Inside-Out Hamburgers

Ingredients

  • (Serves 6 to 7)
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 large onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 6–7 pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (12 x 18 inches)

Filling Options (Mix and Match)

  • Grated cheddar cheese
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Cooked bacon
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Crumbled bleu cheese
  • Pickles
  • Chopped tomato
  • Fresh parsley
  • Chopped onion
  • Chili
  • Salsa
  • Zucchini
  • Green pepper
  • Relish

Burgers are a staple of outdoor cooking—but what if you could take that classic and make it even more fun, flavorful, and fire-ready? Meet the Inside-Out Hamburger, a stuffed, foil-wrapped meal that combines smoky flavor with gooey, savory fillings.

Perfect for backyard fire pits, camping trips, or even grilling at home, these burgers are more than just meat—they’re little bundles of delicious surprises!

Cooking Steps

  • 1
    Divide the ground beef into 12 to 14 equal portions. Flatten each ball into a large, thin patty.
  • 2
    Place 2 slices of onion on a sheet of foil and top with one patty. Add your chosen fillings to the center of the patty, leaving 1/2-inch edge all around.
  • 3
    Place a second patty on top, and carefully press around the edges to seal it shut. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then add 2 more onion slices on top.
  • 4
    Fold the foil using the drugstore-wrap method—fold edges over twice, then tuck the ends in to create a tight, sealed pouch.
  • 5
    Place each foil-wrapped burger on hot coals, cooking for 12 minutes per side. Carefully check one to ensure meat is fully cooked.

Burger Building Tips

  • 1
    Don’t overstuff – Too much filling can cause the patties to separate.
  • 2
    Add garlic powder or steak seasoning to the meat for an extra kick.
  • 3
    Flip with long-handled tongs to avoid burning hands.
  • 4
    Pre-shred cheeses at home to save time at camp.

Kid-Friendly Version

Let kids customize their own burger fillings—like cheddar, bacon, and pickles—and wrap their own foil packs. It turns dinner into a fun, hands-on activity that they’ll remember.

Indoor Option

If you don’t have a fire going, bake the foil packs on a cookie sheet at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Roughing It Easy

Take all of Dian’s tips & tricks with
you on your next outdoor adventure!