Tag: #SummerCampgroundMeals

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 Skillet Meals

Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta

Posted on by simplegoodfood

When you’re camping, sometimes you just want a comforting meal that’s quick to make and easy to clean up. This Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, pasta, a rich ranch-seasoned cream sauce, and melted cheddar cheese into one satisfying skillet meal that’s perfect after a day outdoors.

Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy campground evenings.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 495
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese softened
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the chicken broth, milk, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth.
  5. Add the cooked chicken and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  6. Stir in the cooked pasta.
  7. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Easy Substitutions
  • Chicken: Leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or turkey all work well.
  • Pasta: Penne, rotini, shells, or bow ties can be used interchangeably.
  • Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or mozzarella can replace cheddar.
  • Milk: Evaporated milk makes an extra creamy sauce and stores well in the pantry until opened.
Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter substitute with a similar texture.
Serving Suggestions
  • Garlic bread
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Green beans
  • Garden salad
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Fresh fruit for dessert
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
🥪 Leftover Lunch Idea
Warm leftovers for an easy lunch, or spoon the creamy chicken pasta into a tortilla, sprinkle with a little extra cheddar, and toast it in a skillet for a crispy chicken ranch wrap.

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

#ChickenPasta, #CreamyPasta, #CampgroundCooking, #OneSkilletMeal, #EasyCampingMeals, #ChickenRecipes, #ComfortFood, #RVRecipes,
#CampfireCooking, #WeeknightDinner, #PastaLovers, #EasyMeals,

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,

Posted in Grilled Meals

Grilled Italian Sausage & Vegetable Kabobs

Posted on by simplegoodfood

These Grilled Italian Sausage & Vegetable Kabobs are a colorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for campground grilling. Smoky Italian sausage pairs beautifully with fresh bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms for a simple dinner that’s packed with flavor and requires very little cleanup.

Assemble the kabobs before you leave home or while relaxing at camp, then grill until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred. Serve with rice, potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread for an easy meal everyone will enjoy.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Grilled Italian Sausage & Vegetable Kabobs

Fire up the grill for these easy Grilled Italian Sausage & Vegetable Kabobs!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating (Optional) 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 460
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage links mild or sweet
  • 2 bell peppers red, yellow, or green, cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • 1 medium zucchini sliced into thick rounds
  • 1 medium red onion cut into wedges
  • 8 ounces whole button mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Method
 

  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Cut each sausage link into 2- to 3-inch pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the peppers, zucchini, onion, and mushrooms.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  5. Alternate sausage and vegetables on the skewers.
  6. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  7. Grill the kabobs for 12–15 minutes, turning every few minutes until the sausage reaches 160°F and the vegetables are tender with light grill marks.
  8. Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Camp Cook’s Tips
  • Prepare the kabobs at home and store them in a covered container in the cooler until ready to grill.
  • Use colorful bell peppers for a brighter presentation.
  • Cherry tomatoes can be added during the last few minutes of grilling.
  • Brush with a little barbecue sauce during the final two minutes for a smoky-sweet finish.
Serving Suggestions
  • Seasoned rice
  • Campfire baked potatoes
  • Corn on the cob
  • Pasta salad
  • Fresh watermelon
  • Crusty Italian bread
Storage
Store leftover sausage and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
🥪 Leftover Lunch Idea
Slice the leftover sausage and vegetables and tuck them into a toasted hoagie roll with provolone cheese for an easy campground sausage sandwich.
They’re also delicious chopped and served over leftover rice for a quick lunch bowl.

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

#CampgroundCooking, #GrilledMeals, #ItalianSausage, #Kabobs,
#CampingRecipes, #RVCooking, #OutdoorCooking, #EasyDinnerIdeas,
#GrillSeason, #OneSkewerDinner, #CampfireCooking, #SimpleSuppers,