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When it comes to cooking without a mess, impressing the family, or throwing together something hearty on the fly — you just can’t beat a good ol’ foil pack dinner. Some folks call ‘em hobo dinners, others call ‘em foil packets, but no matter what name you go with, one thing’s for sure: these things are foolproof, full of flavor, and perfect for just about any situation — especially camping, tailgating, or even a lazy Sunday like today.
Now, I’ve made all kinds over the years — from classic meat and potato combos to sausage and cabbage — but today, I’m fixin’ up one of my absolute favorites: Fajita Foil Packs.
My Fajita Foil Pack Special
These little flavor bombs are so simple, but man oh man, do they pack a punch. Here’s how I do it:
- Protein: Beef steak (you can use skirt, sirloin, or whatever cut you like)
- Veggies: Sliced bell peppers, onions, (2) whole jalapenos and a good handful of chopped cilantro
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, lemon pepper, and cumin — that’s the magic combo
- Liquid: Just a splash of water to help everything steam and stay juicy
I wrap all that goodness up in heavy-duty foil, seal it tight, and toss it on the grill (or in the oven at 400°F) for about 60–90 minutes. I like to use an aluminum pie pan for extra protection from spillage. What comes out is tender, juicy steak and veggies that taste like you worked way harder than you actually did.
Photo courtesy of Me
Why Foil Pack Dinners Are a Game-Changer
I could write a love letter to foil packs — they’re that good. Here’s why folks keep coming back to ’em:
- No cleanup. You cook and serve in the same little pouch. Just toss the foil when you’re done.
- Customizable. Everyone can make their own. Perfect for picky eaters or folks with allergies.
- Portable. Headed to the lake or campground? These travel like a dream.
- Hard to mess up. As long as you don’t forget ’em on the fire, they’ll come out tasty every time.
- Oven or grill-friendly. Rain or shine, you can make these indoors or out.
Other Foil Pack Favorites to Try
Need some new ideas? Here are a few other tried-and-true foil pack dinners you might wanna throw into your rotation:
1. Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans
Smoked sausage, baby red potatoes, and green beans seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and a pat of butter. Rustic and satisfying.
2. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus
Perfect for a lighter dinner. Toss shrimp and asparagus with lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of olive oil.
3. BBQ Chicken and Corn
Boneless chicken thighs or breasts with BBQ sauce, corn on the cob chunks, and diced red potatoes. Sweet, smoky, and filling.
4. Cheesy Taco Foil Packs
Ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Great served with a dollop of sour cream after cooking.
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So whether you’re out at the campsite, cooking for a crowd, or just want an easy dinner with no dishes to wash, foil pack meals are a surefire winner. Today it’s fajitas, tomorrow maybe BBQ chicken — but whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with dinner in a pouch.
Now if you’ll excuse me, my fajita packs are just about ready and this porch ain’t gonna sit itself. Y’all go try one of these this week — and thank me later!
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.