Greetings, fellow camping enthusiasts!
As a nature-loving enthusiast, I know firsthand how important a hearty meal is after a day spent hiking, swimming, or just lounging in the great outdoors.
That’s why I’m excited to share with you some of my quick and easy dinner ideas that are ideal for camping!
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a newbie to the wilderness, these meals will satisfy your hunger and fuel your adventures.
From classic campfire fare one-pot meals to more gourmet options like grilled steak skewers, I’ve got you covered.
Plus, I’ll be sharing some clever tips and tricks on how to prep your meal and store your food during your trip.
So you can spend more time enjoying the fresh air and less time worrying about your meals.
Start grabbing your cooler, your utensils, and your sense of adventure, and let’s cook up some camping magic!
Get ready to transform your outdoor meals from “meh” to “wowza”!
Always Start by Preparing for Your Camping Trip
As a seasoned camper, I know the importance of being prepared.
(But, let’s face it, we’re not all born with the survival skills of Bear Grylls, so planning ahead is key to a stress-free and enjoyable camping trip)
You don’t want to be rummaging through your bag for a can opener while your friends are chowing down on a delicious meal.
Here are some tips and tricks to make sure your camping dinner is not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare.
Pack essential cookware and utensils
Think of your camping stove as your kitchen. You need to have the right tools to cook up a storm!
Here are the essentials you should pack:
- Portable stove or grill
- Frying pan
- Pot (one with a lid is best)
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Knife (a sharp one!)
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Aluminum foil
- Paper towels (always handy)
Prepare ingredients before you leave for camping
Chopping, marinating, and cooking may not be on your to-do list before a camping trip.
(but trust me, it’s worth it!)
Here are some things you can prep ahead of time:
- Wash and chop vegetables and fruits
- Marinate meat, chicken, or fish
- Pre-cook rice, pasta, or quinoa
- Pre-mix spices and seasoning
Store foods properly with the help of these tips
Storing food during camping can be tricky, but with a little meal planning with a nice meal planner, you can avoid food spoilage and contamination.
Here are some tips:
- Use a cooler to store perishable items like meat, dairy, and eggs (make sure it’s well-insulated and clean)
- Keep the cooler in a shady and cool place (under a tree or covered area)
- Use ice packs instead of ice cubes to avoid water from melting ice getting into the food
- Keep the food sealed in airtight containers to avoid contamination (and keep the critters away!)
With these tips, you’ll be able to whip up a tasty camping dinner without breaking a sweat.
Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas For Camping
When it comes to dinner, you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in the great outdoors.
That’s why I’m here to share with you some of my go-to easy dinner recipes that you can cook for camping.
Here are some of my go-to dinner ideas that will make your next camping trip a breeze.
Shrimp and sausage foil packet
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Ingredients
1/2 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound of smoked sausage, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
Directions
- Preheat your campfire or grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shrimp, sausage, peppers, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and place each portion on a large sheet of aluminum foil.
Fold the foil over the mixture and seal the edges tightly to form a packet. - Place the packets on the grill or campfire and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the sausage is heated through.
- Carefully open the packets and serve with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
And Voila! (Isn’t that so easy?)
With this mouthwatering recipe, you can prepare a meal for your family and friends easily, and still enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars!
One pot chili mac
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped green onions (optional)
Directions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions, if desired.
There you have it, folks – an easy, delicious, and filling one-pot chili mac recipe that’s perfect to prepare for your family or friends’ next camping adventure!
With just one pot to clean and all the flavors you love in chili and mac and cheese combined, this meal will quickly become a camping favorite.
Steak and vegetable skewers
Ingredients
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye works well)
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 red onion
1 zucchini
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Wooden skewers (soak in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning)
Directions
- Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper.
- Cut the bell peppers, onion, and zucchini into similar-sized pieces.
- Thread the steak and vegetables onto the skewers in an alternating pattern.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Brush the skewers with the olive oil and balsamic mixture.
- Heat up a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill or grill pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious steak and vegetable skewers!
This recipe is not only a delicious cheap meal, but also a great way to incorporate protein and vegetables into your diet while enjoying the outdoors.
Plus, the skewers make for easy cleanup and are perfect for sharing with your camping buddies around the campfire. (that would be great!)
As you venture out into the wilderness, don’t settle for mediocre meals that leave you feeling unsatisfied.
With these camping dinner ideas that you can prepare easily, you can enjoy mouth-watering dishes that will make your camping experience all the more enjoyable.
Preparing ahead of time and packing the essential tools for meal prepping is key to making the cooking process stress-free.
(But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a master chef to create these delicious meals)
With a little creativity and willingness to try new things, you can whip up a feast that will leave your camping buddies begging for more.
And let’s not forget about the joy of cooking over an open fire, it’s a unique experience that adds a special flavor to any dish.
So, get your skewers, foil packets, and pots ready, and let’s create some unforgettable meals together.
In the end, camping isn’t just about being in the great outdoors, it’s also about indulging in great food and creating lasting memories.
Get out there and have some fun, and don’t forget to eat some delicious meals along the way!
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FAQ
What to cook in camping for lunch?
Lunchtime while camping is an opportunity to refuel and recharge before taking on more outdoor adventures.
Sandwiches are a popular and easy choice for lunch while camping since they’re easy to prepare and require little cleanup.
For a heartier option, pre-cooked hot dogs or sausages can be grilled over the campfire or on a portable camping stove.
Canned soups, stews, and chili are also popular and convenient choices for a warm and filling meal while camping.
What do people cook when camping?
When it comes to camping, people tend to keep their meals simple, yet tasty.
Some popular options for breakfast include oatmeal, eggs, and bacon cooked over an open fire or on a portable camping stove.
For lunch, sandwiches, grilled hot dogs or sausages, and canned soups or stews are often the go-to.
And for dinner, grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or fish paired with veggies or potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
Don’t forget to bring some snacks and s’mores ingredients to satisfy those between-meal cravings!
What foods can you cook on a campfire?
The options for cooking over a campfire are endless! Besides the classic s’mores, you can grill meats like steak, chicken, or fish directly on the flames.
Vegetables like corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, and asparagus can be wrapped in foil and placed in the coals to cook.
Skewers are also a great way to cook bite-sized meats and veggies.
And for dessert, fruit like apples or peaches can be wrapped in foil with butter and cinnamon sugar and cooked in the coals for a warm and delicious treat.
What is the best food for fire?
The best food for fire is one that can be cooked quickly and easily over an open flame or hot coals. Some popular options include hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers, and steaks.
These meats can be cooked directly on the fire or on a portable camping grill.
For vegetarians or those looking for a healthier option, grilled veggies like asparagus, peppers, and zucchini are also great choices.
What food is traditionally eaten on Bonfire Night?
In the UK, Bonfire Night is a traditional celebration held on November 5th to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Popular foods for the occasion include bonfire toffee, a hard candy made with molasses or treacle, and parkin cake, a sweet and spicy cake made with oats and treacle.
Other traditional Bonfire Night foods include jacket potatoes, baked beans, and sausages cooked over an open fire or on a portable camping stove.