Tag: #OutdoorCooking

Posted in Grilled Meals

Simple Campground Herb Chicken

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Introduction

Some of the best campground meals begin with a simple, dependable recipe that can be transformed into several others throughout the week. This herb-seasoned chicken is exactly that kind of meal.

With just a handful of pantry seasonings and boneless chicken breasts, you can prepare a flavorful main dish on a grill, in a cast-iron skillet, or on a portable griddle. Enjoy it fresh with your favorite vegetables one night, then slice or dice the leftovers for wraps, rice bowls, salads, quesadillas, or pasta later in the week.

Cooking a little extra today means less work tomorrow—a simple way to stretch both your grocery budget and your camping time.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Simple Campground Herb Chicken

Simple Campground Herb Chicken is an easy, budget-friendly recipe that's perfect for camping, RV trips, and weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper optional or reduce to taste

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. Brush both sides with olive oil.
  3. Combine all seasonings in a small bowl.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
  5. Cook over medium heat on a grill, cast-iron skillet, or electric griddle for about 7-9 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Notes
  • Chicken breasts of even thickness cook more evenly. Pound thicker portions if needed.
  • Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted and remain especially juicy.
  • This recipe is intentionally lightly seasoned so it pairs well with many side dishes and leftover recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water, or microwave until just heated through.
Leftover & Meal Prep Tips
Cook all four chicken breasts even if you’re only serving one or two people. The extras become the foundation for quick meals throughout the week.
Ideas include:
  • Chicken Rice Bowls
  • Chicken Caesar Wraps
  • Chicken Quesadillas
  • Garden Salads
  • Pasta Tosses
  • Chicken Fried Rice
  • Breakfast Hash with potatoes and eggs
Having cooked chicken ready to go can save both time and propane during a busy camping trip.

🏕️ This Week’s Camp Menu

One of the easiest ways to stretch your camping budget is to start the week with a simple recipe that can be transformed into several completely different meals. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing this week with Simple Campground Herb Chicken.

Cook a little extra today, and you’ll save both time and money all week long.

Monday: 🥗 Garden Vegetable Rice Bowls with Herb Chicken

Fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and sliced herb chicken come together for a colorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Tuesday: 🍳 Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Skillet

Turn your leftover herb chicken into a creamy, comforting one-pan meal loaded with vegetables and plenty of flavor.

Wednesday: 🌮 Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl

A Southwestern-inspired rice bowl featuring seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and just enough cheese to bring everything together.

Thursday: 🥔 Campground Loaded Baked Potato Bowls

Fluffy baked potatoes become a hearty meal when topped with herb chicken and your favorite fresh toppings.

Friday: 💵 Stretch This Week’s Groceries Even Further

Simple ideas for reducing food waste, storing leftovers safely, and getting every last meal from this week’s grocery shopping.

Saturday: 🍗 Five Easy Ways to Stretch One Package of Chicken

Learn practical techniques you can use all year to make one package of chicken go farther while keeping meals interesting and satisfying.

⭐ Bonus Recipes This Week

Campground Fried Rice

A campground favorite that transforms leftover rice, vegetables, and herb chicken into a quick skillet meal.

Saturday Soup

Finish the week with a comforting soup that uses the remaining ingredients in your refrigerator instead of letting them go to waste.

By the end of the week, one package of chicken will have become several delicious meals—proof that with a little planning, it’s easy to enjoy good food while stretching your camping dollar.

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for our Garden Vegetable Rice Bowls with Herb Chicken, where we’ll give today’s leftovers a fresh new twist!

Posted in Campground Meals

Stretch Your Camping Dollar: Budget-Friendly Campground Meals for August

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Camping is all about making memories—not spending a fortune on groceries.

As summer begins to wind down, many of us are squeezing in one last family vacation, planning weekend camping trips, or simply enjoying a few more evenings around the campfire. But with grocery prices continuing to climb, feeding yourself—or your family—while camping can quickly become one of the biggest expenses of the trip.

That’s why, throughout August, Good Food Good Meat.Blog is focusing on Stretch Your Camping Dollar—a month of practical recipes and simple ideas designed to help you enjoy great campground meals without stretching your budget.

