Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just venturing into the great outdoors, one of the most rewarding parts of camping is cooking your meals over an open flame or a portable stove. But camping meals don’t have to be elaborate – in fact, the simpler, the better! Here are five easy and delicious camping meals that require minimal ingredients and prep, letting you spend more time enjoying nature.
1. Campfire Tacos
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (or a plant-based meat alternative)
- Taco seasoning
- Tortillas
- Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions:
- In a skillet over your campfire or portable stove, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then stir in taco seasoning and a bit of water.
- While the meat cooks, warm the tortillas over the fire for a few seconds on each side.
- Spoon the seasoned meat onto tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
Pro tip: Pre-chop the toppings at home to save on prep time at the campsite. You’ll have a quick, satisfying meal ready in just minutes!
2. One-Pot Pasta
Ingredients:
- Your choice of pasta
- Marinara sauce or diced tomatoes
- Veggies (like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms)
- Grated Parmesan or shredded cheese
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring some water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente.
- Drain some of the water, leaving a small amount in the pot, and stir in marinara sauce and veggies. Let it simmer until the veggies are tender.
- Sprinkle with cheese and serve hot.
Pro tip: Look for quick-cook pasta varieties to cut down on cooking time, and consider pre-chopping your veggies for easy assembly.
3. Foil Packet Fajitas
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced (or a vegetarian option like black beans)
- Bell peppers and onions, sliced
- Fajita seasoning
- Tortillas
Instructions:
- On a large piece of foil, place the sliced chicken, peppers, onions, and sprinkle fajita seasoning over it.
- Wrap tightly and place the foil packet on the grill or over the campfire, letting it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Carefully open the foil packet and spoon the mixture into tortillas.
Pro tip: Make these packets at home and keep them in a cooler so you can just pop them on the fire when it’s time to eat. Cleanup is a breeze with foil packets!
4. Breakfast Burritos
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- Eggs
- Pre-cooked sausage or bacon
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
Instructions:
- Scramble the eggs in a skillet over the fire, adding pre-cooked sausage or bacon as they cook.
- Once cooked, place the mixture onto a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and add a spoonful of salsa.
- Roll up the tortilla and enjoy a hot, filling breakfast.
Pro tip: Wrap the burritos in foil and warm them by the fire for a few minutes before serving if you want them a bit crispy.
5. Campfire Chili
Ingredients:
- Canned chili beans (or kidney beans)
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Ground beef or turkey
- Chili seasoning
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the meat and add in the chili seasoning.
- Stir in the beans and tomatoes, and let the chili simmer over the fire for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve hot with cheese, sour cream, or green onions on top.
Pro tip: This meal is easy to double up if you’re camping with a group. Chili always tastes better with a bit of simmering, so don’t rush it!
Final Tips for Campfire Cooking Success
- Prep at home: Save time by chopping vegetables, marinating meats, or even pre-cooking items that need more cooking time.
- Bring foil and reusable containers: Foil is versatile for cooking and storage, and reusable containers can help keep ingredients fresh.
- Adjust for dietary needs: Many of these recipes are adaptable for vegetarians or gluten-free campers.
Cooking while camping can be easy, satisfying, and, best of all, delicious. Give these easy camping meals a try on your next trip – your taste buds and your camping mates will thank you!
