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One of the best parts of camping is gathering around the campfire to cook and share meals with your pack. One of our favorite campfire dishes is Silver Turtles— formally called “hobo burgers” this is fun and delicious meal outdoors. Here’s how to make this tasty treat, along with a budget-friendly breakdown and step-by-step instructions.
What Are Silver Turtles?
Silver Turtles are essentially a delightful combination of meat, cheese (optional), and veggies wrapped in foil and cooked over the campfire. They’re perfect for a diverse group of families and can be customized to suit everyone’s dietary needs.
Budget
Approximate Budget: $10 to $15 per person, depending on the ingredients you choose. This meal is cost-effective, especially when cooking for a group.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Silver Turtles:
- Ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) – about 1 lb per 4 people
- Cheese (individually wrapped American, or shredded cheddar) – 1 cup per 4 people
- Chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, celery and potatoes) – 1 cup per 4 people
- Leaved cabbage -halved and peel the layers 1 cabbage per 12 people
- Taco seasoning or your favorite spices – season to taste
- Large pieces of aluminum foil – 2 for each serving12″ tears
- Optional extras: Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for serving
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- At home, chop your vegetables and place in carry containers https://amzn.to/3NoEzGS (these are great, and empty cold cut containers from lunch prep works too.) Gather all the ingredients. Pre-roll ground beef into 3″ balls. Cut chicken into 1″ cubes. Place raw meat in travel containers. (https://amzn.to/3Y0GCGa this is a great deal on a 50 pack of leakproof travel containers safer to carry raw meat in.) Prep work makes it easier to assemble the Silver Turtles at the campsite.
- Set Up Your Campfire:
- Build a campfire and let it burn down until you have hot coals. https://amzn.to/3YnO5jR Charcoal Chimney starters are perfect for this task see blog post on how to use a chimney.
- You can also use a portable grill if you prefer. https://amzn.to/3BHCumZ Coleman makes a reliable tabletop propane grill.
- Assemble the Silver Turtles:
- Take a piece of aluminum foil (shinny side in) place two leaves of cabbage.
- In the center, add a portion of the ground meat (about ¼ lb per person).
- Sprinkle seasoning over the meat for flavor.
- Add a handful of chopped vegetables and top with shredded cheese.
- Fold the foil over the ingredients, creating a sealed pouch to prevent any filling from escaping. Smash the package and wrap in the second sheet and smash (sound effects help).
- Cook the Silver Turtles:
- Place the foil pouch on a large sheet of foil directly onto the hot coals or grill.
- Cook for about 20–30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The meat should be fully cooked check that chicken if fully cooked. You can use a thermometer to check https://amzn.to/3YkqPDr
- Enjoy Your Meal:
- Carefully open the foil pouch (it will be hot!)
- Add a slice of cheese or a handful of shredded cheese.
- Add optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
- Serve your Silver Turtles right from the foil.
Tips for Enjoyment
- Make it a Group Activity: Involve everyone in the preparation and cooking process. It’s a great way to bond and have fun together!
- Customize Your Turtles: Encourage everyone to personalize their Silver Turtles with their favorite ingredients.
- Use food grade gloves: https://amzn.to/488g8ao latex free to avoid any allergies.
- Write names on the foil- Use mustard to write names on the foil, or high heat Sharpie https://amzn.to/4eIg8At.
- Stay Safe: Always supervise children around the campfire and make sure they understand fire safety.
Happy camping and bon appétit!
DAD JOKE ALERT
Why did the Silver Turtle get invited to all the campfires?
Because it always wrapped up a great meal!
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