Description
Juicy ground beef burgers cooked in foil packets with tender vegetables and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for grilling, oven baking, or even campfire cooking!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil (4 large sheets)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form each into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick and slightly larger than the buns.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables. Thinly slice the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini (about 1/4 inch thick). Toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Assemble the Foil Packets: Preheat your grill to medium heat (350-400°F) or preheat your oven to the same temperature. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Lightly spray the center of each sheet with cooking spray.
- Place one beef patty in the center of each foil sheet. Top each patty with a generous portion of the seasoned vegetables, distributing them evenly.
- Fold the foil over the burger and vegetables, creating a sealed packet. Crimp the edges tightly to seal, ensuring the packet is completely closed to trap steam.
- Cook the Foil Cheeseburgers: Carefully place the foil packets on the preheated grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. If using an oven, bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Check for doneness by carefully opening one packet and inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the burger. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
- Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets (be careful of the steam!). Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each burger and close the foil packet again for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the foil cheeseburgers from the grill or oven. Place each cheeseburger on a hamburger bun. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a little heat.
- Add different vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack.
- Make it a pizza burger: Add pepperoni slices, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired burger.
- Add bacon: Cooked bacon crumbles add a smoky and savory flavor to the burgers.
- For easier cleanup: Line the foil packets with parchment paper before adding the ingredients. This will prevent the food from sticking to the foil and make cleanup a breeze.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to add the cheese just before cooking.
- Cooking on a campfire: These foil cheeseburgers are also great for camping! Simply place the foil packets directly on the hot coals of a campfire and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the burgers are cooked through. Be sure to rotate the packets occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Important Safety Note: Always use caution when handling hot foil packets. The steam inside can be very hot and can cause burns. Use tongs or oven mitts to carefully open the packets and remove the cheeseburgers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes