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Simplicity is the key to a successful weekend camping trip. You don’t need a 5-course meal or a cooler stocked with specialty ingredients to eat well outdoors. What you really need is a short list of recipes that cook fast, plus some minimal gear. Here are 7 easy camping meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to enjoy your trip being fully energized.
Easy Camping Recipes for Your Weekend Trip
1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos
Enjoy a hot, portable breakfast first thing in the morning to get you started.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Cooked breakfast sausage
- Salsa
Instructions:
- Scramble the eggs in a pan over campfire or camp stove.
- Preheat tortillas and top with sausage, eggs and cheese.
- Stuff with salsa and roll up tightly.
- Wrap in foil to keep warm until you're ready to eat.
2. One-Pot Camp Chili
This chili is cooked all in one pot and makes for a satisfying dinner following a long day outside.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Canned beans
- Canned tomatoes
- Chili seasoning
- Diced onion
Instructions:
- Add onion to large pot and fry until browned.
- Add the canned beans and tomatoes.
- Stir in chili seasoning and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Foil Packet Chicken and Vegetables
Dinner is easy with foil packets. All of this cooks in one pot, and there's not much to clean up after.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cubed
- Potatoes, chopped
- Carrots, chopped
- Olive oil
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and seasoning of choice
Instructions:
- Spread chicken and vegetables on sheets of heavy-duty foil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and add seasoning generously.
- Tightly fold and seal foil into packages.
- Place packets on hot coals and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.
4. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
This is a classic combination that is perfect for a campsite, and it only requires a few minutes.
Ingredients:
- Bread
- Cheese slices
- Butter
- Canned tomato soup
Instructions:
- In a small pot, heat the canned tomato soup.
- Put butter on the outside of bread slices.
- Make sandwiches using cheese and grill in a pan until golden on both sides.
- Serve with the warm soup.
5. Campfire Nachos
Nachos come together in one pan and make a quick lunch or easy shared snack.
Ingredients:
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- Canned beans, drained
- Sliced jalapenos
- Salsa
Instructions:
- Place tortilla chips, beans and cheese in a cast iron pan.
- Top with jalapeno.
- Cover and cook over the fire until the cheese has melted.
- Serve topped with salsa.
6. Skewer Kabobs
It's easy to prep kabobs at home and quick to cook them over an open fire.
Ingredients:
- Steak or chicken, cubed
- Bell peppers, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes
- Marinade of choice
Instructions:
- Marinate the meat for at least an hour before the trip or overnight.
- Thread meat and vegetables onto skewers.
- Grill over the campfire, flipping over every few minutes.
- Cook until meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
7. Banana Boats
It's an easy camping classic that is enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- Bananas
- Chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Foil
Instructions:
- Peel the bananas and cut them lengthways.
- Fill with chocolate chips and marshmallows.
- Wrap in foil and place over hot coals.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, until the filling has melted.
Tips for East Camp Cooking
Just a bit of preparation at home can save a lot of time and effort at the campsite. Pre-portion ingredients into containers or bags prior to leaving, so you’re not chopping onions or measuring seasoning in the dark. Label each bag by recipe and pack them in the order you'll use them.
Use one pot, one pan, and a roll of heavy-duty foil. These three items will cover nearly any recipe in this list, which will make packing and cleaning up easier. A small spice kit rather than full-size bottles also saves lots of space and weight in your pack.
If you’re not feeling like cooking for a camp trip, no worries - Ideal Nutrition will cover your back! With over 40 menu items prepared by an executive chef team using fresh ingredients, you can skip the cooking altogether and still eat well during and after your little adventure.
Conclusion
From burritos for breakfast to banana boats as a snack, these 7 camping recipes will make your weekend trip worry-free. Feel free to experiment and adjust the recipes to your liking. The main goal is to spend less on cooking and enjoy the time spent outdoors.
