diff --git a/include/target.mk b/include/target.mk
index ef5a65665c..52dedcc75a 100644
--- a/include/target.mk
+++ b/include/target.mk
@@ -20,6 +20,10 @@ DEFAULT_PACKAGES.bootloader:=
 # Add device specific packages
 DEFAULT_PACKAGES += $(DEFAULT_PACKAGES.$(DEVICE_TYPE))
 
+# Add metapackages for menu groups that a) don't build or install anything, and b) prevent other packages from 
+# appearing in the package list if they are not selected
+DEFAULT_PACKAGES += coreutils
+
 ifneq ($(DUMP),)
   all: dumpinfo
 endif