If you’re craving a comforting all-in-one meal that feels like a true campfire classic, Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets are the answer. Juicy, cheesy mini meatloaves nestle beside tender potatoes and carrots, all wrapped up in gleaming foil packets and cooked to smoky perfection over a fire or grill. The best part? Everything cooks together—so cleanup is a breeze, and the flavors meld into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll want to make again and again. If you love easy dinners that feel special, you have to try these Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets!

Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets lies in their straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Every component plays a part: the beef adds savoriness, while the veggies soak up all those delicious juices, making each bite seriously satisfying.

Ground beef (85% lean): Rich flavor and enough fat to keep each mini meatloaf moist and tender.
Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding and giving the meatloaf a light, satisfying texture.
Large egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps soften the breadcrumbs for a tender loaf.
Ketchup: Provides a tangy sweetness that balances the savory notes.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the flavor with its signature savory punch.
Garlic powder: Rounds everything out with gentle garlicky warmth.
Onion powder: Gives that classic meatloaf flavor without the fuss of chopping onions.
Salt: Accentuates all the flavors in both the meat and veggies.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For irresistible gooeyness in every bite of meatloaf.
Baby potatoes, quartered: They roast beautifully inside the packets, soaking up all those juices.
Baby carrots, halved lengthwise: Sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked alongside the main event.
Olive oil: Coats the veggies for golden edges and a little richness.
Additional salt and pepper for vegetables: Don’t skip this step—it ensures your veggies are flavorful, too.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens up the finished dish for a fresh pop of color.
Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Absolutely crucial for wrapping everything up and ensuring even, mess-free cooking.

How to Make Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets

Step 1: Mix Up the Meatloaf

Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding your ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and a generous heap of shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix until everything is just combined—overmixing can make your meatloaf a little dense, so a light touch is your friend here!

Step 2: Shape and Portion the Loaves

Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Shape each one into a compact, oval mini-loaf. Keeping them similar in size ensures even cooking, so everyone ends up with a perfectly juicy packet.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

In a separate bowl, toss your quartered baby potatoes and halved carrots with olive oil, plus a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. This little step helps guarantee that every veggie comes out tender and loaded with flavor after cooking.

Step 4: Build Your Packets

Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil on your work surface. Place one meatloaf in the center of each sheet and gently arrange a portion of the tossed veggies all around it. Think rustic and hearty—no need to fuss over making things perfect!

Step 5: Seal and Cook

Fold the foil over the meatloaf and veggies, crimping the edges tightly to seal in all that steamy, savory goodness. Place each packet over a campfire or onto a grill set to medium heat. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

With care (those packets will be hot!), open each one to reveal your masterpiece. Sprinkle on a touch of chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then grab a fork and dig into your Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets while they’re piping hot and full of flavor.

How to Serve Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets

Garnishes

Nothing beats a shower of fresh, bright parsley to finish off these foil packets. If you want even more zing, try a quick squirt of extra ketchup on top or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little kick. Chives or sliced green onion also make delightful, colorful toppings.

Side Dishes

While these packets are a meal-in-one, you can’t go wrong with a crusty loaf of bread or some simple corn on the cob for soaking up all the tasty juices. If you’re feeling extra hungry, a big leafy salad adds the perfect fresh crunch alongside your hearty Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun serving twist, keep the packets closed and let each person unwrap their own at the table—the steamy reveal is half the fun! You could also line a rustic wooden board with parchment and pile out the contents for a family-style meal that feels festive and communal. If you’re hosting a backyard gathering, serve each foil packet on a plate with a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of ranch for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a few extra Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets, simply store the cooled packets (either still wrapped or unwrapped and transferred to an airtight container) in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, making for an easy grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

To freeze for later, fully cook your foil packets and let them cool. Wrap each packet tightly in fresh foil and store them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two months—great for meal prep or those nights when you want a homemade dinner with zero effort.

Reheating

To reheat, place the foil packets in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes if frozen, or 10–12 minutes if thawed or coming from the fridge. Alternatively, remove the contents and microwave until fully warmed through. Either way, you get a hot, comforting meal in no time.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Assemble your meatloaf and veggie packets, seal them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them a lifesaver for camping trips or busy weeknights.

What if I don’t have a campfire or grill?

No campfire? No problem! Simply place your foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 35 minutes. The results will be just as tasty and comforting.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?

Definitely! Both ground turkey and chicken are excellent lighter alternatives. Just be sure to use breadcrumbs and seasonings as usual, and you might want to add a splash more milk to keep things moist.

How do I know if my meatloaf is cooked through?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. The meatloaf should reach 160°F in the center. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply check that there’s no pink left and the juices run clear.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to swap in sliced onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms. This is a super flexible recipe—just keep veggie pieces small so they cook through in the same time as the meatloaf.

Final Thoughts

Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets are pure comfort—whether you’re huddled around the campfire or just want a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal at home. Give them a try and you’ll see why they quickly become a beloved staple for family dinners and backyard gatherings alike!

Campfire Dinner Meatloaf Foil Packets Recipe