Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets Recipe

Here's something you'll love—juicy garlic steak and tender potatoes, all cooked together in a convenient foil packet. The sizzling aroma of buttery garlic-infused steak mingling with crispy-edged potatoes is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

This recipe became a staple in my kitchen after one camping trip where we needed something easy, mess-free, and absolutely delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, everything cooks perfectly inside its foil packet, locking in all the flavors. Whether you’re making it on the grill, over a campfire, or in the oven, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets

Get ready for your next favorite no-fuss dinner. These foil packets are packed with rich, buttery garlic flavor and hearty steak-and-potato goodness.

First, they’re ridiculously easy to make. With minimal prep and no fancy techniques required, this recipe is perfect for beginners and busy weeknights alike.

Cleanup is a breeze. Since everything cooks inside the foil, there are no pots or pans to scrub—just toss the foil and you’re done.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Prefer a different cut of steak? Want to toss in some extra veggies? You can customize these packets however you like.

And the best part? Perfectly cooked steak and potatoes, every time. The foil locks in moisture, ensuring juicy steak bites and tender potatoes that soak up every bit of that garlicky butter goodness.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what makes each one essential.

Steak – Choose a well-marbled cut like sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak. These cuts stay juicy and tender after cooking. Avoid lean cuts like round steak, as they tend to dry out in the foil packets.

Potatoes – Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while turning buttery soft. If using larger potatoes, cut them into smaller chunks to ensure even cooking.

Garlic Butter – A mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley infuses the steak and potatoes with rich, savory flavor. Fresh garlic is a must—powder just won’t deliver the same depth.

Seasonings – A simple blend of salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme enhances the steak without overpowering it. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Olive Oil – Helps coat the potatoes, giving them a slightly crispy texture while preventing them from sticking to the foil.

If you’re cooking these on the grill, heavy-duty foil is recommended to prevent any tearing. For oven baking, a baking sheet underneath provides extra support.

How To Make This Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets

This method ensures perfectly cooked steak and potatoes with minimal effort.

Start by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F. If using an open flame like a campfire, wait until the fire has steady, hot embers to avoid burning the packets.

Meanwhile, chop your steak into bite-sized cubes—about 1-inch pieces work best. Keep them uniform for even cooking. Do the same for your potatoes, especially if using larger varieties.

In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. This ensures they’re well-coated and flavorful before even hitting the foil.

Next, prepare the garlic butter mixture by melting butter and stirring in freshly minced garlic and chopped parsley. Pour half of this mixture over the potatoes and toss again.

Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty foil and divide the seasoned potatoes evenly among them. Add the steak cubes on top, then drizzle the remaining garlic butter mixture over everything.

Fold the foil over the steak and potatoes, sealing the edges tightly to create a secure packet. Make sure there are no gaps where juices could leak out.

Place the packets directly on the grill grates or in the oven on a baking sheet. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. When done, the potatoes should be fork-tender, and the steak should be perfectly juicy.

Carefully open the foil packets—the steam will be hot! Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finishing touch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the steak and potatoes together to preserve the flavors.

To reheat, place the mixture back in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also heat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to keep everything from drying out.

Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak tough and overcook the potatoes.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up.

For a different protein, swap steak for chicken thighs, shrimp, or even salmon. Just adjust the cooking time—chicken may need a few extra minutes, while shrimp cook much faster.

Want more vegetables? Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus to the foil packets for extra color and nutrition.

If you love a spicy kick, mix some cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the garlic butter for a heat boost.

For a low-carb version, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini. They’ll soak up the garlic butter just as well.

Finally, if you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded Parmesan over the packets after cooking for a salty, umami-rich finish.

Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this recipe truly your own. However you choose to prepare them, these Garlic Steak & Potato Foil Packets are sure to become a family favorite!

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