Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets

There’s just something magical about meals that come together effortlessly—especially when they deliver big on flavor and require almost no cleanup. That’s exactly what makes these Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets a go-to in our kitchen (and at the campsite, too). Whether you’re cooking indoors on a busy weeknight or enjoying the great outdoors with a grill or campfire, this recipe is packed with hearty ingredients and bold garlic herb flavor. And the best part? It all cooks together in a single foil packet. Minimal prep, maximum flavor—what’s not to love?

I started making these foil packets on camping trips when I realized that my family needed a meal that was both satisfying and easy to cook over coals. After a few tweaks and some generous spoonfuls of garlic butter, this version became a fast favorite. Now, I’ll even pop them in the oven on a rainy day at home when we’re craving something comforting, meaty, and delicious.

These packets feature juicy, bite-sized steak cubes nestled with soft, golden potatoes. Add in optional bell peppers or onions for extra color and texture, and you’ve got yourself a full meal wrapped in foil. Let’s get into the details—you’ll be amazed at how simple (and satisfying) this recipe really is.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Packets

• 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered

• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)

• 1 small onion, diced (optional)

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Grated Parmesan cheese

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Method

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re cooking indoors. If you’re heading outside, get your grill nice and hot over medium-high heat, or build a solid bed of coals for a campfire cook. Either way, cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil—each should be about 12 to 14 inches long. You’ll want enough foil to wrap your ingredients securely and give a little room for steam.

Step 2: Mix Up That Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine your melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and paprika (if you’re using it). Stir in the olive oil, then season the whole thing with salt and pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse—every bite of steak and potato will be soaked in this buttery, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Start Layering with Potatoes

Divide the halved or quartered baby potatoes evenly among the four foil sheets. Place them right in the center, forming a small mound. These little golden nuggets take the longest to cook, so giving them a head start on the bottom ensures everything comes out perfectly done.

Drizzle each potato portion with a bit of the garlic butter mixture—just enough to coat them well. The butter will help them cook tender and soak in all that herby richness.

Step 4: Add Steak and More Garlic Butter

Now it’s time to pile on the steak. Distribute your cubed steak evenly over the potatoes in each foil packet. Then go ahead and spoon more of the garlic butter on top. Don’t hold back—you want the steak juicy, flavorful, and well-coated.

By now, you’ve prepped all the key ingredients for your Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets, and you’re ready to finish things up. The best part? The hard work is mostly behind you, and now it’s time to let the heat work its magic. Whether you’re cooking these packets in the oven, on the grill, or over a campfire, we’ll walk through the final steps and share some handy tips to make this meal even more irresistible.

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to swap out ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste. You can also adjust the cooking time based on how well-done you like your steak or how tender you want your potatoes. Just follow the next few steps to get everything sealed up and cooking to perfection.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 5: Add the Veggies (Optional)

If you’re opting for some extra veggies, now’s the time to add them. Layer your diced red bell pepper or onions right on top of the steak and potatoes. These vegetables not only add a pop of color, but they also infuse a delightful sweetness into the foil packet as they cook. Plus, the extra texture from the peppers and onions is a nice contrast to the rich steak and soft potatoes.

Feel free to get creative here—zucchini, mushrooms, or even carrots would all make great additions if you’re in the mood for something different. The beauty of this recipe is that you can truly customize it based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

Step 6: Seal the Foil Packets

Now that your ingredients are layered up and ready to go, it’s time to seal each foil packet. Take the sides of the foil and fold them over the mixture, crimping the edges together tightly. You want to make sure the packet is securely sealed to trap in all the steam and keep the flavors locked inside.

Leave just a little bit of room inside the packet for air to circulate, which will help ensure the potatoes cook evenly and the steak stays juicy. If you don’t leave enough space, the packet might not cook as well. Once sealed, repeat with the remaining packets.

Step 7: Cooking Time – Oven, Grill, or Campfire

Now for the fun part—cooking! There are three methods you can use to cook these foil packets, depending on what you have available. Each method takes a bit of time, so here’s a breakdown of how long to cook them:

• Oven: Place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Keep in mind that the thickness of the steak cubes will affect cooking time, so check for doneness before serving.

• Grill: If you’re grilling, place the foil packets directly on the grill over medium-high heat. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you may want to give it a couple more minutes on the grill.

• Campfire: Cooking over a campfire? No problem. Just place the foil packets on the grill grate or over medium-hot coals and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly on all sides.

Regardless of the method, be sure to watch the packets carefully, as cooking times can vary depending on the heat source. I recommend checking the potatoes first—they should be fork-tender. If they’re not quite there yet, just pop the packets back on the heat for a few more minutes.

Step 8: Carefully Open the Packets and Garnish

Once your packets are done cooking, carefully open each one (watch out for the hot steam that will escape when you break the seal!). The moment you open the foil, you’ll be hit with an irresistible aroma of garlic, herbs, and sizzling steak. It’s honestly one of the best smells in the world.

For a final touch, sprinkle each packet with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. You can also add a little grated Parmesan cheese on top—because why not make it even more delicious? Then, just serve straight from the foil for easy cleanup. Trust me, the simplicity of it all makes this meal feel so special.

