15+ Dutch Oven Camping Recipes for Delicious Outdoor Meals

15+ Dutch Oven Camping Recipes for Delicious Outdoor Meals

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 12 minutes

Dutch oven camping recipes offer a fantastic way to enjoy delicious meals while surrounded by nature. These recipes are simple, satisfying, and perfect for feeding hungry campers after a day of outdoor activities.

With a Dutch oven, you can create everything from hearty stews to sweet desserts over an open fire or grill.

A campfire with a dutch oven surrounded by various ingredients and cooking utensils

Cooking in a Dutch oven not only enhances the flavors of your food but also makes the experience of cooking outdoors more enjoyable. You can easily prepare comforting dishes that bring people together, making your camping trips even more memorable.

1) Baked Stuffed Apples

Baked stuffed apples make a delicious and easy dessert for your camping trip. You can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy them over the campfire. The warm, sweet apples paired with a crunchy filling are sure to please everyone.

To start, select firm baking apples. You can stuff them with a mix of oats, nuts, and spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a wonderful flavor.

Wrap the stuffed apples in foil and place them near the campfire or in a Dutch oven for even cooking. In about 30-40 minutes, you’ll have a tasty treat waiting.

Ingredients

  • 6 baking apples
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 ¼ cups water
  • 6 ounces orange juice concentrate

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Core the apples and mix the filling ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Stuff each apple with the filling and wrap in foil.
  4. Place the foil-wrapped apples in the Dutch oven.
  5. Add water and cover. Bake for 30-40 minutes until tender.

2) Dutch Oven Lasagna

Dutch oven lasagna is a tasty option for your camping meals. It’s easy to prepare and is great for sharing with friends and family. You can cook it over a campfire or use charcoal briquettes.

To make delicious layers, use pasta, cheese, and meat sauce. You can even add some vegetables for extra flavor. This dish comes together beautifully and fills everyone up.

Ingredients

  • 9 to 12 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef or sausage
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned.
  2. Mix the ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Layer noodles, meat, sauce, and cheese in the Dutch oven.
  4. Cover with the lid and cook for about 30-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C) using coals or a campfire.

3) Campfire Nachos

Campfire nachos are a fun and easy treat for your outdoor adventures. You can customize them with your favorite toppings. They make a great snack for sharing around the fire.

To start, layer tortilla chips in your dutch oven. Add cheese, black beans, and olives. Then, sprinkle more cheese on top. Repeat the layers until you fill the pot.

Next, cover the dutch oven and place it over hot coals. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Feel free to add jalapeños, corn, or salsa for extra flavor. You can even top with avocado or fresh cilantro after cooking to make it special.

Ingredients

  • Tortilla chips
  • Shredded cheese
  • Black beans
  • Olives
  • Jalapeños (optional)
  • Corn (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Layer tortilla chips in a dutch oven.
  2. Add cheese, black beans, and olives.
  3. Repeat layers until pot is filled.
  4. Cover and place on coals.
  5. Cook for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts.

4) Dutch Oven Chili and Cornbread

Dutch oven chili and cornbread is a great meal for camping. It’s hearty and warms you up on chilly nights. You can cook both the chili and cornbread in the same pot.

For this recipe, you start with a delicious chili base. Combine beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices in your Dutch oven. Then, prepare a cornbread mix and pour it on top of the chili before baking.

This meal is easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends. As it cooks, the cornbread absorbs the chili’s flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 can of beans
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of corn
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 box of cornbread mix
  • 1 cup of water

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In the pot, combine beans, tomatoes, corn, and chili powder.
  3. Stir and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Prepare the cornbread mix and pour it over the chili.
  5. Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes.

5) Banana Bread

Making banana bread in a Dutch oven while camping is both simple and fun. You need just a few ingredients, and it turns out delicious every time. This treat is perfect for breakfast or a snack.

