Introduction

This oven-baked 5-ingredient beef and onion foil packet dinner is a simple, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender beef, sweet onions, and baby potatoes all cooked together, it’s easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Oven-Baked 5-Ingredient Beef & Onion Foil Packet Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced beef steak (such as sirloin or round)
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved (or small potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons steak seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (optional, depending on your seasoning blend)
Nonstick cooking spray (for foil, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Tear off 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12×18 inches each, and lightly spray the center of each with nonstick cooking spray if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables by thinly slicing the onions and halving the baby potatoes (or cutting larger potatoes into 1-inch chunks). Pat the beef dry with paper towels and slice into strips if it isn’t already thinly sliced.
Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes and onions with olive oil, steak seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. This ensures the seasoning coats everything evenly.
Step 4: Divide the seasoned onion and potato mixture evenly among the four foil sheets, placing it in the center of each. Top each with an equal portion of the sliced beef, spreading it out for even cooking.
Step 5: Seal the packets by bringing the long sides of the foil up and together over the filling and folding them down tightly, then rolling up the short ends to form a snug packet. Leave a little room inside for air circulation to help the steam cook the ingredients.
Step 6: Place the packets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through. If you prefer your beef less done, open the packets for the last 5 minutes to release some steam and reduce cooking time.
Step 7: Carefully open one packet to check doneness (watch for hot steam) and test a potato with a fork. If needed, reseal and bake for another 5–10 minutes. When everything is tender, remove from oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Step 8: Serve the foil packets directly on plates or slide the contents into shallow bowls. Spoon any juices over the top for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a few garlic cloves or a sprig of fresh rosemary to each packet before sealing.
Swap baby potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste and different texture.
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce inside the packets before baking.
Use pre-marinated beef strips to save time and boost flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover foil packet contents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid reheating in foil packets in the oven for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed thinly sliced beef to ensure even cooking. Frozen beef may release too much moisture and cook unevenly inside the packets.

Can I make this recipe on a grill instead of the oven?

Yes, you can cook these foil packets on a preheated grill over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally. Just watch for flare-ups and check doneness frequently.

Oven-Baked 5-Ingredient Beef & Onion Foil Packet Dinner Recipe

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4.4 from 116 reviews

This Oven-Baked 5-Ingredient Beef & Onion Foil Packet Dinner is a simple, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender thinly sliced beef, sweet onions, and baby potatoes are seasoned and sealed in foil packets, then baked to juicy perfection. The foil packets lock in moisture and aromas, delivering a delicious one-pan dinner with minimal cleanup.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced beef steak (such as sirloin or round)
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved (or small potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks)

Seasoning and Oils

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons steak seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (optional, depending on your seasoning blend)
Nonstick cooking spray (for foil, optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Foil: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Tear off 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each). Lightly spray the center of each foil sheet with nonstick cooking spray if desired to prevent sticking.
Prep Vegetables and Beef: Thinly slice the onions and halve the baby potatoes (or cut larger potatoes into 1-inch chunks). Pat the beef dry with paper towels and, if needed, slice into strips thinly enough for even cooking.
Season Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes and sliced onions with olive oil, steak seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper as desired. This ensures even seasoning throughout the packets.
Assemble Foil Packets: Divide the seasoned onion-and-potato mixture evenly among the centers of the four foil sheets. Top each with an equal portion of the sliced beef, spreading it out evenly to help it cook uniformly.
Seal Packets: Bring the long sides of the foil up over the filling and fold them down tightly to seal. Then roll up the short ends to form snug packets with a little internal space for steam circulation to cook the ingredients thoroughly.
Bake: Place the foil packets on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced and the beef is cooked through. For thinner beef or less done meat, open the packets for the last 5 minutes to allow steam to escape and reduce cooking time slightly.
Check Doneness: Carefully open one packet (watch out for hot steam) and test a potato with a fork. If not tender, reseal and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes. Once tender, remove packets from oven.
Rest and Serve: Let the packets rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Serve the foil packets directly on plates or transfer the contents to shallow bowls. Spoon any juices over the top for extra rich oniony, beefy flavor.

Notes

Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing during baking.
Adjust seasoning blend according to taste preferences or dietary needs.
If using larger potatoes, ensure pieces are cut uniformly to guarantee even cooking.
Foil packets can be customized with additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots.
Opening the packets during the last minutes of cooking helps reduce moisture if you prefer less steamed, softer textures.

Keywords: beef foil packets, easy beef dinner, baked beef and potatoes, foil packet meals, steak dinner recipe, onion beef recipe