If you’re looking for the ultimate all-in-one campfire meal, look no further than Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets. This cozy recipe marries juicy, cheesy meatloaf with tender roasted veggies, all bundled together in easy-to-serve foil packets. Whether you’re around the fire, grilling out on your patio, or baking at home, you’ll love the fun, comfort, and big flavors these little foil bundles deliver—plus, there’s minimal cleanup. It’s a comforting classic reimagined for adventurers, families, or anyone craving that homey taste outdoors.

Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets is in the simplicity and balance of its ingredients. Each addition brings its own flair—tenderness from the beef, creaminess from the cheese, and rich flavor from the seasonings, wrapped up with those golden, caramelized veggies for the perfect bite every time.

Ground Beef (1½ lbs, 85% lean): Provides juicy, flavorful foundation for the meatloaf – 85% lean balances tenderness and taste perfectly.
Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Binds the mixture and keeps the meatloaf moist; use gluten-free if needed.
Large Egg (1): Helps everything hold together and adds extra richness.
Milk (⅓ cup): Softens the breadcrumbs for that super tender texture.
Ketchup (¼ cup): Adds tang and a gentle sweetness that’s classic in meatloaf.
Worcestershire Sauce (2 tsp): Gives savory depth and that signature meaty umami punch.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses a mellow garlicky note throughout the loaf.
Onion Powder (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, sweet onion flavor without chopping onions.
Salt (1 tsp) & Black Pepper (½ tsp): Essential seasonings to bring it all together.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into the meatloaf for gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
Baby Potatoes (2 cups, quartered): Roast up creamy and tender right alongside the meatloaf.
Baby Carrots (2 cups, halved lengthwise): Sweet, colorful, and cook perfectly in the packets.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps the veggies caramelize and not stick to the foil.
Additional Salt & Pepper: Season the veggies to your taste before cooking.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Sprinkle on just before serving for a burst of fresh color and a hint of herbal lift.
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil: The secret to no-mess, fail-proof packet cooking.

How to Make Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets

Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

Start with a large bowl and add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together gently—just until combined—using your hands or a fork. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense, so stop as soon as things look evenly distributed and just barely sticking together.

Step 2: Shape and Portion the Loaves

Divide the meatloaf mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a mini loaf. They don’t have to be perfect; rustic makes it even more appetizing! This ensures even cooking, plus everyone gets their own personal serving—no slicing required at the fire.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

In another bowl, toss your quartered baby potatoes and halved baby carrots with the olive oil and a nice sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give them a good toss so everything gets evenly coated. This keeps the veggies moist and allows them to roast up tender and flavorful right in the packet alongside your meatloaf.

Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets

Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty foil (the heavy-duty stuff is key, especially over a fire). Place a mini meatloaf in the center of each sheet, then arrange a generous scoop of veggies around it. Fold the sides up and over the ingredients, crimping the edges to seal everything in tightly. You want those packets closed well so you don’t lose any flavorful juices during cooking.

Step 5: Cook Over the Fire (or Grill)

Now for the fun part—cooking! Place the sealed foil packets over medium campfire coals or on a grill. Let them cook for 30 to 35 minutes, turning them halfway through for even roasting. The goal is juicy meatloaf cooked through and fork-tender veggies. Carefully open a packet to check doneness (watch out for steam!). If the meatloaf is no longer pink and the potatoes are tender, dinner is served!

How to Serve Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley over your Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets for a hit of color and freshness. If you love even more flavor, a drizzle of extra ketchup or a pinch of smoked paprika will add a special touch. Garnishes transform these hearty foil packets into a true feast for the eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

These packets are a full meal on their own, but pairing with a crisp campfire salad, crusty bread to sop up any juices, or corn on the cob makes dinner even more memorable. For an extra cozy touch, add a thermos of hot soup or cocoa on chilly nights. Simple sides keep the focus on your main event but round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party or family gathering, set out the sealed Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets on a platter and let everyone open their own for a dramatic steam reveal. You can even label each packet with a marker before cooking if you’ve personalized the fillings. Rustic serving boards and cast-iron pans add outdoor dining flair, even if you’re just on your porch or in your kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets, let them cool to room temperature before transferring the contents to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and deepen, making leftovers just as crave-worthy the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked or cooked packets for quick future meals. Simply wrap each packet tightly in an extra layer of foil or place in freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, either pop the packets (opened slightly to let steam escape) into a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or heat in the microwave if removed from the foil first. Make sure everything is piping hot before serving. Adding a small splash of broth or water before reheating helps restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

Can I make Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the meatloaf and veggies, assemble the packets, and keep them chilled until you’re ready to cook. This makes them perfect for camping trips or busy nights when you want to get dinner on the table fast.

What are some other vegetables I can add?

Feel free to get creative! Sliced onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms are all delicious roasted inside foil packets. Just be sure to cut everything to a similar size for even cooking.

Can I bake these in the oven instead of using a campfire?

Yes! Bake your Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets at 400°F for about 30–35 minutes right on a baking sheet. This method is ideal for rainy nights or when you want that campfire flavor at home.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely—just swap regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version, and double-check all ingredient labels. The recipe needs no other changes, so gluten-free guests can dig in without worry.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done cooking?

Open a packet carefully and use a meat thermometer—meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. The meat should no longer be pink inside, and the juices should run clear. Potatoes and carrots should be fork-tender.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re out under the stars or in the comfort of your kitchen, Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets deliver the soul-warming flavors and rustic fun everyone craves. They’re hearty, crowd-pleasing, and made for sharing—so gather your favorite people, fire up the grill or oven, and give these packets a try. You’ll be amazed how easy and satisfying campfire cooking can be!

Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets Recipe