Best Car Camping Dinners: Easy, Delicious, and Stress-Free Meals

6

Car camping is a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors while still having access to the comforts of your car. One of the highlights of any camping trip is the food. After a long day of hiking, exploring, or relaxing by the campfire, a delicious, satisfying dinner can make the evening feel even more special. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best car camping dinners. These meals are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and will keep you energized for your outdoor adventures.

Why Choose Easy Car Camping Dinners?

Car camping dinners need to be simple and practical. You want meals that don’t require too much prep, are easy to cook, and most importantly, taste great. With limited space and equipment, it’s crucial to choose meals that don’t require complicated cooking techniques or too many ingredients. These dinners should be filling, nutritious, and packed with flavors to fuel you for your outdoor activities.

Essential Gear for Car Camping Dinners

Before we dive into the dinner options, let’s quickly go over some essential gear you’ll need for cooking while car camping:

Portable stove or campfire setup: A reliable portable stove is a must-have. Alternatively, if you’re allowed to have a campfire, a simple grill grate will do.

Cooking utensils: Bring a good knife, spatula, tongs, and a pot or pan to cook your meals.

Cooler: A cooler is essential for storing perishable ingredients like meat, dairy, and veggies.

Food storage containers: Make sure to have airtight containers to store leftovers or ingredients.

With the right gear, cooking in the great outdoors becomes easy and fun.

1. One-Pot Pasta Dinners

One-pot meals are the perfect solution for car camping dinners. They are simple to prepare, and the cleanup is minimal.

Recipe: One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (any type you prefer)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or milk

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

3. Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil.

4. Add the pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in the heavy cream or milk, then add the Parmesan cheese.

6. Season with salt and pepper, and stir until the sauce thickens.

7. Serve hot with a side of fresh salad or garlic bread.

This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is both filling and comforting, perfect for a relaxing night under the stars.

2. Grilled Skewers

Grilled skewers are another fantastic option for car camping dinners. They are easy to customize with your favorite veggies, meats, or even tofu, making them a versatile and fun meal to prepare.

Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 red onion, cut into chunks

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill or campfire setup.

2. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Thread the chicken and veggies onto skewers, alternating between the meat and vegetables.

4. Brush the skewers with the olive oil mixture.

5. Grill the skewers over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Serve with a side of rice or a light salad.

Grilled skewers are a quick and fun way to enjoy a delicious dinner around the campfire.

3. Foil Pack Dinners

Foil pack meals are perfect for car camping because they are easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup. Simply wrap your ingredients in foil, throw them on the campfire or grill, and enjoy a flavorful, no-fuss dinner.

Recipe: Foil Pack Fish and Veggies

Ingredients:

• 2 fish fillets (salmon, trout, or any white fish)

• 1 small potato, sliced

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the campfire or grill.

2. Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil.

3. Place the fish fillets in the center of the foil, then layer the potatoes, onions, and zucchini on top.

4. Add butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper over the top.

5. Fold the foil to create a tight packet, sealing the edges.

6. Place the foil pack on the grill or over the campfire. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and the vegetables are tender.

7. Carefully open the foil and serve.

This foil pack fish and veggie meal is an easy way to enjoy a healthy and tasty dinner with minimal cleanup.

4. Chili and Stews

Chili and stews are hearty and filling, making them great car camping dinners. They are also perfect for cooking in a large pot, which means you can make enough for leftovers, making future meals even easier.

Recipe: Beef Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are soft.

3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the kidney beans and diced tomatoes, and bring to a simmer.

5. Let the chili cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese, if desired.

This beef chili is a comforting and filling meal that will keep you warm on cooler nights.

5. Tacos and Burritos

Tacos and burritos are great for car camping because they are easy to prepare, customizable, and delicious. You can pack a variety of fillings, including meats, beans, cheese, and veggies, to suit your preferences.

Recipe: Ground Turkey Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 8 small flour tortillas

• 1 cup shredded lettuce

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• 1 cup shredded cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• Salsa

Instructions:

1. In a pan, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked.

2. Add the taco seasoning and a bit of water, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Warm the tortillas over the campfire or stove.

4. Assemble the tacos by adding the turkey, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa to each tortilla.

5. Roll up the tortillas and serve.

These turkey tacos are quick, easy, and perfect for a fun dinner while car camping.

6. Breakfast for Dinner

Sometimes, breakfast foods can make for a fun and comforting dinner. Whether it’s pancakes, eggs, or a hearty scramble, breakfast for dinner is always a hit.

Recipe: Campfire Scramble

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1/2 cup cooked sausage or bacon, crumbled

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pan, sauté the bell pepper, onion, and sausage or bacon until softened.

2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and pour them over the veggies and meat.

3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are fully cooked.

4. Stir in the shredded cheese and season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve with toast or fresh fruit on the side.

This campfire scramble is a hearty and satisfying dinner, especially if you’re craving breakfast foods.

7. Simple Stir-Fry

Stir-fry is an easy and fast car camping dinner that can be made with any vegetables and protein you have on hand. The versatility of stir-fry makes it an excellent choice for a quick meal.

Recipe: Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, cubed

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, etc.)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon ginger powder

Instructions:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add the tofu cubes and cook until crispy and golden.

3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Stir in the soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder.

5. Serve with rice or noodles.

This veggie stir-fry with tofu is a healthy, satisfying meal perfect for car camping.

Conclusion

Car camping dinners don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With the right ingredients and some basic cooking gear, you can enjoy a variety of tasty meals that will keep you energized during your camping adventures. Whether you prefer a hearty chili, a light foil pack dinner, or tacos with all the fixings, there’s a car camping dinner recipe for every taste. So pack up your gear, gather your ingredients, and enjoy cooking under the stars!

Related topics

• Best Portable Stove for Indoor Use: A Comprehensive Guide
• Best Camping Kettle for Gas Stove: A Comprehensive Guide
• Best Wood Burning Backpacking Stove