When you're out camping, the last thing you want is to stress over complicated meals. You want easy, tasty dishes that make your taste buds happy and let you enjoy the great outdoors. Imagine cooking up a hearty Campfire Chili or enjoying some S'mores Quesadillas after a long day of hiking. Sounds good, right? Stick around, and I'll share the five best easy camping recipes that'll make your trip delicious and fun!
Campfire Chili
Campfire chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for warming you up after a day of outdoor adventures. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare over an open flame, making it an ideal choice for camping trips. With a blend of beans, meat, and spices, this chili will satisfy your hunger and keep you energized for more fun in the great outdoors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, cilantro
To cook campfire chili, start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over your campfire. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the meat is fully cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until the onion is translucent. Then, mix in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and water or beef broth.
Stir everything together, bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When making campfire chili, it's essential to keep an eye on the pot and stir it regularly to prevent sticking. If you find the chili is too thick, feel free to add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
For added flavor, consider letting the chili simmer longer if time allows, as this will deepen the flavors. Finally, don't forget to pack some toppings like cheese or sour cream to improve your chili experience!
Foil Pack Veggies and Sausage
Foil pack veggies and sausage are a delightful and easy camping recipe that allows you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal cleanup. This dish combines savory sausage with a colorful medley of vegetables, all cooked together in a convenient foil packet over the campfire or grill. Perfect for family gatherings or a solo camping trip, you'll love how simple and delicious this meal can be!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup red onion, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil
Cooking Instructions:
To prepare the foil pack veggies and sausage, start by tearing off a large piece of aluminum foil, about 18 inches long.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced sausage, chopped bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Toss everything together until well-coated.
Transfer the mixture onto the center of the foil, fold the edges of the foil together to create a sealed packet, and make sure it's tightly closed to prevent any leakage.
Cook over the campfire or on a grill for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is heated through.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
You can also experiment with different seasonings or add some crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
If you're cooking over a campfire, place the foil packet on hot coals or a grill grate for best results.
Make sure to check the packet periodically to avoid overcooking, and always exercise caution when opening the foil packet, as steam will escape.
Enjoy your delicious and fuss-free meal!
One-Pot Pasta
One-Pot Pasta is the perfect camping meal that combines simplicity with deliciousness. This dish allows you to enjoy a hearty pasta meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, making it ideal for cooking over a campfire or portable stove.
With a few fresh ingredients and a single pot, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that will warm you up after a day of outdoor adventures.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the pasta, broth, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Bring the mixture to a boil over your campfire or stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot, allowing it to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat. If desired, sprinkle with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Extra Tips:
When cooking One-Pot Pasta while camping, consider using pre-chopped vegetables or even frozen veggies to save time and effort.
Additionally, you can customize this dish by adding protein such as cooked chicken, sausage, or canned beans for a heartier meal.
Remember to keep an eye on the cooking time and stir frequently, as campfire heat can vary.
Finally, make sure to pack a good pot and a sturdy stirring utensil to make the cooking process as seamless as possible. Enjoy your meal under the stars!
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for fueling your outdoor adventures. This recipe is easy to make over a campfire or portable stove and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Wrap these delicious burritos in foil, and you'll have a warm breakfast ready to go in no time!
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by heating a skillet over your campfire or portable stove.
Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they're soft and slightly caramelized.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, then pour them into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
Stir gently, cooking until the eggs are scrambled and just set.
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the cooked sausage or bacon and cheese until melted.
Take a tortilla, spoon the egg mixture onto the center, and fold the sides over to create a burrito.
Wrap it in foil to keep it warm until you're ready to eat.
Extra Tips:
Make sure to prep as much as you can at home to save time while camping.
You can chop the vegetables, cook the sausage or bacon, and even beat the eggs in advance.
Additionally, feel free to add in other ingredients like avocado, black beans, or hot peppers for extra flavor.
If you have a campfire grill, you can also toast the wrapped burritos over the flames for a few minutes to add a nice crispiness to the tortilla.
Enjoy your camping breakfast!
S'mores Quesadillas
S'mores Quesadillas are a fun and delicious twist on the classic campfire treat, combining the gooey goodness of s'mores with the crispy texture of a quesadilla. Perfect for a camping trip or a backyard bonfire, these quesadillas are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
With melted chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers all packed into a tortilla, this dish is as delightful to eat as it's simple to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate bars, chopped
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing
- Optional: additional toppings like peanut butter or Nutella
Instructions:
Begin by preheating a skillet over medium heat and greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
Place one tortilla in the skillet and layer half of the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers evenly over the tortilla.
Top with the second tortilla and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the chocolate is starting to melt.
Carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the marshmallows are gooey.
Remove from the skillet, let it cool for a minute, then cut into wedges and serve.
Extra Tips:
For an added twist, try mixing in some peanut butter or Nutella before assembling your quesadilla for a richer flavor.
If you're cooking over a campfire, use a cast-iron skillet or a grill basket for easy handling.
Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning, as the chocolate and marshmallows can melt quickly.
Enjoy these S'mores Quesadillas with a side of fresh fruit or ice cream for a delightful dessert experience!