Looking for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or even campfire cooking? These Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets are a hearty, all-in-one meal featuring tender bites of juicy steak, perfectly seasoned potatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Ideal for summer barbecues, cozy weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this recipe requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Packets:
- 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved (or diced into 1-inch pieces if larger)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary or thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Steak and Potatoes
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400°F), or preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed steak, halved potatoes, and diced onion with olive oil.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, rosemary or thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets
- Tear off 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12–14 inches each). If using regular foil, double-layer the sheets for added durability.
- Divide the steak and potato mixture evenly among the foil sheets.
- Drizzle each portion with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring the steak and potatoes are well coated.
- Fold the foil over the mixture, crimping the edges tightly to seal the packets and prevent leaks.
Step 4: Cook the Packets
For the Grill:
- Place the foil packets directly on the grill grates. Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
For the Oven:
- Arrange the foil packets on a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the steak is cooked to your liking.
For a Campfire:
- Place the foil packets on hot coals or over a grill grate and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!) and garnish with additional chopped parsley.
- Serve the packets directly on plates or transfer the contents to a serving dish. Enjoy!
Tips
- Steak Doneness: For medium-rare steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F; for medium, aim for 145°F.
- Even Cooking: Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Add Veggies: Include sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
- Customizable Protein: Swap steak for chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a different protein option.
- Foil Tips: Use heavy-duty foil or double-layer regular foil to prevent tearing during cooking.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover steak and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: Assemble raw foil packets and freeze them for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
Variations
- Lemon Herb: Add fresh lemon slices and swap paprika for oregano for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Asian-Inspired: Replace butter with sesame oil and season with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey.
- Spicy Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning instead of rosemary and thyme for a bold, spicy flavor.
- Sweet Potato Option: Replace baby potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutritious variation.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen steak or potatoes?
Yes, but thaw them first to ensure even cooking and seasoning absorption.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
3. What’s the best way to prevent foil packets from leaking?
Crimp the edges of the foil tightly, and double-layer it for added durability if necessary.
4. Can I prepare the packets ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the packets up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
5. What should I serve with this dish?
A fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or a simple side of steamed vegetables pairs beautifully with these foil packets.
