Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets Recipe

Garlic steak and potato foil packets are a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or even cooking over a campfire. This dish combines tender steak, seasoned potatoes, and fresh vegetables in a savory garlic butter sauce—all wrapped up for easy cooking and cleanup. Here’s how to make these delicious foil packets step by step.

Ingredients

For the Steak & Potatoes:

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, quartered
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional for added color and flavor)
• 1 small onion, cut into chunks
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed:

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Grill or oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Foil

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Cut heavy-duty aluminum foil into 4 large pieces, about 12-15 inches each.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak and Vegetables

• In a large bowl, combine the steak cubes, quartered potatoes, bell pepper chunks, and onion chunks.
• Drizzle with olive oil and add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is well coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets

• Divide the steak and vegetable mixture evenly among the foil sheets.
• Top each packet with a few small pieces of unsalted butter for added richness.
• Fold the foil over the steak and vegetables, crimping the edges to create a sealed packet.

Step 4: Cook the Packets

• Grill Method: Place the packets on the preheated grill and cook for 10-12 minutes per side, flipping once, until the steak is cooked to your liking and the potatoes are tender.
• Oven Method: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by carefully opening one packet and testing a potato piece for tenderness.

Step 5: Serve

• Carefully open the packets to avoid steam burns.
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve directly from the foil for easy cleanup.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve these packets with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
• Storage: Store any leftover steak and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Helpful Notes

• Potato Size: Make sure to cut the potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly with the steak.
• Steak Doneness: For medium-rare steak, cook for about 10 minutes per side on the grill or 20 minutes in the oven. Increase cooking time for more well-done steak.
• Butter Substitute: Use garlic herb butter for added flavor.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Gordon Ramsay: Suggests marinating the steak with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.
• Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): Recommends adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked packets for a hint of brightness.
• Jamie Oliver: Suggests tossing in a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these foil packets ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the packets and store them in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before cooking. This makes them great for meal prep or camping.

Q2: Can I use other cuts of steak?
Yes, flank steak, tenderloin, or even sirloin tips work well. Just adjust the cooking time for thicker cuts.

Q3: What other vegetables can I add?
Carrots, green beans, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are great additions. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Q4: How do I prevent the foil from tearing?
Use heavy-duty foil or double layer regular foil to prevent tearing during cooking.

Q5: Can I cook these packets in an air fryer?
Yes, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness halfway through.

Q6: What if my potatoes are not fully cooked?
Return the packets to the grill or oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or microwave the potatoes separately until tender.

Q7: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and cook similarly to regular potatoes.

Q8: How do I avoid overcooking the steak?
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and ensure you don’t overcook past your preferred temperature (130-135°F for medium-rare).

Q9: Can I add cheese?
Yes, add shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a melted, cheesy topping.

Q10: Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, just thaw them before adding to the packets to ensure even cooking.

Enjoy these garlic steak and potato foil packets as a quick, flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and clean up!