Camping Recipes for Easy Meals on Your Next Adventure
As someone who loves both cooking and camping, I’m always on the lookout for easy and tasty recipes that can make outdoor meals both fun and delicious. There’s something incredibly rewarding about preparing a meal under the open sky, especially when you’re surrounded by nature. In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite camping recipes that are simple, satisfying, and perfect for cooking over a campfire or on a portable stove. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newbie to outdoor cooking, these recipes are sure to make your camping experience even more enjoyable.
1. One-Pot Camping Chili
Chili is a perfect camping meal for a variety of reasons. It’s hearty, filling, and easy to make in one pot, which means minimal cleanup. I usually prepare the ingredients ahead of time, so all I need to do is combine everything at the campsite. Here’s how I make my one-pot camping chili:
1.1 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a vegetarian alternative like beans or soy protein)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water or broth as needed for consistency
1.2 Instructions
Start by cooking the ground beef (or vegetarian substitute) in a large pot over your campfire or portable stove. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic and sauté until softened. Next, stir in the canned tomatoes, beans, and spices. Add water or broth to achieve your desired chili consistency. Simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. Serve with some cornbread or crackers for a satisfying meal that will warm you up after a day of outdoor activities!
2. Grilled Campfire Quesadillas
If you love cheesy goodness and want to make something super quick and easy, grilled quesadillas are an excellent choice. They require minimal ingredients and can be customized with whatever you have on hand. I’ve used this recipe during many camping trips, and it’s always a hit.
2.1 Ingredients
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Cooked chicken, beef, or beans for protein
- Optional: sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms
- Olive oil or butter for grilling
2.2 Instructions
Start by heating a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over your campfire. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle it with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add your choice of protein and veggies, then top it with another tortilla. Cook for a few minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden and crispy. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a flavorful camping treat!
3. Campfire Foil Packets
One of the easiest and most versatile meals you can make while camping is a foil packet dinner. These are perfect for cooking meat, potatoes, and veggies all in one go. What I love about foil packets is that they can be customized to suit your taste, and cleanup is a breeze. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious campfire foil packet:
3.1 Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (or your choice of meat or fish)
- 1 potato, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil
3.2 Instructions
Preheat your campfire or grill to medium heat. Lay out a large sheet of aluminum foil and place the chicken breasts in the center. Surround the chicken with the potato, bell pepper, and onion slices. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Fold the foil over the ingredients to create a sealed packet. Cook the foil packet over the fire for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once done, open the packet carefully (steam can escape), and enjoy a perfectly cooked meal in minutes!
4. Sweet and Savory Grilled Fruit Skewers
For a simple dessert that’s perfect for camping, I often make sweet grilled fruit skewers. They’re easy to prepare, require no baking, and are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal. Here’s my go-to recipe:
4.1 Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 apple, cored and cut into chunks
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water to prevent burning)
4.2 Instructions
Thread the fruit pieces onto the skewers, alternating between pineapple, apple, and banana. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon for added flavor. Grill the skewers over the campfire for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the fruit is soft and slightly caramelized. These grilled fruit skewers are a sweet, healthy, and fun way to end your camping meal!
5. Camping Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and Veggies
When it comes to breakfast on a camping trip, you can’t go wrong with scrambled eggs. They’re quick to cook, filling, and easily customizable. I like to add veggies to my scrambled eggs for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
5.1 Ingredients
- 4-6 eggs (depending on how many people you’re cooking for)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- Cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or butter for cooking
5.2 Instructions
Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over the campfire. Add the chopped veggies and sauté until they soften. Crack the eggs directly into the skillet, scrambling them with the veggies. Cook until the eggs are fully set, and season with salt and pepper. Add cheese if desired for extra flavor. Serve with toast or fruit for a hearty breakfast to start your day!
