BBQ Ranch Ground Beef Foil Packets
Juicy ground beef seasoned with smoky BBQ and creamy ranch flavors, all tucked into a foil packet with potatoes, corn, and melty cheese. These foil packets are easy to prep, packed with flavor, and perfect for the grill, oven, or campfire.
Let me tell you—this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that never gets old. I first made these BBQ Ranch Ground Beef Foil Packets during a last-minute backyard BBQ when we didn’t have burger buns… or a plan.
I grabbed what we had: ground beef, a bottle of BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, and a bag of baby potatoes. Tossed it all in foil, said a little kitchen prayer—and boom, new family favorite.
Now we make them on road trips, camping, or just when I want something fuss-free but flavor-packed.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No mess, no stress – All the magic happens inside the foil.
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BBQ + Ranch = Flavor explosion – It’s smoky, tangy, creamy, and comforting all in one bite.
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Customizable<.b> – Add veggies, spice it up, or swap cheese types.
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Perfect for summer grilling or cozy oven nights.
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Great for meal prep – You can prep the packets ahead and cook when ready!
These are the kind of meals that feel like a warm hug—easy, hearty, and packed with flavor that makes you go back for seconds (and thirds 😅).
🧑🍳 How to Make BBQ Ranch Ground Beef Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional garnish)
- Aluminum foil (4 large sheets)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat your grill or oven
- Grill: Medium heat
- Oven: 400°F (200°C)
2️⃣ Prep the foil
Tear 4 large sheets of heavy-duty foil. Spray or lightly oil the center of each sheet to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ Mix it up
In a large bowl, mix ground beef with BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine.
4️⃣ Assemble
In the center of each foil sheet, add a handful of baby potatoes and corn. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly.
Top with a thick patty of the seasoned ground beef mixture (about 1/4 lb per packet).
5️⃣ Seal the deal
Fold the foil into a sealed packet—crimp the edges well so no juices escape.
6️⃣ Cook
- Grill: 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven: 20–25 minutes, until beef is fully cooked and potatoes are tender.
7️⃣ Add cheese & finish
Carefully open each packet (steam alert! 🔥), sprinkle cheddar cheese over the beef, then reseal loosely and cook 3–5 more minutes until cheese is melted.
8️⃣ Garnish & devour
Top with chopped green onions or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve as is or with a side of ranch dressing or hot sauce. Yum!
💡 Pro Tips to Make It Even Better
- Use lean ground beef (like 85/15) to avoid greasy packets.
- Cut potatoes small so they cook evenly with the meat.
- Add bell peppers or diced onions for extra veggies and flavor.
- Double layer your foil if cooking over a campfire or high heat grill.
- Make ahead: Pack them in the morning, and grill them up when hunger strikes.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just reduce cook time slightly since they cook faster than beef.
Q: What’s a good substitute for ranch seasoning?
A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and a pinch of salt works great in a pinch.
Q: Can I cook these in the air fryer?
Yup! Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 15 minutes, checking for doneness.
Q: Can I freeze these packets?
Yes! Prep them raw, freeze flat, then thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
BBQ Ranch Ground Beef Foil Packets
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce your favorite kind
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups baby potatoes halved or quartered
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or green onions optional, for garnish
- 4 large sheets of aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Tear out 4 large sheets of foil. Lightly oil or spray the center of each to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, BBQ sauce, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently—don’t overwork it.
- Place a portion of potatoes and corn in the center of each foil sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly.
- Shape the beef mixture into 4 thick patties and place one over each veggie mix.
- Fold and seal foil tightly around the contents, creating a secure packet.
- Grill packets for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Or bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and beef is cooked through.
- Carefully open each packet, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the beef, and loosely reseal.
- Cook 3–5 more minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot—right from the foil or on a plate!
Nutrition
🍽️ Nutritional Values (Per Serving – Serves 4)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 810mg
(Nutritional values may vary based on BBQ sauce and cheese used.)
