Best Meatloaf Foil Packets Recipes

MEATLOAF FOIL PACKETS

Steps:

• Tip 1: Meatloaf is dry and crumbly if you don't have enough of the right kind of fat in it, and by itself, beef doesn't have the right kind of fat. That's the reason why beef, pork AND veal are used. Each of these meats have properties which will help with the flavor and texture of the meatloaf. You can buy the meats separately, but many stores carry "meatloaf mix" which combines all three meats for your convenience.
• Tip 2: Because you'll be cooking the meat and veggies in one packet, it's important to buy beef with the lowest fat possible, since you'll get plenty of fat from the pork. I use 4% fat, and I wouldn't recommend anything over 7%. After it cooks, you'll be left with a thin, flavorful gravy in the bottom of the packet that will not taste too greasy.
• Tip 3: Some stores do not carry Lipton Onion and Mushroom soup mix, so if you can only find Onion soup mix, that will be fine, but you'll need to add about a cup of finely chopped mushrooms to your meatloaf mix. Even if you don't like mushrooms, they are necessary to hold in moisture and flavor. You won't taste them in the soup mix or finely chopped.
• Tip 4: It's very important not to overmix your meatloaf, as it can become tough. It's best to combine all the ingredients (except the meat and breadcrumbs) in a bowl first, then add the meat and squish it all together until you have a very wet mix, then add as much breadcrumbs as needed to create a sticky loaf that will keep it's shape.
• Tip 5: I actually use throw-away pie tins covered in heavy duty foil for when we go camping, because I like the stability of the pie tin. But if you're using only foil, be sure to use two layers of heavy duty foil.
• Let's get started! In your largest mixing bowl combine all the wet ingredients including eggs, stir thoroughly.
• Add to the mixture, all the remaining ingredients except the meats and the breadcrumbs. Stir thoroughly.
• Add all the meats and using your hands (I wear plastic gloves) mash all the ingredients together, making sure to incorporate all the meats together and spices throughout the mixture. At this point it should be very wet.
• Finally, add the breadcrumbs to stiffen the mixture. Start with one cup of breadcrumbs and add more as needed to create a sticky loaf that will hold its shape. DO NOT OVERMIX or it will become tough.
• At this point, you can cook the meatloaf in a pan as you would any typical meatloaf recipe. If making foil packets, you have two options; either make them ahead for later, or make them now to go straight on the fire. If making ahead, you should separate out the portion size you prefer (I made big, hearty 1/2 lb portions). Place the portions in separate plastic baggies until ready to use. It's important NOT to include your side veggies in the baggie. When you're ready to cook them, shape the portions into mini-meatloaves and place them on top of your choice of veggies and herbs (I like baby red potatoes, onions and carrots with olive oil, seasoning salt, pepper and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage.) Then wrap it all up in heavy duty foil and cook it on the campfire for 45-60 minutes, depending on portion size. When the veggies are done, the meat will be done, so check the carrots and potatoes for doneness. When it's done, you can add shredded cheese on the top and close the packet for a few minutes to let it melt. We also like ketchup drizzled on the top.

GRILLED MEATLOAF DINNER FOIL PACKS

Steps:

• Heat gas or charcoal grill. Cut 6 (18x10-inch) sheets of heavy-duty foil; spray with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix beef, dry soup mix, egg, milk and bread crumbs. Shape into 6 loaves, 4x2 1/2x1 inch. Place 1 loaf on each foil sheet; top each with about 1 tablespoon of the ketchup. Place about 1/2 cup potatoes and 1/2 cup carrots around each loaf.
• Bring up 2 sides of foil so edges meet. Seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold; fold again, allowing space for heat circulation and expansion. Fold other sides to seal.
• Place packets on grill. Cover grill; cook over medium heat 25 to 30 minutes, rotating packets 1/2 turn after 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender and meat thermometer inserted in center of loaves reads 165°F. To serve, cut large X across top of each packet; carefully fold back foil to allow steam to escape. Garnish with parsley.

FOIL-PACKET MINI MEATLOAVES WITH ROOT VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high. Combine the beef, egg, panko, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Add the scallions, reserving 2 tablespoons of the greens for topping. Mix well with your hands.
• Tear off four 20-inch-long sheets of foil and lightly coat with cooking spray. Toss the potatoes, carrots and parsnips with the olive oil, thyme and a big pinch each of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Divide the vegetables evenly among the prepared foil sheets, piling them on one side of the foil. Clear a spot in the middle of the vegetables for the meatloaf.
• Divide the meat mixture into 4 pieces and shape each into a 3-by-4-inch mini meatloaf on the foil. Fold the foil over the meatloaf and vegetables; fold in the edges to form a packet.
• Grill the foil packets, 10 minutes, then flip and continue grilling until the vegetables are tender and the meatloaves are cooked through, 5 to 8 more minutes. Carefully open the packets and brush the tops and sides of the meatloaves with the remaining 1/4 cup barbecue sauce. Sprinkle with the reserved scallion greens.

HEALTHY GRILLED BBQ MEATLOAF FOIL PACK

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for medium-high heat.
• Stir together the milk, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of the barbecue sauce in a medium bowl.
• Finely chop the spinach, scallion and garlic together on a cutting board. Transfer to the bowl, along with the ground beef and turkey, 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper. Gently combine the mixture well with your hands.
• Coat a 20-inch piece of heavy duty aluminum foil all over with cooking spray. Pile the meatloaf mixture onto the foil just off the center and form into a 9-by-5-inch loaf that's about 1-inch thick. Fold the long half of the foil over the meatloaf, lining up the edges, and crimp and fold tightly to make a sealed packet.
• Put the packet on the grill, close the grill lid and cook for 10 minutes. Turn the packet over using 2 large metal spatulas; cover and grill 10 minutes more. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully open the packet (hot steam will escape). The meatloaf should have some grill marks and an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Brush the top and sides of the loaf with the remaining 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce. Cut into slices and serve.

GRILLED MEATLOAF, POTATO AND CARROT PACKS

Steps:

• Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Cut six 18x10-inch pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray. Mix beef, soup mix (dry), egg, milk and bread crumbs. Shape into 6 loaves, 4x2 1/2x1 inch. Place loaf on one side of each foil piece; top each with about 1 tablespoon of the ketchup. Place about 1/2 cup potatoes and 1/2 cup carrots around each loaf.
• Fold foil over loaf and vegetables so edges meet. Seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold; fold again. Allow space on sides for circulation and expansion.
• Cover and grill packets 4 to 5 inches from medium heat 25 to 30 minutes, rotating packets 1/2 turn after 15 minutes, until vegetables are tender, beef is no longer pink in center and juice of beef is clear. Place packets on plates. Cut large X across top of each packet; fold back foil. Garnish with parsley.

GRILLED TERIYAKI MEATLOAF FOIL PACKS

Steps:

• Heat gas or charcoal grill. Cut four 18x12-inch sheets of heavy-duty foil; spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
• In medium bowl, beat egg. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the baste and glaze, the bread crumbs, garlic-pepper blend and ground beef. Shape mixture into four 4x2-inch oblong loaves, about 1 inch thick.
• Place 1 loaf on sprayed side of each foil sheet; place 1/2 cup of the carrots and 1/4 of the corn around each loaf. Drizzle with remaining baste and glaze. Wrap each packet securely using double-fold seals, allowing room for heat expansion.
• When grill is heated, place packets on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cover grill; cook 25 to 35 minutes or until loaves are thoroughly cooked and carrots are tender, turning packets over once halfway through cooking. Carefully open packets to allow steam to escape; meat thermometer inserted into center of loaves should read 160°F.