Pizza Burger Packets Recipe

Time: 45–60 minutes
Best For: Scouts BSA, older Cub Scouts with supervision
Setting: Outdoor, campfire or charcoal
Prep Level: Moderate
Mess Level: Moderate
Skill Focus: Foil cooking, fire safety, food prep, teamwork
Cleanup Level: Low to moderate
Advancement: Cooking skills, campout cooking
Group Size: Small patrol or den groups

Pizza Burger Packets are a good way to get youth cooking outdoors. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are familiar. Young cooks feel more confident when they work with foods they already know. This helps them try new skills without feeling stressed. It also gives them a chance to work together and talk while they cook.

This recipe also teaches planning. Youth learn to gather ingredients, set up their space, and follow a clear order. These small tasks build good habits that help in camp and at home. They learn that a little preparation makes cooking easier and more fun.

Pizza Burger Packets are also flexible. Youth can choose how much of each ingredient they want. They can add more peppers or fewer onions. This freedom helps them feel proud of their meal. It also encourages them to try new foods in a low-pressure way.

Cooking this meal outdoors also gives youth a sense of independence. They see that they can make a complete meal with a simple fire and a few tools. That feeling stays with them. It helps them believe they can handle other outdoor skills too.

Pizza Burger Packets fit well with Scouting because they teach outdoor skills in a simple way. Scouts learn how to prepare food, handle tools, and work with heat safely. They also learn to clean up and care for their campsite. These are skills they will use again at troop campouts and family trips.

This recipe also supports teamwork. Scouts help each other gather ingredients and build their packs. They talk through each step and check on one another. This builds trust. It also makes the meal taste better because they worked for it together.

Scouts also learn problem solving from this recipe. If a pack is too full, they fix it. If it needs more time on the fire, they adjust it. These small choices build confidence. They learn that mistakes are normal and that they can solve them.

Finally, this recipe helps Scouts enjoy the outdoors. They sit together near the fire and enjoy a warm meal they made themselves. The setting feels relaxed. It gives them time to talk, laugh, and build friendships. This is a big part of what Scouting is about.

Equipment And Materials

• Charcoal fire or campfire
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spoon
• Heat-proof gloves or tongs

Ingredients

• 4 ground beef burgers or cube steaks
• 4 small potatoes, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 green peppers, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese

Setup

1. Prepare your charcoal fire so it is hot and ready.
2. Tear four pieces of heavy-duty foil. Each sheet should be large enough to fold around the food.
3. Lightly spray or oil the center of each foil sheet to prevent sticking.
4. Set all sliced vegetables and meat within easy reach.

Recipe

1. Place one burger on the center of each foil sheet.
2. Add some potatoes, onions, and peppers to each pack.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon 1/4 cup pizza sauce over each pack.
5. Fold and seal each pack tightly.
6. Place the packs on the hot coals. Cook until the meat is done and the vegetables are tender.
7. Open each pack carefully. Add one slice of mozzarella cheese.
8. Close the pack loosely and let the cheese melt. Enjoy while warm.

For detailed instructions for sealing and cooking the pack, see How to Make a Foil Pack (Hobo) Meal

Notes

• Add mushrooms, olives, or pepperoni if your group likes extra toppings.
• Use ground beef patties that are the same size so they cook evenly.
• Keep hands clear of steam when opening the packs. Steam can burn quickly.
• Make sure the fire area is stable so packs do not tip or spill.

Click here for a printable copy of the Pizza Burger Packets Recipe Instructions

Foil Pack Dinners

If your Scouts enjoy making Pizza Burger Packets, they will like trying other simple meals too. My Foil Pack Dinners page has many ideas that work well at camp. Each recipe uses basic ingredients and follows the same simple method. This helps youth feel more comfortable cooking outdoors.

The page also explains how to build, seal, and cook a foil pack. These skills carry over to many other meals. Scouts can explore new flavors while learning good outdoor cooking habits. It is a helpful place to find your next camp recipe.

Video Instructions for Pizza Burger Packets

What Scouts Learn Beyond the Meal

What are Pizza Burger Packets?

Pizza Burger Packets are foil meals made with a burger, sliced vegetables, pizza sauce, and cheese. Everything cooks together over a fire. They are easy to make and good for youth who are learning outdoor cooking.

Can I use different vegetables in Pizza Burger Packets?

Yes. You can add mushrooms, tomatoes, or olives. You can also leave out any vegetables your group does not like. Pizza Burger Packets work well with many simple changes.

How long do Pizza Burger Packets take to cook?

They usually take about 20 to 30 minutes on hot coals. Cooking times can change if the fire is cooler or if the packs are very full. Check often and open carefully.

Can Pizza Burger Packets be made with chicken or turkey?

Yes. You can use ground chicken or turkey patties. Just make sure they are cooked all the way through before adding the cheese.

Are Pizza Burger Packets safe for younger Scouts to help make?

Yes, with supervision. Youth can add ingredients and help build the packs. Adults should handle the fire and hot foil. Always remind youth to watch for steam when opening Pizza Burger Packets.

Pizza Burger Packets bring together two foods youth already enjoy. The burger gives the meal structure, and the pizza sauce adds familiar flavor. Everything cooks inside a foil pack, so cleanup is easy. This makes the recipe a good choice for campouts or backyard practice.

The vegetables add color and texture. Scouts can pick the mix they like best. This helps them feel more involved in the cooking. It also encourages them to try new ingredients in a simple way.

The cheese melts at the end and ties everything together. The warm pack feels satisfying after a day outside. Scouts see how a few basic steps can make a full meal.

Pizza Burger Packets also help build skills. Youth learn to set up their space, follow steps, and check for doneness. These small tasks help them feel confident with outdoor cooking.