Love cooking dinners but hate cleaning up the mess? I feel you. That’s where tin foil dinners come in handy.
Aluminum foil is just what you need for zero-mess cooking.
Given its texture, you may not consider it that mighty. But I guarantee you that it has a couple of impressive tricks up its sleeve.
Tin foil is known for its protective properties that maintain the food’s aroma, flavor, and moisture while cooking.
Line the foil on grill trays, and voila! Everything is tidy, and the kitchen work is finished early.
You found the tin foil; the battle is half-won. Time to decide which awesome meal to cook. Here are 24 tin foil dinner recipes to keep you winning.
1. Greek Potato Foil Packs
If you’re looking for a delicious, fiber-rich dinner, small boiled potatoes are just the ticket.
Mix feta cheese, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, olives, salt, pepper, and herbs together with baby potatoes. Bake or grill for 25 minutes and you’re done. Easy-peasy!
2. Grilled Salmon in Foil
Garlic lovers will rejoice in this grilled salmon recipe. Imagine a butter-garlic mixture topped with lemon zest, plus white wine for a flavorful kick.
This savory mixture goes on top of the fresh salmon, which you have the option to grill or bake, then broil.
Whichever method you prefer, don’t forget to open up the foil packet in the last few minutes to get a crispy salmon bursting with garlic goodness in each bite.
3. Foil Packet Burgers
Grilled burgers make for a delish, juicy meal. But wait, what if you don’t have a grill or the energy to use one?
I recommend this recipe, which cooks burgers in foil packets inside the oven at 400 degrees.
Feel free to do anything you like with the burgers before cooking them. You can add mushrooms and veggies for a healthy mix, or top them with different kinds of cheese.
4. Foil Packet Steak, Potatoes and Veggies
This is the recipe you need to cook meat, veggies, and potatoes at once. Infused with strong buttery and garlic flavors, this meal is unforgettable.
Chop the steak, potatoes, and veggies according to the size you like. But of course, the smaller the pieces, the shorter the cooking time.
For the most tender outcome, opt for expensive cuts. Ribeye, whole eye fillet, and top sirloin are all great options.
5. Chicken Fajita Foil Packs
Nothing quite beats this yummy foil pack meal that can be cooked all-year-round. You can bake it, grill it, or cook it like a campfire chef.
The ingredients you need are easy to find — taco-seasoned chicken, bell peppers, onion, and rice.
Thanks to this meal’s protein, fiber, and healthy fats, you’ll have a dinner that is both delectable and nutritious.
6. Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Looking for a light yet flavorsome meal? Gather up some slices of ham and cheese and your tin packets for this quick and no-mess recipe.
Like other dinner ideas on this list, ham and cheese sandwiches can be baked, grilled, or cooked over the coals.
This meal is perfect for a fun picnic in the backyard.
7. Shrimp Boil
This shrimp boil recipe offers you a full meal right out of a tin foil packet. Think deveined and peeled shrimps, baby red potatoes, andouille sausage, and corn on the cob.
All of them are seasoned with a kick of cajun, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I know — this meal is to die for!
When using the grill, cooking time is around 15–20 minutes.
Complete this picture-perfect dish by garnishing it with some chopped parsley leaves, then devour immediately. It’s that appetizing.
8. Campfire Chili Cheese Fries
You might want to satisfy your junk food craving the next time you go camping. This is when the heavenly campfire chili cheese fries come in.
You’ll only need a pack of fries, a can of chili, and grated cheese.
Preparing this meal is super easy; you can let the kids try it. Did I mention that you can use an oven for this? You’ll feel the camping vibes, even when at home.
9. Foil Packet Chicken Rice and Broccoli
Keep it balanced by trying this nutrient-packed meal next. The main ingredients include chicken and rice with some fresh greens.
You can use broccoli alone or be experimental by mixing zucchini, asparagus, and green beans.
The secret ingredient? Italian seasoning mixed with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Now that the secret’s out, be generous with this mixture to create a flavorful meal for the whole fam.
10. Tater Tot and Meatball Foil Packs
Put your potatoes and meat to good use with this kid-friendly recipe. Tater tots, meatballs, cheese — on a grill, in a tinfoil packet — it’s an exciting meal that children will love.
Sneak in some veggies for a health boost. Make sure to seal the foil tight and place it in the freezer if you’re preparing it in advance.
11. Cajun Shrimp
Cajun shrimp is a summertime favorite that won’t heat up the house. If you’re craving an outdoor experience, take the cooking outside with your outdoor barbecue grill.
