Monday Munchie: Easy Hobo Packs

When I was a little girl one of best memories I had when it came to dinner was ‘Hobo Packs’. It was silly but I loved how they made it feel rustic, simple and cozy like being around a campfire without the need of being outside, cold and overtaken by the campfire smoke. As I grew, I loved how simple they were to make and how VERY, VERY HEALTHY they were! Now that I am married and have a teenager, I appreciate just how hearty and filling they are. Anyone with a teenage boy gets the whole hallow leg, bottomless pit thing. There are so many variations that are out there but I am a purest to what I was taught as a little girl.

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground meat – I use ground turkey but you can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or combination

Onion Slices – 1 large slice per pack

Sliced Potatoes – 1 medium sized potato per pack

Carrots – 8 to 10 baby carrots per pack

Water

Large Aluminum Sheets

Cookie Sheet

Butter (Salted)

Seasoning:

Granulated or Powdered Onion

Salt

Pepper

Granulated or Powder Garlic (Alternative to Onion Above)

Recipe (serves 4 to 5 people):

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Make 1 foot long sheets of aluminum. Set them out so each is accessible for assembling.

3. In a bowl mix the ground meat with seasonings – 1 teaspoon of onion or garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

4. Form a patty of ground meat and place one on each sheet of foil. I add a dash of additional seasoning on top of the patty to help seasoning the remain ingredients as they cook.

5. Add a large slice of onion on top of each patty.

6. Next stack sliced potatoes on top of the onion.

7. Add the carrots on top of that.

8. I fold the packets up like an envelop but before I finish sealing them, I add a tablespoon of water to help steam the veggies while cooking.

9. I place them on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven. Let them cook for about 35-40 minutes.

10. Remove them from the oven and create a small steam vent. Once cooled enough to handle, add a slice of butter. Place the packet in a bowl and serve. There will be liquid that is a delicious seasoned broth.

Enjoy!!