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7/18/11

Hobo Stew (Beef and Veggies in Foil Packets)


We used to make this when I was a kid - it was economical, easy, and versatile. We called it Hobo Stew, even though it's not a stew at all.  It's a sirloin patty topped with fresh veggies and seasonings, then sealed up in a packet of foil and grilled. Grilling it all together in these packets melds the flavors, caramelizes the beef, and allows all of the juices to stay in tact. It's simple to make, and simply delicious.

They're portable and you can make them in advance, so they're perfect for camping, or cooking out at the beach. When you're ready to cook, you just toss the packets on the grill. No turning, no watching. And at 30-45 minutes, you've got perfectly caramelized beef on the bottom and delicious steamed veggies on top. (Give a quick peek at 30 minutes by opening one of the packets and checking to see if the potatoes are tender. If not, leave on for another 10-15 minutes.)

Every time I make these I wonder why I don't make them more often - they're so darn good!

Hobo Stew (Beef and Veggies in Foil Packets)

Serves 4 (serving size 1 packet)

Grill Medium-High (about 450 - 500 degrees F)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds grass fed ground sirloin
sea salt (I use Maldon Sea Salt)
fresh cracked pepper
Worcestershire sauce
2 cups fresh green beans, cut in bite size lengths
2 cobs fresh corn, cut from cob
2 red bell peppers, chopped
4 small Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
2 zucchini, cubed
2 red fresno peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
extra virgin olive oil

Take 2 long pieces of aluminum foil and criss cross them, one under the other and place on the counter. Do this 3 more times, making a total of 4.

Divide the ground sirloin into 4 equal parts and make large, flat patties out of each. Place one patty in the center of each criss-crossed foil and season with sea salt, pepper and several dashes of Worcestershire sauce.


Top each with 1/4 of the veggies:

french green beans
corn off the cob
red bell pepper
Yukon Gold potatoes
zucchini
red fresno peppers

Season with sea salt, pepper, several more dashes of Worcestershire sauce and a light drizzle of olive oil:


Seal up the packets by bringing the four ends of foil up to the top together and folding over. Leave room inside the packets for air to circulate and steam. Place packets on the heated grill and leave for 30-45 minutes.

When done remove from grill and place each packet on a plate and serve.


This dish is so versatile you can tailor each packet to suit your picky eaters. You can use any veggies you like, in any quantities you like. I normally like to add cherry tomatoes to mine (although I didn't have any this time) and whatever veggies are in season.


22 comments:

  1. I would totally eat these, Veronica! Hope your summer is going well...your posts and pictures always make me want to reach into my monitor and grab a bit!!

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  2. Oh I have never heard of these! What a great idea to pop onto the grill. Quick, easy and delish!

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  3. New follower. These look really good. I must try this.

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  4. I'm with Kim Bee... new follower. Looks wonderful! I will try this. Great recipe.

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  5. what a fantastic idea! I bet my girls would love this at school! I love how all the ingredients just cook together, what wonderful flavors!

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  6. Wow, this is a great idea Veronica - I can imagine putting together a packet to please just about anyone :-) Gorgeous photos as always too.
    Sue xo

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  7. Fantatsic it is.When you use foil..all the juices stay in there and aroma is heavenly:)

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  8. Looks so good! But question, I don't have a grill...have you ever tried it in the over?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, they work perfectly in the oven. Try 375 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes.

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  9. Hi Anonymous - I definitely have made them in the oven and it works great! Just put the packets on a baking sheet and place in the oven at 425 degrees F for 30 - 45 minutes. I like a lot of caramelization, so I'll turn up the oven to 450 for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time.

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  10. Had these yesterday, and they were GREAT! I was a little skeptical about a piece of hamburger in tin foil would be flavorful, and it was! I placed garlic and onion on top of the hamburger. Tossed the veggies in the olive oil, and then placed on the burger. This is a great "empty your refrigerator" meal to use up veggies that have been hanging around. I pinned this in my pinterest account, and will be making it again!

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  11. I can't believe I've never heard of anything like this. Its such a cute idea. All the ingredients look perfect too; right up my alley. I am definitely going to try this next time I grill. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. I haven't had this since I was a kid! What a wonderful dish to share with my family. It will be completely new to them. Yours looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

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  13. I'm thinking this would be fun and unexpected for my next get together with my friends. Cut up all the ing. and let them make their own!

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  14. We made this couple weeks ago. My hubby who doesn't like veggies-raved about this to his guy friends. I really like the ease of it, this will be on our family weeknight quick dinner rotation. Passed this recipe to 2 of my gfs, one made it for a dinner party and one made for her camping trip. Both also really liked it.
    I liked even more with extra Worcestershire sauce.
    Thanks for sharing!

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  15. I'd forgotten all about this. We used to make these back when I was in Girl scouts. Thanks for the memory. I need to try this again!

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  16. Can you also do in the oven? Temps please and length of time. Thank you so much.

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    Replies
    1. Hi - Yes, I make it in the oven all the time - 375 degrees for about 45 minutes or until veggies are tender, beef is browned/caramelized. For a shortcut, you can use frozen mixed vegetables and it will cook faster.

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  17. Thank you very much. Fixin them tonite!

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  18. The recipe print, in that yellow or gold color is nearly or totally impossible to read for people with vision problems. I studied and studied it and could eventually figure out some lines, but gave up.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Connie - Sorry to hear that and thanks for letting me know. Please let me know if this is better.

      Thanks,
      Veronica

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