Simple and Delicious Hobo Bag Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound of ground beef
4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
4 squares of aluminum foil (12 inches each)

Steps and instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
While the grill is heating up, take a large bowl and combine the ground beef, chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Add the olive oil to the mixture and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Divide the mixture evenly among the four squares of aluminum foil. Fold the foil around the mixture and seal it tightly to form a packet.
Place the packets on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Remove the packets from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes before opening. Be careful not to burn yourself with the steam.
Once cooled, open the packets, serve and enjoy!

Tools for making

Grill - A medium-high heat grill is needed to cook the hobo bags.
Large Bowl - A bowl is required to mix the ground beef and vegetables together.
Aluminum Foil - Four squares of aluminum foil are required to wrap and seal the hobo bag packets.
Knife - A knife is needed to peel and chop the potatoes, slice the carrots, and chop the onion and bell pepper.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is necessary for safely preparing and cutting the vegetables.
Measuring Spoons - A teaspoon and a half-teaspoon measuring spoon are required to measure the salt and ground black pepper.
Garlic Press - A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves.
Olive Oil - Two tablespoons of olive oil are needed to coat the mixture of ground beef and vegetables.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat substitute.
Spicy twist: Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Cheesy version: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the mixture before sealing the packets.
Herb-infused: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added flavor.
Seafood alternative: Swap the ground beef with shrimp or salmon chunks for a seafood hobo bag.
Mexican-inspired: Season the mixture with taco seasoning and add corn and black beans to give it a Mexican flair.
Sweet and savory: Add chunks of pineapple or diced apples for a hint of sweetness.
Low-carb option: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce if desired.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Hobo Bag recipe! This meal is a flavorful and hearty dish that's perfect for camping trips or backyard barbecues. The recipe involves creating individual servings of ground beef and a variety of vegetables, all seasoned beautifully and cooked together in an aluminum foil packet on the grill.

The result is a delicious mix of tender vegetables and juicy beef with a wonderful smoky flavor. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 20-25 minutes, you'll have a satisfying meal ready in no time. Plus, it's super fun and easy to make. Let's get started!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives.
Can I cook the Hobo bags in the oven instead of on the grill? Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the sealed foil packets for about 30-35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is fully cooked.
Can I add other vegetables to the Hobo bags? Definitely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
Can I make the Hobo bags ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the foil packets in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as the ingredients will be cold from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the cooked Hobo bags? While it is possible to freeze the cooked Hobo bags, the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing. It is best to enjoy them fresh for the best taste and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill - A grill is needed to cook the hobo bags.
Large Bowl - A large bowl is necessary to mix all the ingredients together.
Aluminum Foil - Aluminum foil is used to wrap the hobo bags and cook them on the grill.
Tongs - Tongs are helpful for handling the hot hobo bags on the grill.

Origin stories

The Hobo Bag recipe, sometimes also called "Hobo Dinner," finds its roots in the history of the American great depression era. During this time, many people were left jobless and had to find creative ways to survive. These individuals, often called "hobos," would travel from place to place, working odd jobs for meals and a place to sleep. With limited resources and ingredients, they created this simple but nourishing dish. They would wrap whatever food they could find – usually a mix of meat and vegetables – in newspaper or aluminum foil and cook it over an open fire. These days, it's a popular and easy way to create a hearty, tasty meal over a campfire, on the grill, or even in the oven. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility, as one can use any combination of meat and vegetables they have on hand.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.