Trim Healthy Mama Hobo Packets in the Oven

So. We’re camping this weekend. Which I am super excited about…kind of. I mean, I love camping, hiking, fishing.… I was not looking forward to preparing meals. At all. I want to relax have fun with the boys! Skip to the Hobo Packets in the Oven.

Trim Healthy Mama Hobo Packets in the Oven

So I decided to head off the stress of cooking. So yesterday, I prepped all of our meals. ALL. OF. THEM. Breakfast will be cold cereal (and coffee in my percolator). Lunch is easy, sandwiches that hubby and the kids can fix themselves and a protein shake for me.

Dinner had me stressed. I mean, prepping, and getting everyone fed? That’s a headache. And then I remembered that my friend had made something called “hobo dinner” packets when we were camping years ago.

This gave me pause. Could I really prep dinner NOW and cook at when we get there? Yes, please. I decided to make a couple different variations on a hobo packet. My parents used to make these foil-wrapped packets when we were kids, and I loved taking them outside to put on the grill.

I knew that they would be perfect for camping, and they’re an easy, make-ahead dinner when you’re at home, too!

Hamburger Hobo Dinner (S)

• 4 grass fed hamburger patties (fresh or frozen works)
• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 red onion, peeled and chopped
• Wildtree Rancher Steak Rub
• Tin Foil

Start out by making your hamburger patties.

Layer 2 pieces of foil, shiny side up, on the counter, and place your burger in the middle. Top with 1/4 of the onions and sweet potatoes. Season liberally with Rancher Steak Rub.

Close the foil pack by adding 2 more pieces of foil to the top. Roll the long edges in, sealing the packet. Finally, roll the short ends to seal.

Repeat 3 more times for a total of 4 hobo packets.

Tuscan Hobo Dinner (E)

• 1 pound nitrate-free turkey kielbasa, sliced
• medium zucchini, chopped
• whole summer squash, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar-free marinara
• 4 teaspoons Wildtree Italian Dressing Mix
• Tin Foil

Layer 2 pieces of foil, shiny side up, on the counter, and place 1/4 of the kielbasa in the middle. Top with 1/4 of the chopped veggies. Add 1/8 cup marinara and season with 1 teaspoon Italian Dressing Mix.

Close the foil pack by adding 2 more pieces of foil to the top. Roll the long edges in, sealing the packet. Finally, roll the short ends to seal.

Repeat 3 more times for a total of 4 hobo packets.

Cooking Your Hobo Packets While Camping

I recommend that you freeze your hobo packs before you leave for your trip. This ensures that dinner is fresh and not spoiled, even if you’re going to be using it on your second day.

To cook your hobo packets, you’ll first want to get a good fire going, and then allow it to die out a little bit. Place your hobo packets directly in the coals. Allow to cook for 20-30 minutes (this will vary depending upon how hot your fire is).

Remove the packets from the fire using tongs (no one needs to deal with burned hands!).

That’s it! When you go to eat this, be careful, as there will be steam and the contents will be hot!

Cooking Your Hobo Packets in the Oven

If camping isn’t your thing, there’s no reason to not make these delicious dinners. All you need to do is preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Place your hobo packets on a rimmed cookie sheet, and move them into the preheated oven.

Cook for 30-45 minutes on the middle rack. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, and serve.

I love the ease of hobo packets in the oven for busy school nights. I can pull a few out of the freezer in the morning, and toss them into the oven when we get home from school. And everyone loves them.

You can adjust the seasonings, meats, and even veggies to make sure that everyone is happy. If you’re not a fan of tin foil and you’re making these at home, parchment paper works well, too!

What’s your favorite take on a hobo packet?