Tag: #CampingLife

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 One-Pot Meals

Dutch Oven Italian Sausage & White Bean Stew

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Nothing says campground comfort quite like a hearty Dutch oven simmering over the fire. This Dutch Oven Italian Sausage & White Bean Stew combines savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, creamy white beans, and tomatoes into a rich, satisfying meal that’s easy to make whether you’re cooking over campfire coals or on a camp stove.

It’s filling enough to satisfy hungry campers while using simple pantry staples that are easy to pack. Serve with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up every last spoonful.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Dutch Oven Italian Sausage & White Bean Stew

Nothing says campground comfort quite like a hearty Dutch oven simmering over the fire.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage mild
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 15-ounce cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat or campfire coals.
  2. Brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until beginning to soften.
  4. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute.
  5. Add beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  8. Stir in spinach during the final 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  9. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  10. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
  • Crusty French bread
  • Dutch oven biscuits
  • Garlic toast
  • Small side salad
  • Fresh fruit for dessert
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or over the campfire.

#GoodFoodGoodMeat, #SummerCampgroundMeals, #DutchOvenCooking, #CampgroundCooking, #CampfireMeals, #CampingRecipes, #OnePotMeals, #EasyCampingMeals, #RVLiving, #CampingLife, #OutdoorCooking, #SimpleMeals, #ComfortFood, #ItalianSausage, #BeanStew, #CampCooking, #FamilyCamping, #WeekendCamping, #BudgetFriendlyMeals, #RealFoodRealLife,

Posted in Recipe Roundup

6 Easy Campground Dinners for a Stress-Free Week Outdoors

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Whether you’re camping in a tent, relaxing in a pop-up camper, or enjoying the comforts of an RV, having a week’s worth of easy meal ideas makes campground life even more enjoyable. This week’s menu featured hearty comfort food, simple skillet meals, foil packet favorites, and even a campground pizza night that the whole family can enjoy.

Many of these recipes can be adapted for campfires, electric skillets, air fryers, or RV kitchens, making them perfect for campers of all styles. From cozy Dutch oven cooking to quick flatbread pizzas and flavorful shrimp boil packets, these meals prove that great campground food doesn’t have to be complicated.

If you missed any of this week’s recipes, here’s a look back at all six delicious campground dinners.

This Week’s Campground Menu

Sunday

Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

A campground comfort food classic featuring tender chicken, mixed vegetables, creamy sauce, and golden biscuits baked in a Dutch oven.

Monday

Loaded Italian Sausage & Peppers Hoagies

Juicy Italian sausage piled high with sautéed peppers and onions on toasted hoagie rolls for an easy and satisfying campsite dinner.

Tuesday

Campfire Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets

Chicken, potatoes, bacon, ranch seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese come together in a convenient foil packet meal with almost no cleanup.

Wednesday

Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet

A hearty one-pan meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese. Perfect for camp stoves and electric skillets alike.

Thursday

BBQ Pulled Pork Flatbread Pizzas

A fun twist on pizza night featuring smoky pulled pork, barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and crisp flatbread crust.

Friday

Campground Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

Shrimp, smoked sausage, potatoes, and corn seasoned with Old Bay and cooked together in individual foil packets for an easy campground seafood feast.

Final Thoughts

One of the best parts of campground cooking is finding meals that fit your camping style. Whether you’re cooking over a campfire, using an electric skillet during a rainy afternoon, or making dinner in an RV air fryer, these recipes offer flexibility without sacrificing flavor.

As camping continues to evolve, so do the ways we prepare meals outdoors. From traditional tent campers to pop-up campers, travel trailers, and motorhomes, there are more ways than ever to enjoy great food at the campground.

Which meal would you try first? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back next week for another lineup of easy campground dinners and outdoor cooking inspiration.

Dutch Oven BBQ Chicken & Potato Bake
This Dutch Oven BBQ Chicken & Potato Bake is the kind of campground dinner that feels hearty and satisfying without requiring a lot of fuss.
Check out this recipe
Loaded Italian Sausage & Peppers Hoagies
When it comes to easy campground meals, it's hard to beat a hearty sausage sandwich loaded with savory peppers and onions.
Check out this recipe
Campfire Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets
Foil packet meals are a campground favorite for good reason—they're easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and require almost no cleanup.
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet
After a busy day of campground adventures, sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones.
Check out this recipe
BBQ Pulled Pork Flatbread Pizzas
Pizza night at the campground just got a delicious barbecue twist!
Check out this recipe
Campground Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Enjoy all the flavors of a classic seafood boil with these Campground Shrimp Boil Foil Packets!
Check out this recipe
Posted in Skillet Meals

Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet

Posted on by simplegoodfood

After a busy day of campground adventures, sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones. This Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet is a hearty, one-pan dinner packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy to make on a camp stove, Blackstone griddle, or over a campfire skillet, making it a perfect addition to your campground meal rotation.

