Okay, so you’re hitting the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a delicious, home-cooked meal! Forget the freeze-dried stuff and say hello to the easiest, tastiest camping dinner ever: foil packet meals for camping! Seriously, these things are a game-changer. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy steak and perfectly cooked veggies, all infused with a smoky, campfire flavor. And the best part? Minimal cleanup! We’re talking practically zero dishes.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through my go-to recipe for a steak and veggie foil packet that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser around the campfire. Get ready to ditch the camp stove drama and embrace the simple joy of foil packet cooking. Let’s get started!
Campfire Steak and Veggie Foil Packet Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes.
- Wash and quarter or halve the potatoes, depending on their size.
- Chop the onion into large pieces.
- Slice the carrots into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Slice the mushrooms.
- Mince the garlic.
- Chop the tomatoes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed steak, potatoes, onion, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary.
- Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the steak and vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 18 inches long each).
- Layer two sheets of foil on top of each other for each packet to create a double layer (this helps prevent tearing).
- Divide the steak and vegetable mixture evenly among the foil sheets, placing it in the center of each sheet.
- Bring the long sides of the foil together and fold over several times to create a tight seal but still leaving a bit of room for the steam to help cook everything.
- Fold in the short sides to completely enclose the mixture, creating a sealed packet. Make sure to leave a little space inside the packet for steam to circulate.
- Prepare your campfire, allowing the flames to die down to hot embers. You want a medium-high heat.
- Place the foil packets directly on the hot embers or on a grill grate over the campfire.
- Cook for approximately 40-50 minutes, turning the packets every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. Cooking time will vary depending on the heat of the fire.
- To check for doneness, carefully open one of the packets (be careful of escaping steam). The steak should be cooked to your desired level of doneness, and the vegetables should be tender. If not, reseal the packet and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the foil packets from the campfire using tongs.
- Let the packets rest for a few minutes before opening (again, be cautious of escaping steam).
- Serve the steak and vegetables directly from the foil packets or transfer them to plates.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, 135-145°F (57-63°C); for medium-well, 145-155°F (63-68°C); and for well-done, 155°F (68°C) and above
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn on the cob (cut into smaller pieces, especially the potatoes as they take longer)
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for a little heat.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack) over the steak and vegetables during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Wine: Add a splash of red wine to the packet before sealing for added flavor.
- Foil: If you only have regular aluminum foil, use 3-4 layers to prevent tearing.
- Safety: Be extremely careful when handling hot foil packets and escaping steam. Use long tongs and wear heat-resistant gloves.
- Campfire Heat: The heat of your campfire is important. Too low, and the steak and vegetables will take too long to cook. Too high, and the foil packets will burn. Adjust the position of the packets or the amount of embers to control the heat.
Enjoy your campfire feast!
FAQ
For foil packet meals, you’ll want a steak that cooks relatively quickly and stays tender. Sirloin, flank steak (cut into smaller pieces), or even a pre-cut steak like stew meat work really well. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck steak unless you’re planning on a very long cooking time. The key is to cut the steak into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly within the packet.
Absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend it. You can assemble your foil packets at home, the day before your camping trip. Just make sure to store them in a cooler with ice to keep the ingredients fresh and safe. This will save you a lot of time and effort at the campsite.
Cooking time depends on the heat of your fire or grill and the size of your steak pieces. Generally, over medium heat, you’ll want to cook the packets for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The steak should be cooked to your desired doneness. A meat thermometer inserted into a piece of steak through the foil can help you check. Remember to be careful when opening the packets, as hot steam will escape!
The possibilities are endless! Some great additions include potatoes (cut into small cubes), carrots, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and even corn on the cob (cut into smaller sections). Choose vegetables that cook at a similar rate to the steak, or par-cook denser veggies like potatoes beforehand.
To prevent leaks, use heavy-duty aluminum foil and double-wrap the packets. This creates a stronger barrier and helps to keep the juices inside. To prevent burning, avoid placing the packets directly on hot coals. Instead, position them slightly above the heat source on a grill grate or rack. Flipping the packets regularly also helps to distribute the heat evenly.
*You may also like: How to Make Delicious Campfire Breakfast Burritos