If you love camping, cooking in foil is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to make dinner. These Steak in Foil Packets are perfect for the campsite: tender yellow potatoes, onions, mushrooms and garlicky butter-soaked beef combine into a classic steak-and-potatoes meal that everyone will enjoy.

Table of Contents
- What is Steak in Foil Packets?
- Ingredients Needed
- How to Make Steak and Potatoes in Foil
- How to Make Steak Foil Packs
- Girl Carnivore Expert Recipe Tips
- What to Serve with Steak and Potatoes
- Leftovers and Reheating
- Recipe FAQs
- More foil wrapped Camping recipes
- Save This Recipe ✉️
- Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs Recipe
What is Steak in Foil Packets?
Foil-wrapped campfire meals are a time-tested way to cook over an open flame with minimal fuss and cleanup. When you prep foil packets in advance and keep them chilled, you simply toss them on the coals or a grill when it’s time to eat. Each packet can be customized, which makes this method ideal for families or picky eaters.
Steak in Foil Packets literally means steak, potatoes and vegetables wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum foil and cooked together. Cut the steak into roughly 1-inch pieces so it heats quickly and can be eaten straight from the packet. Add potatoes, bell peppers, green beans or any vegetables you like. These packets are hearty on their own or pair beautifully with seafood foil packs for a surf-and-turf camp meal.
Ingredients Needed

- Idaho Dutch Yellow potatoes — tender and hold up well in foil
- Onion — sliced thin
- Mushrooms — sliced
- Garlic — fresh or dried
- Cooking oil — your preferred oil
- Salt
- Thyme
- Paprika — smoked paprika adds depth
- Steak seasoning
- Sirloin steak — or substitute London broil
- Butter — for richness and moisture
- Parmesan cheese — grated
- Parsley — freshly minced for garnish
How to Make Steak and Potatoes in Foil
Begin by prepping all the fillings. Dice the potatoes and slice the vegetables so pieces are similar in size for even cooking. Combine potatoes, mushrooms and onions in a bowl, drizzle with oil and toss with salt, thyme, paprika and steak seasoning.
Lay out 12-inch sections of heavy-duty foil. Divide the potato mixture across the foil sheets, then place the steak pieces on top and add a pat of butter to each packet. The butter melts during cooking, keeping the steak and vegetables moist.





How to Make Steak Foil Packs
Fold the foil around the ingredients and crimp the edges to create a sealed packet.
Place the packets on a grill grate or at the edge of a campfire, using indirect heat if possible. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender and the steak reaches your preferred doneness — about 135°F for medium-rare. Rotate the packets occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Foil packets lock in moisture, which keeps the steak juicy and prevents potatoes from drying out. If you change oils or fats, account for that in the total moisture and seasoning.




With the packets sealed and the fire ready, cooking is simple. Keep an eye on the coals and adjust placement as needed so the packets don’t scorch.



Girl Carnivore Expert Recipe Tips
Helpful tips for successful campfire foil packets:
- Prep ahead: Chop and portion ingredients at home so assembly at camp is quick.
- Chop evenly: Cut potatoes and vegetables to similar sizes for uniform cooking.
- Use heavy-duty foil: It resists tearing while you move and cook the packets.
- Divide portions: Put equal portions in each foil sheet to ensure consistent cooking times.
- Don’t overstuff: Leave room to fold and seal the edges securely.
- Seal well: Fold and pinch the edges and ends to keep steam and juices inside.
- Keep cold until cooking: Store prepped packets in a chilled cooler and never let raw meat sit above safe temperatures.

What to Serve with Steak and Potatoes
Steak and potatoes are a versatile base. Add mushrooms, Yukon gold potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, asparagus or seafood to the packets. You can also serve them alongside a simple salad or crusty bread for a fuller meal.

Leftovers and Reheating
Store leftover packets in the refrigerator by re-rolling the foil or placing packets into an airtight container. Reheat over a flame for best texture, or use a microwave when convenient. Reheating over coals or a grill restores some of the campfire flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Cooking time varies with each fire, but plan on about 30 to 45 minutes over indirect heat. Keep coals even and move packets to the edge of the heat on a grate. Rotate them regularly and cook until potatoes are fork-tender and the steak reaches about 135°F for medium-rare. If potatoes are not done when the steak is, add the steak later so it doesn’t overcook.
Yes. Place assembled foil packets on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Oven baking is a great option when a campfire isn’t available.
More foil wrapped Camping recipes
Recipes With Pork
The Viral Onion Boil with Andouille
Seafood
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Seafood
Grilled Salmon in Foil
Campfire Recipes
Foil pack Sausage and Potatoes
Foil packets make flavorful, fuss-free meals. Prep top sirloin or another favorite cut and combine with seasoned potatoes for an easy, satisfying dinner outdoors. Customize packets with your preferred veggies and seasonings for a meal the whole group will love.
This potato-and-steak foil packet recipe delivers delicious results at the campsite. Try different add-ins and enjoy the simplicity of campfire cooking.
Have you tried this recipe? Please rate the recipe card and leave a comment to help future readers.
Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs Recipe

Ingredients
- 1 lbs Idaho Dutch Yellow potatoes cut into equal portions, halved or quartered
- 1 Onion sliced thin
- 1 pint Mushrooms sliced
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 4 tbsp Cooking oil
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Steak seasoning
- 12 oz Sirloin steak divided into 4 3oz portions
- 2 tbsp Butter divided
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
- Freshly minced parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prep the campfire:
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Prepare a campfire that provides low, even heat and glowing embers.
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Shovel coals to the center and maintain a steady bed of coals for indirect cooking.
Prep the potatoes:
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Combine cut potatoes, onion and mushrooms in a large bowl.
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Add the garlic, drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
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Season with salt, thyme, paprika and steak seasoning and toss again.
Assemble the packets:
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Lay out four 12-inch sections of heavy-duty foil.
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Divide the potato mixture evenly among the foil sheets.
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Top each portion with the beef pieces and a pat of butter.
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Fold and crimp the foil to seal the packets.
Grill the packets:
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Place packets around the edge of the fire and cook about 35–40 minutes, rotating as needed for even cooking.
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Cook until potatoes are fork-tender and the steak reaches at least 135°F. Onions and mushrooms will soften in the juices.
Serve:
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Open each packet carefully to allow steam to escape and serve right in the foil or on a plate.
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Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh parsley and thyme.
Video
Notes
If you don’t have fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon dried garlic (divided) works fine.
Substitute or add umami-rich seasonings like shiitake mushroom powder or a bold spice blend for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition
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