You’ll find recipes that:

  • Make the most of everyday ingredients
  • Turn leftovers into entirely new meals
  • Reduce food waste before it’s time to head home
  • Use pantry and freezer staples you may already have
  • Keep portions practical for solo campers, couples, and small families
  • Require minimal equipment and easy cleanup

One of the best ways to save money while camping isn’t finding the cheapest ingredients—it’s making better use of the food you’ve already brought with you.

That leftover chicken from last night’s dinner can become tomorrow’s rice bowl. A few extra potatoes can turn into a hearty breakfast skillet. The last handful of vegetables in the cooler can become a delicious soup, foil packet meal, or campfire fried rice instead of going home in the trash.

Small changes like these help stretch your grocery budget while making campground cooking easier and less stressful.

Throughout the month, I’ll also be sharing practical tips for meal planning, shopping sales, stocking a campground pantry, and making ingredients work in more than one recipe. The goal isn’t fancy cooking—it’s making delicious meals that are affordable, satisfying, and realistic for everyday campers.

Whether you’re heading out for one last summer camping trip, spending the season in your favorite campground, or simply looking for practical meals to make at home, I hope these recipes help you spend less time worrying about the grocery bill and more time enjoying good food with the people around your table.

Here’s to a month of smart shopping, simple cooking, and stretching every camping dollar a little further.

Happy Camping—and Happy Cooking!

#GoodFoodGoodMeat, #SimplePracticalMeals, #StretchYourCampingDollar, #BudgetCampingMeals, #CampgroundCooking, #CampingOnABudget, #RVRecipes, #MealPlanning, #ReduceFoodWaste, #PantryMeals, #CookingForOneOrTwo, #OutdoorCooking,

Posted in Recipe Roundup

6 Easy Campground Meals to End July

Posted on by simplegoodfood

As July comes to a close, I wanted to gather this week’s recipes into one place. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend camping trip, enjoying life at your favorite campground, or simply looking for easy dinners at home, these meals are designed to be simple, satisfying, and practical.

This week’s menu includes everything from creamy pasta and hearty Dutch oven cooking to quick arrival-day meals that help you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the outdoors.

Here are six campground favorites to add to your menu.

🍝 Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta

Tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy ranch cheddar sauce come together in one comforting skillet meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like comfort food after a day of hiking or exploring.

🥘 Dutch Oven Beef & Vegetable Stew

A classic campfire favorite featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, green beans, and a rich savory broth. This small-batch recipe is perfect for solo campers, couples, and anyone who appreciates leftovers for lunch the next day.

🍔 Campfire Sloppy Joe Foil Packets

Everything you love about Sloppy Joes cooked in convenient foil packets. The saucy beef mixture pairs perfectly with potatoes for an easy campfire dinner and almost no cleanup.

🍳 Campground Ham & Cheddar Breakfast-for-Dinner Skillet

After a long travel day and setting up camp, sometimes the easiest dinner is breakfast! Crispy hash browns, savory ham, fluffy eggs, peppers, onions, and melted cheddar cheese make this one-pan meal a campground favorite.

🍗 (Include the other two recipes from this week’s series)

Add the two remaining recipes from your July schedule here with a short one- or two-sentence description, following the same style as the entries above.

Ready for Your Next Camping Trip?

One of the things I enjoy most about campground cooking is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. A handful of simple ingredients, one pan or one Dutch oven, and a little planning can produce meals that everyone looks forward to after a day outdoors.

I hope this week’s collection gives you a few new ideas for your next camping adventure—or even just an easy dinner at home.

Happy Camping and Happy Cooking!

What’s Coming Next?

July was all about easy campground meals.

Beginning in August, we’re shifting our focus to budget-friendly campground cooking with recipes and ideas that help you:

  • 💵 Stretch your grocery budget
  • 🧀 Use ingredients you already have on hand
  • 🥕 Reduce food waste while camping
  • 🍳 Make simple, satisfying meals with everyday ingredients

If you’re looking for practical recipes that make campground life easier—and a little less expensive—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!