You can use ripe bananas for the best flavor. Mixing in some chocolate chips or nuts can add extra taste. The aroma of baking banana bread will surely bring everyone to camp.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup (115g) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mash the bananas and mix in the butter.
  3. Stir in the sugar, sour cream, and eggs.
  4. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased Dutch oven.
  7. Cover and bake for about 45 minutes. Check with a toothpick.
  8. Let it cool before serving. Enjoy!

6) Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon

Cheesy potatoes with bacon make a delicious camping dish. They are packed with flavor and are sure to satisfy your hunger after a day outdoors. This recipe combines tender potatoes with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a rich buttery taste.

You’ll start by cooking the bacon until crispy. Then, chop your potatoes into cubes and mix them with the bacon, cheese, and some seasonings. Place the mixture into your Dutch oven, and let it cook over a campfire or hot coals.

The result is a warm, cheesy treat that pairs perfectly with your campfire meals. Enjoy sharing this hearty dish with friends and family!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) bacon
  • 5 pounds (2.3 kg) potatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cube (1/2 cup) butter
  • 1-2 cups (100-200 g) shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
  2. Cut the potatoes into small cubes.
  3. Mix the cooked bacon, potatoes, chopped onion, and butter in the Dutch oven.
  4. Add the shredded cheese on top.
  5. Cover and cook over coals for about 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the potatoes are tender.

7) Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie

Making a Dutch oven chicken pot pie is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal while camping. You can combine tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce for a delicious dish.

Start with some beer-brined chicken for added flavor. Mix in your choice of vegetables like carrots and peas. A crispy biscuit crust, made from buttermilk, adds the perfect finishing touch.

You can cook it over a campfire or on hot coals. This method keeps everything warm and tasty. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cooked and chopped
  • 2 cups (300 g) mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 2 cups (250 g) biscuit mix
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In the Dutch oven, mix the chicken, vegetables, and both soups.
  3. In a bowl, combine the biscuit mix and buttermilk.
  4. Pour the biscuit batter over the chicken mixture.
  5. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

8) Pork Chops and Vegetables

Cooking pork chops with vegetables in a Dutch oven is a great camping meal. This dish is hearty and simple, perfect for a campfire setting. You’ll love how the flavors blend together.

First, season your pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat some vegetable oil in your Dutch oven over the campfire. Sear the pork chops for a few minutes on each side until they are browned.

Next, add your choice of vegetables. Potatoes, bell peppers, and onions work well. Stir everything together to mix the flavors. Cover the Dutch oven and let it cook for about 1 hour at 375°F (190°C).

Ingredients

  • 2 pork chops
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, sliced

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in the Dutch oven.
  3. Sear pork chops until browned.
  4. Add diced potatoes, chopped bell pepper, and sliced onion.
  5. Stir to combine.
  6. Cover and cook for 1 hour at 375°F (190°C).

9) Dutch Baby Pancakes

A rustic campsite with a crackling fire, a cast iron dutch oven, and a batch of golden Dutch Baby Pancakes cooking over the flames

Dutch Baby pancakes are a fun and tasty breakfast option for camping. They puff up beautifully in a hot Dutch oven over the campfire. With a rich, custardy texture, they offer a unique twist on traditional pancakes.

To make this dish, you only need a few simple ingredients. Once you have your batter ready, pour it into the preheated Dutch oven and watch it rise. You can top it with fresh berries, syrup, or powdered sugar for extra flavor.

Here’s what you will need:

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup milk (room temperature)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the Dutch oven over your campfire.
  2. Melt the butter in the oven.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
  4. Add eggs and milk, then mix until smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into the Dutch oven.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.

10) Savory Beef Stew

A steaming dutch oven filled with hearty beef stew, surrounded by a rustic camping scene with a crackling campfire and a starry night sky

Making a savory beef stew in a Dutch oven can warm you up on a chilly night. This dish combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors. It’s perfect for camping trips.

Start with cubed beef and sear it in your Dutch oven over the campfire. Then, add onions, carrots, and potatoes for great texture.

Pour in some broth and season it with herbs like thyme and rosemary. Let it simmer until everything is tender and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) cubed beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Sear the beef in the Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in the carrots and potatoes.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and add herbs.
  5. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours at 300°F (150°C) until meat is tender.