With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this family-friendly meal delivers big comfort-food flavor without spending all evening cooking.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet

After a busy day of campground adventures, sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 470
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
  3. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Add:
  7. o Diced tomatoes
  8. o Beef broth
  9. o Rice
  10. o Italian seasoning
  11. o Smoked paprika
  12. o Black pepper
  13. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  14. Reduce heat to low and cover.
  15. Simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  16. Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  17. Cover for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  18. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Campground Prep Tip
Brown the ground beef and chop the onion at home before your trip. Store them together in a sealed container in the cooler. At camp, simply combine the ingredients and let the skillet do the work.
Rainy Day Campground Option
Don’t let bad weather derail dinner plans. This Cheesy Beef & Rice Skillet works just as well in an electric skillet inside an RV, cabin, or enclosed campsite shelter.
Simply:
  • Brown the beef and onions in the electric skillet.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients except the cheese.
  • Cover and cook according to your skillet manufacturer’s directions, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the rice is tender, top with cheese, cover, and allow it to melt before serving.
An electric skillet makes this recipe a reliable backup meal when rain, wind, or campground fire restrictions make outdoor cooking difficult.

#CampingRecipes, #CampgroundMeals, #SkilletDinner, #OnePanMeals, #CampingFood, #OutdoorCooking, #RVRecipes, #EasyDinnerIdeas, #GroundBeefRecipes, #FamilyCamping, #ComfortFood, #CampfireCooking, #CampingLife, #QuickMeals, #CheesyRecipes,

Posted in Foil Packets

Campfire Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Foil packet meals are a campground favorite for good reason—they’re easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and require almost no cleanup. These Campfire Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets combine tender chicken, hearty potatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch seasoning into one delicious meal that cooks right over the campfire or on a grill.

Everything steams together inside the foil, creating a flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy camping weekends. Just assemble the packets, place them over the fire, and let dinner cook while you relax and enjoy the outdoors.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Campfire Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets

Foil packet meals are a campground favorite for good reason—they're easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and require almost no cleanup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 445
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1½ pounds baby potatoes halved or quartered
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat a campfire cooking grate or grill to medium heat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine:
  3. o Chicken
  4. o Potatoes
  5. o Olive oil
  6. o Ranch seasoning
  7. o Garlic powder
  8. o Black pepper
  9. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
  10. Divide the mixture among 6 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  11. Top each packet with crumbled bacon.
  12. Fold and seal the foil packets tightly.
  13. Place packets on the grill grate or over medium campfire coals.
  14. Cook for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
  15. Carefully open the packets and check that the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
  16. Sprinkle each packet with shredded cheddar cheese.
  17. Close the packets loosely for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  18. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

RV Air Fryer Option
Camping in an RV or dealing with rainy weather? These foil packets can easily be adapted for an air fryer.
  1. Prepare the chicken, potatoes, seasoning, and bacon as directed.
  2. Place the mixture in a foil packet sized to fit your air fryer basket.
  3. Cook at 380°F for 20–25 minutes, carefully checking that the chicken reaches 165°F and the potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Open the packet, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and cook for 2–3 minutes more until melted.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of the potato pieces.

#CampingRecipes, #CampgroundMeals, #FoilPacketRecipes, #CampfireCooking, #OutdoorCooking, #RVRecipes, #CampingFood, #ChickenRecipes, #EasyDinnerIdeas, #FamilyCamping, #WeekendCamping, #CampingLife, #OnePacketMeals, #BaconRanch, #CampfireFood,

Posted in Campground Meals, Cold/No Heat Meals

Loaded Italian Sausage & Peppers Hoagies

Posted on by simplegoodfood

When it comes to easy campground meals, it’s hard to beat a hearty sausage sandwich loaded with savory peppers and onions. These Loaded Italian Sausage & Peppers Hoagies are packed with bold flavors, require minimal cleanup, and come together quickly in a single skillet. Whether you’re cooking over a camp stove, flat-top griddle, or campfire skillet, this meal is sure to become a camping favorite.

Serve these hoagies with chips, potato salad, or fresh fruit for a satisfying dinner that’s perfect after a day of hiking, fishing, or exploring the campground.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Loaded Italian Sausage & Peppers Hoagies

When it comes to easy campground meals, it's hard to beat a hearty sausage sandwich loaded with savory peppers and onions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 Italian sausage links mild or hot
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 bell peppers sliced (any color)
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 hoagie rolls
  • 6 slices provolone cheese optional
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sausage links and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 12–15 minutes. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Add the sliced peppers and onions to the same skillet.
  4. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  5. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
  6. Return the sausages to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
  7. Place each sausage in a hoagie roll and top generously with the pepper and onion mixture.
  8. Add provolone cheese and Parmesan cheese if desired.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

Campground Prep Tip
Slice the peppers and onions at home and store them in a zip-top bag in your cooler. This reduces prep time and makes campsite cooking even easier.

#CampingRecipes, #CampgroundCooking, #RVRecipes, #CampingFood, #OutdoorCooking, #ItalianSausage, #SausageAndPeppers, #EasyDinnerRecipes, #FamilyCamping, #CampgroundMeals, #SummerCamping, #SkilletMeals, #QuickDinnerIdeas, #CampingLife, #Hoagies,