Campground Chicken & Broccoli Rice Skillet
Tender chicken, fluffy rice, broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese come together in one skillet for a comforting dinner that's ready in about 35 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Grilled Italian Sausage & Vegetable Kabobs
Fire up the grill for these easy Grilled Italian Sausage & Vegetable Kabobs!
Check out this recipe
Campfire Sloppy Joe Foil Packets
A campground favorite with a fun twist!
Check out this recipe
Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta
This easy Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta comes together in about 30 minutes and is the perfect comfort food after a day of camping adventures.
Check out this recipe
Dutch Oven Beef & Vegetable Stew
Nothing beats a Dutch oven simmering over the campfire!
Check out this recipe
Campground Ham & Cheddar Breakfast-for-Dinner Skillet
It's hearty enough for supper, quick enough for arrival day, and just as delicious for breakfast the next morning.
Check out this recipe

#GoodFoodGoodMeat, #SimplePracticalMeals, #SummerCampgroundMeals, #CampgroundCooking, #CampingRecipes, #RVRecipes, #OutdoorCooking, #CampfireMeals, #DutchOvenCooking, #FoilPacketMeals, #OneSkilletMeals, #CookingForOneOrTwo,

Posted in Arrival Day Dinner, Breakfast

Campground Ham & Cheddar Breakfast-for-Dinner Skillet

Posted on by simplegoodfood

After a long day of driving, checking in, and setting up camp, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. This Campground Ham & Cheddar Breakfast-for-Dinner Skillet comes together in one pan with simple ingredients that are easy to keep in the cooler.

It’s hearty enough for supper, quick enough for arrival day, and just as delicious for breakfast the next morning.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Campground Ham & Cheddar Breakfast-for-Dinner Skillet

It's hearty enough for supper, quick enough for arrival day, and just as delicious for breakfast the next morning.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups frozen hash browns or refrigerated shredded potatoes
  • 1 cup diced cooked ham
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper
  • 6 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Heat the butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the hash browns and cook for 8–10 minutes until lightly browned.
  3. Stir in the ham, onion, and bell pepper. Cook another 4–5 minutes.
  4. Whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the skillet.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the eggs begin to set.
  7. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.
  8. Cover with a lid for 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts and the eggs are fully cooked.
  9. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.

Notes

Easy Substitutions
  • Ham: Cooked bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey sausage, or leftover grilled chicken all work well.
  • Hash Browns: Diced potatoes or leftover roasted potatoes make a great substitute.
  • Cheddar: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Pepper Jack (for those who like a little heat).
  • Vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini can be added depending on what’s in the cooler.
Camp Cook’s Tips
  • Cook the hash browns until they’re nicely browned before adding the eggs for the best texture.
  • Covering the skillet helps the eggs cook evenly without burning the bottom.
  • A cast-iron skillet retains heat well, making it ideal for camp cooking.
  • Prep the onion and pepper at home to make arrival-day cooking even faster.
Serving Suggestions
  • Buttered toast or English muffins
  • Fresh fruit
  • Orange juice
  • Camp coffee
  • Salsa or hot sauce on the side
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
🥪 Leftover Lunch Idea
Slice leftover skillet into wedges and tuck one into an English muffin or tortilla for an easy breakfast sandwich before heading out for the day’s adventures.
Stretch Your Camping Dollar
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham or the last few slices from sandwich lunches. You can also toss in vegetables that need to be used before heading home, making it a great way to reduce food waste while creating a filling meal.

#GoodFoodGoodMeat, #SimplePracticalMeals, #RealFoodRealLife,
#SummerCampgroundMeals, #CookingForOneOrTwo, #BreakfastForDinner, #CampgroundCooking, #OneSkilletMeal, #CampingRecipes, #HamAndCheddar, #EasyCampingMeals, #RVRecipes, #CastIronCooking, #ArrivalDayMeals, #CampBreakfast, #QuickDinner, #OutdoorCooking,

Posted in One-Pot Meals

Dutch Oven Beef & Vegetable Stew

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Nothing says campground comfort quite like a hearty pot of Dutch Oven Beef & Vegetable Stew simmering over the fire. Tender chunks of beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth come together in one pot for a meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple.

