Burger Dinner Foil Packets!

Burger Dinner Foil Packets

These burger foil packets are a great, easy, and delicious meal to cook on the grill or in the oven. They are packed with juicy burger patties, crispy potatoes, and flavorful veggies, all cooked together in one tidy packet.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if you prefer)

• 4 medium-sized potatoes (sliced thinly or diced)

• 1 large onion (sliced into rings or diced)

• 1 bell pepper (diced, optional)

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)

• Butter or olive oil (for greasing foil)

• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven or Grill:

   • If cooking in the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C).

   • If cooking on the grill, preheat it to medium heat (around 350°F).

2. Prepare the Foil Packets:

   • Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil (about 12 inches each).

   • Lightly grease the center of each sheet with butter or olive oil.

3. Form the Burger Patties:

   • In a bowl, season the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

   • Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and form them into patties that are slightly smaller than the diameter of the foil sheets (so they fit easily inside the packet).

4. Assemble the Foil Packets:

   • Place one burger patty in the center of each foil sheet.

   • Arrange a handful of sliced potatoes around the patty, followed by a few slices of onions and bell peppers (if using).

   • Sprinkle minced garlic over the veggies.

   • Add a pat of butter on top of the burger patty to keep it juicy while cooking.

5. Seal the Packets:

   • Fold up the sides of the foil to create a packet. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to trap the steam and keep everything inside.

   • You can double fold the top to make sure no steam escapes during cooking.

6. Cook:

   • In the oven: Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the burger is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

   • On the grill: Place the packets directly on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through. You may need a few extra minutes if the potatoes are thickly sliced.

7. Add Cheese (Optional):

   • If you like cheesy burgers, carefully open the foil packets during the last 5 minutes of cooking and sprinkle shredded cheese over the burger. Then, reseal the packet and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.

8. Serve:

   • Remove the packets from the oven or grill and carefully open them (be cautious of hot steam).

   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Q&A for Burger Dinner Foil Packets

Q: Can I make these packets ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the packets in advance, cover them, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to add the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking if you’re adding it.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, but you may want to add a little extra seasoning (like Italian seasoning or more garlic) to boost the flavor. Ground turkey tends to be leaner, so be sure to add a little extra fat (like olive oil or butter) to keep it juicy.

Q: What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
A: Any type of potato works, but Yukon Gold potatoes are great for roasting because of their creamy texture. You can also use Russet potatoes, though they might take a bit longer to cook through.

Q: Can I use other vegetables?
A: Yes! You can add or swap out veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or even corn. Just make sure they’re cut into small, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate.

Q: Can I make these foil packets on the stove?
A: You could cook them in a large skillet, but the foil packet technique is great for trapping steam and flavor, which you don’t get as effectively on the stove. The oven or grill is your best bet for replicating that “packet” effect.

Q: How do I know when the burger is done?
A: The internal temperature of the burger should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just ensure the burger is no longer pink in the center.

Q: Can I freeze these foil packets?
A: Yes! You can freeze the assembled foil packets before cooking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just cook from frozen and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I cook the packets without cheese?
A: Yes, you can definitely skip the cheese. The burger and veggies will still taste great with all the seasonings and flavors.