Pro Tips for the Best Foil Packets

While this recipe is easy to follow, here are a few tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly every time:

• Even Potato Pieces: Make sure to cut your potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. This prevents some from being undercooked while others turn mushy.

• Don’t Overstuff the Packets: As tempting as it may be to cram more ingredients into each packet, it’s important to leave enough space for steam to circulate. Overstuffing can lead to uneven cooking.

• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to switch up the herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the flavors, too.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re not sure about the doneness of your steak, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium.

• Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: Besides Parmesan, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese crumbles. Just sprinkle it over the cooked ingredients before serving.

By now, you’ve got all the steps down and know how to make these delicious Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets a success. Whether you’re cooking them in the oven, on the grill, or over a campfire, you’ll find that this recipe is as versatile as it is tasty. But, as always, I know there are a few lingering questions, and you might be wondering about possible variations, substitutions, or tips to make this dish even better. Well, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions and wrap this up with a few final thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin, ribeye, and tenderloin are great choices, you can easily swap them out for other cuts based on your preference and budget. Flank steak or skirt steak also work well and can add a slightly different texture and flavor. Just be sure to cut the steak into small cubes so it cooks evenly with the potatoes.

2. How can I make the potatoes cook faster?

If you’re short on time, there’s a simple trick to speed up the cooking process: precook the potatoes! You can either microwave them for a few minutes before adding them to the foil or parboil them for about 5 minutes. This helps them cook faster in the foil packets, so you can reduce the overall cooking time by a few minutes.

3. Can I make these foil packets ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the foil packets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to keep them tightly wrapped in foil. When you’re ready to cook, simply pop them in the oven, grill, or over the campfire—no need for any additional prep. This makes them a great option for meal prepping or making dinner for a crowd.

4. What can I use in place of garlic butter if I want a lighter option?

If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can replace the garlic butter with olive oil or a light vinaigrette. Just keep in mind that you’ll miss the richness of the butter, but the flavors will still be delicious, especially with the garlic, herbs, and seasonings. For an extra punch of flavor, try adding a bit of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to the olive oil for a fresh twist.

5. Can I cook these packets in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook these foil packets in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the packets for about 15-20 minutes, checking halfway through for doneness. Air fryers work great for cooking smaller portions, so if you’re just making a couple of packets, this method is perfect for quick and easy cooking.

6. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Using frozen potatoes is an option, but keep in mind that they might release more moisture during cooking, which could affect the texture of the dish. If you’re using frozen potatoes, make sure to cook the packets a little longer to allow for the excess moisture to evaporate. I recommend using frozen diced or hash brown potatoes for the best results.

7. What can I serve with Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets?

These foil packets are a complete meal in themselves, but if you’re looking for something extra, consider serving them with a side salad or steamed vegetables. A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the steak and potatoes beautifully. You could also serve them with some crusty bread to soak up any remaining garlic butter.

Conclusion: Time to Dig In!

There you have it—a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Whether you’re cooking Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets in your kitchen or around a campfire, this meal is a crowd-pleaser every time. The best part? It’s as simple as layering the ingredients, sealing the foil, and letting the heat work its magic. You’ll love how customizable this dish is too—feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies, seasonings, and even steak cuts.

I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and enjoy all the savory goodness it offers. Don’t forget to get creative with your own variations—add extra herbs, spice things up with chili flakes, or throw in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for some zing. Whatever you do, these packets are sure to become a go-to meal for busy nights, outdoor adventures, or just when you’re craving something delicious with minimal effort.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven or grill, and get ready for a flavorful meal you can enjoy straight from the foil. And don’t forget—this is the kind of dish that makes cleanup a breeze!

Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets

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Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets are a flavorful, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for the oven, grill, or campfire. Juicy steak cubes, tender potatoes, and optional veggies are tossed in a rich garlic herb butter, then sealed in foil for effortless cooking and cleanup. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or cooking outdoors, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal fuss.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the packets

1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cut into 1-inch cubes

1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered

1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)

1 small onion, diced (optional)

For the garlic herb butter

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional garnishes

Fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 to 14 inches long.

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, paprika if using, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.

Divide the halved baby potatoes evenly among the foil sheets, placing them in the center. Drizzle each portion with a bit of the garlic butter mixture to coat.

Add the cubed steak on top of the potatoes. Spoon additional garlic butter over the meat to make sure everything is well-seasoned and coated.

If you’re using bell peppers or onions, layer them on top of the steak and potatoes for added texture and flavor.

Fold the sides of each foil piece over the mixture, sealing tightly to create a packet. Leave a little room inside for steam to circulate and ensure even cooking.

For oven cooking, place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness. For grilling, cook packets directly on the grill for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. For a campfire, cook over medium-hot coals for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Carefully open each packet (watch out for steam). Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve straight from the foil for easy cleanup.

Notes

Choose your steak cut based on preference and budget—sirloin offers a great balance of tenderness and flavor. Cutting the potatoes into small, even pieces ensures they cook at the same rate as the steak. Customize the seasoning with your favorite herbs or add a dash of chili flakes for heat. These packets are ideal for camping trips or backyard barbecues.