10 Easy Camping Dinner Ideas to Make You the Ultimate Outdoor Chef

Camping is all about adventure relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors—but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland boring meals. With the right recipes you can whip up delicious hearty and easy camping dinners that will impress your fellow campers and make you the hero of the trip.

Whether you’re cooking over a campfire portable stove or grill these meals are designed for simplicity minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Let’s dive in!

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1. One-Pot Chili Mac & Cheese

A hearty cheesy and protein-packed meal that’s perfect after a long day of hiking.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans drained
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven brown the meat with onions over medium heat.
2. Stir in chili seasoning tomatoes beans macaroni and broth.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
4. Stir in cheese until melted. Serve hot!

Pro Tip: Pre-cook the meat at home and store it in a cooler to save time.

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2. Foil Packet Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggies

A quick flavorful and mess-free dinner that cooks in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp peeled & deveined
• 1 zucchini sliced
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1/2 red onion sliced
• 3 tbsp butter melted
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Divide shrimp and veggies between two large foil sheets.
2. Drizzle with melted butter garlic paprika salt and pepper.
3. Seal the foil tightly into packets.
4. Cook over medium-hot coals or grill for 8-10 minutes.
5. Squeeze lemon juice on top before serving.

Pro Tip: Prep the foil packets at home for an even faster cook time.

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3. Campfire Quesadillas

Crispy cheesy and customizable—perfect for picky eaters!

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar Monterey Jack etc.)
• 1 cup cooked chicken (optional)
• 1/2 bell pepper diced
• 1/4 cup black beans (optional)
• Salsa & sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Layer cheese chicken peppers and beans on half of each tortilla.
2. Fold tortillas in half.
3. Cook in a greased skillet over the fire for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
4. Slice and serve with salsa & sour cream.

Pro Tip: Use a pie iron for perfectly sealed quesadillas every time.

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4. Dutch Oven Cowboy Stew

A meaty smoky and filling stew that’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) corn drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) baked beans
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and sausage in a Dutch oven over the fire.
2. Add all remaining ingredients and stir well.
3. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes stirring occasionally.

Pro Tip: Bring pre-cooked meat to speed up the process.

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5. Grilled Caprese Sandwiches

A fresh gourmet twist on campfire sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 4 ciabatta rolls
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
• 2 tomatoes sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Drizzle rolls with olive oil.
2. Layer mozzarella tomatoes and basil inside.
3. Grill in a skillet or over the fire for 3-4 minutes per side until cheese melts.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Pro Tip: Pack the balsamic glaze in a small squeeze bottle for easy use.

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6. Campfire Pizza Logs

A fun handheld pizza alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 20 pepperoni slices
• Garlic powder & Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Roll out dough and spread sauce cheese and pepperoni.
2. Roll into a log and wrap in foil.
3. Cook over the fire for 15-20 minutes rotating occasionally.
4. Slice and serve!

Pro Tip: Pre-make these at home and reheat at the campsite.

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7. Instant Ramen Upgrade

Turn basic ramen into a gourmet camp meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 packs ramen (discard seasoning)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 soft-boiled egg
• 1/2 cup shredded chicken
• Green onions sliced
• Sriracha (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil broth in a pot.
2. Add noodles and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Top with chicken egg and green onions.
4. Drizzle with sriracha if desired.

Pro Tip: Pre-cook eggs at home for convenience.

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8. Sausage & Potato Foil Packets

A hearty no-mess meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 4 smoked sausages sliced
• 4 potatoes diced
• 1 onion sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Divide ingredients between foil sheets.
2. Drizzle with oil and seasonings.
3. Seal packets and cook over coals for 25-30 minutes.

Pro Tip: Use pre-diced potatoes to save time.

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9. Campfire Tacos in a Bag

A fun no-plate-needed taco night!

Ingredients:

• 4 single-serving chip bags (Doritos Fritos etc.)
• 1 lb cooked taco meat
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream & salsa

Instructions:

1. Crush chips slightly in the bag.
2. Add meat and toppings.
3. Mix and eat straight from the bag!

Pro Tip: Pre-cook and season the meat at home.

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10. Banana Boat S’mores

A gooey decadent dessert that cooks in foil.

Ingredients:

• 4 bananas
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• Crushed graham crackers

Instructions:

1. Slice bananas lengthwise (keep peel on).
2. Stuff with chocolate and marshmallows.
3. Wrap in foil and cook over coals for 5-7 minutes.
4. Top with graham crackers.

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Final Thoughts

With these 10 easy camping dinner ideas you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the outdoors. Prep ahead pack smart and cook like a pro—your fellow campers will thank you!