Sized for four servings, it’s perfect for solo campers who enjoy leftovers or couples looking for an easy dinner with lunch ready for the next day.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Dutch Oven Beef & Vegetable Stew

Nothing beats a Dutch oven simmering over the campfire!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Brown the beef in batches for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add the onion and celery and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
  5. Return the beef to the pot.
  6. Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, and bay leaf.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40 minutes.
  8. Add the carrots and potatoes. Simmer for another 20 minutes.
  9. Stir in the green beans and cook for 10 more minutes.
  10. Mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir into the stew and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  11. Remove the bay leaf, season to taste, and serve hot.

Notes

Easy Substitutions
  • Beef: Chuck roast cut into cubes works beautifully if stew meat isn’t available.
  • Potatoes: Red potatoes or baby potatoes hold their shape well.
  • Green Beans: Frozen green beans can be added during the last 10 minutes.
  • Vegetables: Add peas, mushrooms, corn, or parsnips depending on what you have on hand.
  • Broth: Beef stock creates a richer flavor than broth if available.
Camp Cook’s Tips
  • Browning the beef first adds tremendous flavor to the finished stew.
  • Keep the Dutch oven covered to retain moisture while simmering.
  • If cooking over a campfire, maintain a bed of hot coals instead of high flames for even cooking.
  • Taste before adding extra salt since the broth and Worcestershire already contribute seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
  • Crusty French bread
  • Buttermilk biscuits
  • Cornbread
  • Side salad
  • Fresh fruit for dessert
Storage
Cool leftovers before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
🥪 Leftover Lunch Idea
Warm a bowl for lunch, or spoon the leftover stew over a baked potato or cooked egg noodles for a completely different meal.

#GoodFoodGoodMeat, #SimplePracticalMeals, #RealFoodRealLife,
#SummerCampgroundMeals, #CookingForOneOrTwo,

#DutchOvenCooking, #BeefStew, #CampgroundCooking, #CampfireMeals, #OnePotDinner, #RVRecipes, #OutdoorCooking, #ComfortFood, #EasyCampingMeals, #DutchOvenRecipes, #BeefRecipes, #CampingLife,

Posted in Foil Packets

Campfire Sloppy Joe Foil Packets

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Looking for a fun twist on classic Sloppy Joes? These Campfire Sloppy Joe Foil Packets combine seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, and a tangy homemade Sloppy Joe sauce in an easy foil packet meal. Everything cooks together over the campfire or grill, creating a hearty dinner with almost no cleanup.

It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for busy camping weekends and uses affordable ingredients that are easy to keep on hand.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Campfire Sloppy Joe Foil Packets

A campground favorite with a fun twist!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 465
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cups baby potatoes quartered
  • 1 cup diced bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup Sloppy Joe sauce homemade or your favorite bottled variety
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped parsley optional
  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat a grill or prepare a medium campfire.
  2. Brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic in a skillet. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Divide the potatoes evenly among four large sheets of heavy-duty foil.
  5. Top each with the Sloppy Joe mixture and diced bell peppers.
  6. Fold and seal each packet tightly.
  7. Cook over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the potatoes are tender.
  8. Carefully open each packet, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and loosely reseal for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  9. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Camp Cook’s Tips
  • Parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes at home to reduce cooking time at camp.
  • Double-wrap the foil if cooking directly over campfire coals.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or corn for extra vegetables.
  • Serve with hamburger buns if you want the classic Sloppy Joe experience.
Serving Suggestions
  • Coleslaw
  • Pickles
  • Fresh watermelon
  • Pasta salad
  • Corn on the cob
  • Kettle-cooked potato chips
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
🥪 Leftover Lunch Idea
Warm the leftover Sloppy Joe mixture and pile it onto toasted hamburger buns for a classic Sloppy Joe lunch.
Or spoon it over cooked rice or baked potatoes for a completely different meal that uses what you already have on hand.

#GoodFoodGoodMeat, #SimplePracticalMeals, #RealFoodRealLife,
#SummerCampgroundMeals, #CookingForOneOrTwo,

#FoilPacketMeals, #CampgroundCooking, #CampfireRecipes, #SloppyJoes, #GroundBeefRecipes, #CampingMeals, #OutdoorCooking, #EasyDinnerIdeas, #RVCooking, #CampfireCooking, #BudgetFriendlyMeals, #OnePacketMeal,