Preparation time takes 10 minutes because all you have to do is toss everything — shrimp, sausages, corns, and potatoes — in the foil packet, then grill.
Don’t forget the cajun for that spicy, bold flavor.
12. Lemon Butter Cod
Give your seafood dinner a twist, even on a busy night, with this easy-to-prep meal.
Use frozen cod fillets for convenience, mix them with lemon and onion slices for a citrus flavor, then add seasoning and chunks of butter to taste.
After 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delightful meal without leaving a mess behind!
13. Onion Pot Roast
For a delicious meal for the whole family, onion pot roast is always something to consider. If you have a dry soup mix tucked away somewhere, now’s the time to use it.
Sprinkle it on the meat, seal everything with foil, roast until tender, and serve with its juices and some veggies for a complete meal.
14. Hobo Dinner
Make another summertime hit right inside (or outside) your house with this recipe. The main ingredients for a hobo dinner meal are ground beef and veggies.
But of course, you can always customize each foil pack.
For additional flavors, pour in cream of mushroom soup or put a slice of cheese on top.
15. Sausage and Potato Foil Packs
If you have a habit of making a tin foil dinner several times a week, this one should be on your routine list.
You’ll only need a sausage and potatoes for this simply amazing meal.
The most important ingredient here is the sausage, as it brings so much flavor to the potatoes.
16. Stuffed Peppers
Perfect for camping, backyard picnics, or simple dinners, these stuffed peppers bring a combination of intense flavors and much-needed nutrients to one meal.
For a complete dinner, pair with sides like salad, garlic bread, or mashed potatoes.
17. Baked Tilapia in Foil
This is another seafood favorite in the form of a baked tilapia, topped with butter, lemon slices, and some fresh vegetables.
Thanks to the tin foil’s capacity to seal in the food’s savory spices, bursts of flavors will surely come out from this packet.
If you’re looking for other flavors besides lemon, you can use your favorite seasoning or other herbs you prefer.
18. Cajun Chicken and Veggies
In 30 minutes or less, you’ll have a satisfying, low-carb meal for the family with this recipe. Summertime or not, cajun chicken and veggies won’t let you down.
Get a quick fix for your spicy cravings by combining chicken breasts, broccoli florets, zucchini, and bell peppers, flavored with cajun seasoning for a super tasty dinner.
19. Curry Cauliflower Grill Packs
Originating from India, curry produces an earthy, strong flavor due to its combination of sweet and savory spices.
Imagine this taste seeping through bite-sized cauliflower florets. Still not enticed?
Throw some chickpeas, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes into the mix. Then dip in a vegan yogurt sauce for a healthy and hearty meal.
20. Zucchini Parmesan Foil Packs
If you’re looking for another healthy meal with minimum effort, this recipe has just two ingredients: zucchini and parmesan cheese.
You can make it anytime, anywhere, as it can be grilled, baked, or cooked in a campfire. For a tasty twist, add some basil, oregano, salt, pepper, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
21. Grilled Pineapple Chicken
Chicken + pineapple covered in savory teriyaki sauce — who wouldn’t fall in love with this recipe?
Adding some onion and bell peppers would bring out more flavors from this meal. If you’re feeling generous, add in some cilantro and sesame dressing.
22. Nachos
If you haven’t tried nachos in baked or grilled form, you should! Prepare them the same way you would do for ordinary nachos.
Mix the spicy beef, tomatoes, green chiles, black beans, and chips. But this time, put them all inside the foil.
Never forget the cheese, LOTS of it, and watch it melt and take over your foiled nachos.
23. Campfire Philly Cheesesteak
Yet another hearty camping meal on my list features a large loaf of French bread loaded with sliced roasted beef, cheese, with a hint of garlic-buttery and peppery taste.
The idea is to cut slices into the bread (but not through the bottom) and stuff it with the tasty contents. Cut all the way through when all the campers are ready to eat.
24. Meatloaf Foil Packs
Grilled succotash and tender turkey meat glazed with barbecue sauce — it’s one of those meals you’ll love to have on a summer night or while camping under the stars.
To make it easy for you, prep the meatloaf ahead of time.
On the camping day, just assemble the foil packets, cook, and pour in the sauce. For sure, you’ll leave the campground full and mess-free.
24 Easy Tin Foil Dinner Recipe Collection
Looking for the best tin foil dinner recipes? From chicken to veggies to cheesesteak, these easy meals make cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a tin foil meal in 30 minutes or less!
