If you love classic comfort food with a fun twist, these Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets are about to become your new favorite recipe. Imagine juicy mini meatloaves, seasoned just right and stuffed with gooey cheddar, surrounded by tender potatoes and sweet carrots—then wrapped up and cooked to perfection over an open flame or on your backyard grill. Whether you’re gathered around the campfire or seeking a no-fuss weeknight meal, this recipe promises hearty flavors, easy cleanup, and that special nostalgic magic only foil packet dinners can deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for its role—some add tenderness, others provide flavor, color, or cheesy goodness. Gather these staples and you’re halfway to a satisfying dinner!
- Ground beef (1½ lbs, 85% lean): Brings juicy, rich flavor while staying just lean enough to avoid greasiness.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Help the meatloaf bind together, ensuring every bite is moist but never mushy.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as a natural binder to hold all your delicious ingredients together.
- Milk (⅓ cup): Softens the breadcrumbs and brings moisture for a tender texture.
- Ketchup (¼ cup): Adds a tangy sweetness that balances the savory beef.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Deepens the flavor with its signature umami kick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mellow, aromatic touch without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings gentle, savory notes throughout every bite.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for making all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a little warmth to the meatloaf, rounding out the spices.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Provides melty, gooey richness right in the middle of your loaf.
- Baby potatoes (2 cups, quartered): Soak up all the savory juices as they cook, becoming perfectly tender.
- Baby carrots (2 cups, halved lengthwise): Add sweetness, color, and a satisfying bite.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the veggies roast up golden and flavorful.
- Additional salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning your veggies just right.
- Chopped parsley (optional): The perfect fresh pop of green as a finishing touch.
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Holds everything together and makes cleanup a breeze.
How to Make Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets
Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and that glorious cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything is just blended—try not to overmix, as that can make the meat tough. This is where the magic begins: every bite will be full of flavor and melty cheese.
Step 2: Shape the Mini Loaves
Once your mixture is ready, divide it into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a small oval loaf—these mini meatloaves cook up faster than one big loaf and are perfect for individual servings in your Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets.
Step 3: Prep the Vegetables
In a separate bowl, toss the quartered baby potatoes and halved carrots with the olive oil, plus a bit of salt and pepper. This simple step ensures your veggies roast up tender and full of flavor, soaking up those delicious meatloaf juices as they steam inside the packet.
Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets
Tear off four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12 x 18 inches each. Place a mini meatloaf in the center of each sheet, then divide the veggie mixture among the packets, arranging the potatoes and carrots evenly around the loaves. Bring the long sides of the foil up and fold them together to seal, then fold the ends closed tightly—you want to create a sealed packet to lock in all that juicy goodness.
Step 5: Cook Over the Fire or Grill
Place your Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets directly on the campfire grate or a preheated grill over medium heat. Cook for 30–35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the meat is thoroughly cooked and the veggies are fork-tender. The aroma that emerges when you carefully peel back the foil is just irresistible—pure outdoor-kitchen magic!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, open the packets (watch out for that hot steam!) and sprinkle each with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of color and freshness. Now your meatloaf foil packets are ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a touch of herbal brightness to your Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets. For extra flair, a dash of smoked paprika or a spoonful of extra ketchup on top before serving can make each packet feel truly special.
Side Dishes
These foil packets are satisfying all on their own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, try a crisp green salad, crusty campfire bread, or even a simple fruit salad on the side. Each one offers a nice contrast to the hearty meatloaf and roasted veggies, making your campfire feast a true spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun and interactive serving, let everyone open their own packet tableside—there’s just something special about that first waft of steam. You can even pack the veggies and meatloaf separately to allow each person to customize their own Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets with favorite add-ins like sliced bell peppers or onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets can be stored right in their foil packets or transferred to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days; the meatloaf stays moist, and the flavors continue to deepen.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled meatloaf foil packets (or just the meatloaf itself) in airtight freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so everything cooks evenly.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the packets (unopened) into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, or until hot all the way through. You can also remove the contents and microwave them in a covered dish for a quick and easy lunch the next day.
FAQs
Can I bake these packets indoors if I don’t have a grill or campfire?
Absolutely! Simply bake your Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets in a 400°F oven for about 35 minutes, and you’ll get wonderful results—no campfire required.
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version, and you could even try a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian spin. Just check for doneness as cook times may vary slightly.
Do I have to use cheddar cheese?
Not at all. Mix it up with your favorite cheese—Monterey Jack adds creaminess, while pepper jack brings a little heat. Or, skip the cheese for a dairy-free option without losing any flavor.
Are these packets gluten-free?
They can be! Just substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’ll be able to enjoy Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets even if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I add more vegetables or swap them out?
Of course! Sliced onions, bell peppers, or even zucchini make fantastic additions. This recipe is flexible—toss in your favorites and personalize every packet.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re craving a hearty, hands-off meal that delivers big on comfort and flavor, try these Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets. Whether around the fire, on the grill, or in your home oven, they’re sure to bring smiles (and maybe requests for seconds!). Happy cooking!
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Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a classic meatloaf meal while camping or grilling outdoors. The individual foil packets seal in all the flavors, creating a juicy meatloaf surrounded by tender vegetables, perfect for a cozy campfire meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups baby potatoes, quartered
- 2 cups baby carrots, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Additional salt and pepper for vegetables
For Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Mix until just combined. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into mini loaves.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In another bowl, toss the baby potatoes and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Packets: Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. In the center of each, place a meatloaf and a portion of vegetables around it. Fold the foil over the contents and seal tightly to form packets.
- Cook the Packets: Cook over a campfire or on a grill over medium heat for 30–35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Carefully open packets and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- These foil packets can also be baked in a 400°F oven for about 35 minutes.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
