How to Cook a Hobo Dinner When Camping

Campfire cooking isn't just about hot dogs on sticks -- and it doesn't have to be as involved as a clambake or a fire pit barbeque. An old-fashioned "hobo dinner" is a complete meal cooked in a foil packet over an open fire. With adult supervision, kids can make their own, as young campers have done for decades. The classic recipe calls for ground beef, but you can also use chicken, freshly caught fish or omit the meat altogether.

Instructions

1

Wash and slice the potato, carrot and onion.

2

Lay a 12-inch piece of foil on a plate. Cover with a single layer of wet paper towel, then a second layer of foil.

3

Place the vegetables in the center of the foil. Crumble the ground meat over on top, and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper.

4

Lift the far edges of the foil so that they meet, then fold them down and over three times. Fold the sides underneath to make a flat packet.

5

Place the packet on the coals near the edge of the fire -- not in the middle in the flames. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning with metal tongs after 10 minutes.

6

Allow the packet to cool for a few minutes on the plate before you open it.