When you’re out camping, a good dinner can be the highlight of the day. Preparing meals outdoors doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and some simple recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals without spending hours cooking. Here are some of the best easy camping dinners to try on your next trip.
One-Pot Pasta
A one-pot pasta dish is perfect for camping. It’s simple, quick, and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice
- A jar of marinara sauce
- Vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- Pre-cooked sausage or canned chicken (optional)
- Water or broth for cooking
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
How to Prepare:
- Add the pasta, sauce, and enough water or broth to cover the pasta into a pot.
- Toss in chopped vegetables and pre-cooked meat.
- Cook over a campfire or camping stove until the pasta is tender.
- Stir occasionally and season to taste before serving.
This dish is customizable. You can swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Campfire Chili
Chili is a hearty meal that’s easy to make in one pot. It’s also filling and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey
- Canned beans (kidney, black, or pinto)
- Diced tomatoes
- Onion and garlic
- Chili seasoning or spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika)
- Salt and pepper
How to Prepare:
- Cook the ground meat in a pot until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
- Simmer over medium heat for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve with crackers or cornbread if available.
Chili can be made ahead of time and reheated at the campsite for an even quicker dinner.
Foil Packet Dinners
Foil packet dinners are a camping classic. They’re versatile and require no dishes for cleanup.
Ingredients:
- Protein (chicken, fish, or tofu)
- Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, zucchini, or broccoli)
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt, pepper, and your favorite spices
- Lemon slices or fresh herbs for flavor
How to Prepare:
- Lay out large pieces of aluminum foil.
- Place the protein and vegetables in the center of each foil piece.
- Drizzle with olive oil or add a pat of butter.
- Season generously and add herbs or lemon slices.
- Seal the foil packets tightly and cook over hot coals or on a grill for 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully open the packets and enjoy directly from the foil.
These packets can be customized to include any combination of ingredients you like.
Grilled Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and satisfying option for dinner. They can be made with simple ingredients and cooked on a grill or skillet.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Pre-cooked chicken, beans, or vegetables
- Salsa and sour cream (optional)
How to Prepare:
- Place a tortilla on a heated skillet or grill.
- Add a layer of cheese, followed by your choice of fillings, then another layer of cheese.
- Top with a second tortilla.
- Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy, then flip carefully to cook the other side.
- Slice into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.
Quesadillas are easy to make in batches, ensuring everyone gets a hot meal quickly.
Sausage and Veggie Skewers
Skewers are fun to make and perfect for cooking over an open flame.
Ingredients:
- Sausages (cut into chunks)
- Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning
How to Prepare:
- Thread the sausage and vegetables onto skewers.
- Brush with olive oil and season generously.
- Cook over the campfire or grill, turning frequently until everything is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve with bread or a simple side salad.
- Use pre-cooked sausages for faster cooking time and to ensure they’re safe to eat.
Instant Noodles with a Twist
Instant noodles are a camping staple, but you can elevate them to a complete dinner.
Ingredients:
- Packets of instant noodles
- Pre-cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or carrots
- Soy sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor
How to Prepare:
- Boil water and cook the noodles as instructed on the packet.
- Add pre-cooked protein and chopped vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Stir in soy sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.
This dish is quick and satisfying, perfect after a long day of outdoor activities.
Dutch Oven Pizza
If you have a Dutch oven, you can make pizza while camping. It’s easier than it sounds.
Ingredients:
- Pre-made pizza dough or flatbreads
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers
How to Prepare:
- Grease the bottom of the Dutch oven with olive oil.
- Roll out the pizza dough and place it in the oven.
- Spread pizza sauce over the dough and add toppings.
- Cover with shredded cheese.
- Cook over hot coals or a campfire for 10-15 minutes, checking frequently.
Dutch oven pizza is a fun way to bring a bit of home cooking to your campsite.
Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are easy to prepare and a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey
- Sloppy Joe sauce or a mix of ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce
- Burger buns
How to Prepare:
- Brown the meat in a skillet or pot.
- Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce or your homemade mixture.
- Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Serve on buns.
For a mess-free option, serve the filling in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a comfort food that’s easy to make while camping.
Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni
- Shredded cheese
- Milk or cream
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
How to Prepare:
- Cook the macaroni in boiling water until tender.
- Drain most of the water, leaving a little at the bottom.
- Stir in butter, milk, and cheese until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
You can add pre-cooked bacon bits or vegetables for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Camping dinners don’t have to be complicated. With these easy recipes, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without a lot of effort. Whether you prefer one-pot dishes, foil packets, or classic campfire cooking, there’s something here for everyone. Plan ahead, pack your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors with some fantastic food!
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