11) Vegetable Soup

A steaming dutch oven sits over a crackling campfire, filled with a hearty vegetable soup simmering under the open sky

Making vegetable soup in a Dutch oven while camping is easy and delicious. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, and it only takes a short time to prepare.

Start by heating some oil in your Dutch oven. Then add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they’re tender.

Next, mix in your favorite vegetables, like green beans and corn. Pour in vegetable broth and season with herbs like thyme and basil.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until all the flavors blend nicely.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup green beans
  • 1 cup corn
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (thyme and basil)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  2. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender.
  3. Mix in green beans and corn.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth. Season with salt and herbs.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

12) Spicy Campfire Chili

A bubbling dutch oven sits atop a campfire, filled with spicy chili and surrounded by flickering flames and glowing embers

Spicy Campfire Chili is a perfect dish for chilly nights outdoors. It’s simple to make in your Dutch oven and packed with flavor. You can adjust the heat level with spices to suit your taste.

Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in your Dutch oven. Add chopped onions and minced garlic for extra flavor.

Mix in diced tomatoes and canned beans for heartiness. For spice, include chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. You can also add diced jalapeños if you like it extra hot.

Let it simmer for about 30 minutes over the campfire, stirring occasionally. This chili is great to enjoy with cornbread or tortillas.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can black beans
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in the Dutch oven.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until softened.
  3. Mix in the diced tomatoes and black beans.
  4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt.
  5. Simmer over the campfire for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

13) Herbed Campfire Chicken

A dutch oven sits on a campfire, filled with herbed chicken surrounded by vegetables and herbs. The flames flicker and the aroma of the cooking food fills the air

Herbed Campfire Chicken is a tasty and simple dish perfect for your camping adventures. You’ll enjoy the blend of fresh herbs and spices that enhance the flavor of the chicken.

To start, gather chicken pieces, such as thighs or breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. You can also add garlic for extra flavor.

In a Dutch oven, heat some oil over the campfire. Once hot, place the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden.

Flip the chicken and add vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Cover the Dutch oven and cook for about 30-40 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Ingredients

  • Chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Fresh thyme
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Fresh parsley
  • Garlic (optional)
  • Oil
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs.
  2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over the campfire.
  3. Cook chicken skin-side down until golden.
  4. Flip chicken and add vegetables.
  5. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  6. Check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

14) Classic Pot Roast

A rustic campfire with a cast iron dutch oven cooking a classic pot roast. Surrounding wilderness and a cozy campsite in the background

A classic pot roast is a great meal to make while camping. It’s easy to cook in a Dutch oven, and the results are always satisfying. You will enjoy tender meat and delicious vegetables that soak up all the flavors.

Start with a chuck roast for the best flavor. You’ll need beef broth, carrots, potatoes, and some seasoning. The slow cooking makes the meat fall-apart tender and the veggies perfectly soft.

For cooking, place your Dutch oven over coals or on a campfire. Cook the roast for about 3 to 4 hours, or until it’s fork-tender. Add the vegetables in the last hour for the best taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 (4 to 5 lb) chuck roast
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 4 potatoes, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season the roast with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the Dutch oven, then add the roast.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
  5. Add carrots and potatoes during the last hour.
  6. Check for tenderness before serving.

15) Garlic Herb Bread

A rustic dutch oven sits over a crackling campfire, emitting the aroma of freshly baked garlic herb bread

Garlic Herb Bread is a tasty addition to your camping meals. This easy recipe uses a Dutch oven, making it perfect for outdoor cooking. You’ll love the aroma and flavor as it bakes.

For this recipe, gather your ingredients. You’ll need crusty artisan bread, garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of crusty artisan bread
  • 5-10 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup of fresh parsley or other herbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix garlic, herbs, salt, and olive oil.
  3. Cut slits in the bread and spread the mixture inside.
  4. Place the bread in the Dutch oven.
  5. Cover and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden.

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