and Potato Hobo Packets with these easy-to-follow instructions. This method ensures all your ingredients cook perfectly together, resulting in tender steak and flavorful potatoes every time.
- First, prepare your foil packets. Tear off four large, approximately 18×18-inch square sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Lay each sheet flat and drizzle a little olive oil onto the center of each one. This creates a non-stick surface and adds flavor.
- Place one tablespoon of salted butter onto the center of each olive oil-drizzled foil sheet. The melting butter will infuse the potatoes with incredible richness as they cook.
- Next, prepare your potatoes. Dice the russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes, leaving the skins on for added texture and nutrients (or peel if preferred). Divide the cubed potatoes evenly among the four foil squares, placing them directly on top of the butter.
- Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic and diced onion over each of the four potato servings. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the seasoned potatoes and onions. This layer of oil helps the seasonings adhere and ensures everything cooks to perfection.
- Now, add your steak. Place the cubed steak pieces directly on top of the potatoes in each packet. Season the steak with a bit more salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of your favorite steak seasoning.
- To add another layer of moisture and flavor, drizzle a tiny bit more olive oil over the steak and place another small pat of butter on top of the meat in each packet. A clever trick to keep the steak from drying out is to add a large ice cube on top of the meat before sealing the packet; it creates a steaming effect inside.
- Carefully fold up all four sides of each aluminum foil sheet, bringing the edges together to form a tightly sealed packet. You want to create a secure little “bed” for the potatoes and steak, ensuring none of the butter, oil, or precious juices can escape during cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for an internal temperature of about 350°F (175°C). Once hot, place the sealed packets on the grill and cook for approximately 35-45 minutes. This timing typically results in a medium-well steak. For a rarer steak, monitor the internal temperature carefully with a meat thermometer. Always ensure the potatoes are tender and fully cooked before removing from the grill.
Once cooked, carefully remove the packets from the heat. Be extremely cautious when opening them, as a burst of hot, flavorful steam will escape quickly. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful Steak and Potato Packets!
More Delicious Recipes to Explore
If you loved the ease and flavor of these Steak and Potato Packets, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other fantastic recipes that are perfect for grilling, camping, or simply making delicious meals with minimal effort. Explore some of our other favorites:
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Italian Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Grilled Baked Potatoes
- Pollo Loco Chicken
- Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
- Best Grilled Ribs
- Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Grilled Steak Marinade
- Grilled Peaches
- Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets
- Creamy Garlic Potato Packets
- Grilled BBQ Pork Potato Packets
- Campfire Apple Pie Packets
- Campfire Hot Dog & Potato Packets
- Chicken & Potato Packets
- Hobo Casserole
- Swiss Steaks
Originally published: July 2011
Updated photos & republished: June 2023
Steak and Potato Packets
Grilled Steak and Potato Packets (also called Hobo Packets) are stuffed full of meat and potatoes with tons of flavor and easy cleanup!
15 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
4
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds steaks, cubed (ribeye, sirloin or flat iron steaks)
- olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced or sliced
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 Tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter
- salt and pepper, to taste
- your favorite steak seasoning
Instructions
- Tear off 4 large square sheets of aluminum foil. Drizzle all 4 foil aluminum square pieces with olive oil.
- Put 1 Tablespoon of butter on each foil sheet.
- Dice potatoes into cubes (about 1-inch). Leaving the skin on. Divide up the cubed potatoes and place on top of the butter on each aluminum foil square.
- Evenly sprinkle minced garlic and diced onion over each of the four servings. Then sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with a little bit more olive oil.
- Put steak pieces on top of potatoes. Season with a bit more salt, pepper and your favorite steak seasoning (use as little or as much as you like).
- Drizzle with a tiny bit more olive oil and put another pat of butter on top. Also, another good tip to keep your meat from getting dried out while cooking is to add a large ice cube on top of the meat.
- Fold up each of the sides to make a nice little bed for the potatoes, making a square so none of the butter and oil can escape while cooking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill packets for about 35-45 minutes (this will cook the steak to about medium well). Check periodically for your preferred level of doneness for the steak (just make sure the potatoes are tender).
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- Be careful when opening the packets because the steam is going to come out of there fast and furious.
Main Course
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 22g |
Protein: 48g |
Fat: 55g |
Sodium: 327mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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