This Hobo Dinner just may change your life!
The first time I had a Hobo Dinner was when I was 12. Mom, Dad, Mike & I were camping in the summer in CO. Once the tent was sent up, the campfire wood was gathered and the campfire was built, mom and I started the meal prep. I remember washing my hands with water from our jug, making sure not to waste it! If something dropped on the ground, I would do a quick rinse and try to make sure it became part of my brother’s meal ((hahaha))!
Making it your own!
Each person’s uncooked meal was placed on a foil square and folded up–like a hobo’s sack and placed on the fire. Dad and Mike managed it from there. My favorite part of the meal was when I opened up my very own pouch after a long, hard day of “roughing it” breathing in that home-cooked aroma.
Just for a minute, as I opened my pouch and peered in, hit with the aroma of a Sunday dinner at home, I could trick myself into thinking a date with a rock pillow was not in my future — when in fact it was…
Mom had a way of bringing home to where ever we were. I loved that meal then and still do. What is funny about this meal, is the very reason it became a traditional campsite meal makes it equally perfect for a busy week night in the suburbs. Very little prep, very little mess, very simple clean-up and VERY tasty!
I most recently brought this meal to NM. Skiing, hiking, exploring were all part of the week – but I also had a 9 year-old turning into a 10 year-old and I wanted him to have a “special” birthday meal. Like a light bulb turning on in my brain – Hobo Dinners immediately came to mind! Home cooking at it’s simplest AND best.
Hobo Dinner Tips:
To make it a bit more special, I added a nice thick slice of bacon to the bottom of each pouch. He loved it!! Brod larped it up and clapped with joy – he felt special and I didn’t feel overwhelmed trying to create a special meal in a cabin in the woods.
I thought everyone knew why Hobo dinners were called Hobo dinners, but after talking with Laura – I realized that isn’t the case. She thought we were having hobos over for dinner.
Once, she realized that wasn’t the case, she wondered if it was a costume dinner, last if we were eating out of cans that had been heated over an open fire…I had a good laugh imaging the pictures flooding her mind when I told her our menu that night.
I hope your family enjoys these tasty packets as much as we do…whether roughing in the woods or rushed in the suburbs, this meal is sure to bring a smile to your family’s face!
**UPDATE** Check out this NEW Cheesy Chicken Pizza Hobo Dinner version by clicking HERE
- 2.5 lbs uncooked lean ground beef
- 2 T dry ranch seasoning mix
- seasoned salt
- fresh ground pepper
- 4 medium carrots, cut into sticks (approx. 6 sticks per pouch)
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced (6 slices)
- 6 red medium potatoes, sliced
- 6 slices of thick center cut bacon, cut in half
- Heat grill or oven to 375°. Layout 6 heavy duty foil squares & place 2 halves of bacon in the center of each square.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine meat and seasonings. Divide meat into 6 equal portions, form patties and set aside.
- Arrange potatoes atop bacon ((don't stack the raw potatoes or they won't cook through)). Next, arrange carrot sticks around the bacon. Place the meat patty on the potatoes and top with the onion slice and a dash of seasoned salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Seal the pouches and place on a cookie sheet in the oven or directly on the grill. Cook approximately 30 minutes.
- Serve pouches while still sealed. Half of the fun is each diner opening their very own pouch!
We used to make Hobo Dinners at Girl Guide camps. I’ve always loved them!
My only suggestion would be to use regular salt instead of seasoned salt. Seasoned salt contains MSG (monosodium glutamate) which, to my way of thinking, is a lazy additive; and, can cause unpleasant side effects in MSG sensitive people. I especially wouldn’t recommend it for children, or people who suffer migraines. There are so many other natural spices you can use to flavour Hobo Dinners or any other meal.
So glad to spark a good childhood memory! The seasoned salt I use is Lawry’s which contains no MSG. It’s a staple in my pantry!
So good! Love the suggestion of cabbage. Will have to make another variation soon.
I make these during harvest – we are wheat farmers! After taking them out if the oven, I put in a cooler and they are still HOT when I get to the field! I’ve always put the meat on the bottom and then the veggies but will try the potatoes on the bottom next time.
Can hobo dinners be frozen?
I would think so but have never tried. If you try it, let me know how it goes!
Have you tried this with ground turkey?
I haven’t but I think it would be a great substitute for the ground beef!
Can you add cheese?
Yes you can – but I would recommend using non-stick foil or spray to keep it from sticking to the foil pouch rather than the meal. ?
I just saw where you can indeed cook in oven. I just skimmed it the first time. My bad! And I will be making this!
Can you bake this in oven? Looks so good!
This brings back memories as I grew up with hobo dinners also. My mom would put cabbage leaves on the bottom of hers and sliced onions on top of the hamburger patty. I will have to try the bacon. Thanks.
Love the addition of cabbage! I will give that a try, I hope you like the bacon as much as we do!