As kids growing up, we always loved Mama’s tasty “hobo” dinners. Super easy to make—she would just throw everything together in an aluminum foil packet—and easy on the wallet, these complete meals in a pouch were on the table each and every week. To dress up these humble-as-a-hobo meals for company, try adding baby carrots, fennel, and other root vegetables, along with some nice ground sirloin. The aluminum foil seals in all the flavor of the ingredients and makes the sacks—fancy or simple—even more delicious than they ought to be. And though they are a whole meal in themselves, we love to serve them with our Moist-and-Easy Corn Bread (page 45).
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4
Ingredients
The Lady’s House Seasoning
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place four large sheets of aluminum foil (about 12 by 15 inches) on your work area.
Step 2
Combine the beef with 2 teaspoons of the house seasoning and form into 4 equal-size patties. Place equal amounts of carrots, potatoes, and onion on the foil sheets and sprinkle each with 1/4 teaspoon of the remaining seasoning. Top each sheet of vegetables with a meat patty and dot with the butter. Seal the foil packets tightly and transfer to a baking sheet.
Step 3
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
The Lady’s House Seasoning
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
