Posted in Recipe Roundup

6 Campground Meals That Cook Outside the RV

One of the best ways to enjoy campground cooking during the summer is to keep the heat outside where it belongs. Whether you’re cooking over a campfire, using a grill as an outdoor oven, firing up an electric skillet, or assembling a quick no-cook meal, there are plenty of ways to create delicious campground dinners without turning your RV into a sauna.

This week’s menu is all about making the most of your campground “satellite kitchen” by using the equipment you already have to prepare easy, satisfying meals. From a grill-baked casserole and campfire nachos to shrimp foil packets and Dutch oven comfort food, these recipes prove that great campground cooking goes far beyond hot dogs and hamburgers.

Featured Recipes:

  1. Grill-Baked Beef Enchilada Casserole
  2. Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn Foil Packets
  3. Cowboy Beef & Bean Skillet
  4. Old Bay Shrimp Salad Wraps
  5. Loaded Campfire Nachos
  6. Dutch Oven Italian Sausage & White Bean Stew

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

  • Every recipe serves 4 or fewer people, making them perfect for couples, empty nesters, and small families.
  • Multiple cooking methods help you get more use from your campground equipment.
  • Beef and seafood take center stage this week for a nice change of pace.
  • Several meals can be prepared without heating up the RV.
  • Easy cleanup means more time enjoying the campground and less time washing dishes.

Whether you’re staying for a weekend or spending the entire week at the campground, these meals will help you make the most of your outdoor kitchen while keeping everyone well fed and happy. Be sure to save your favorites and come back next week for another round of easy campground meals.

Grill-Baked Beef Enchilada Casserole
A foil-pan enchilada casserole cooked over indirect grill heat. Perfect example of using the grill as an outdoor oven.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn Foil Packets
Shrimp, corn, potatoes, and garlic butter wrapped in foil packets for an easy campsite dinner.
Check out this recipe
Cowboy Beef & Bean Skillet
Groundbeef, beans, corn, onions, and cheese cooked in one skillet.
Check out this recipe
Old Bay Shrimp Salad Wraps
A cool, no-cook meal ideal for hot campground afternoons.
Check out this recipe
Loaded Campfire Nachos
A foil-pan meal cooked with indirect campfire heat. This ties directly into the future Outdoor Oven article concept.
Check out this recipe
Dutch Oven Italian Sausage & White Bean Stew
Nothing says campground comfort quite like a hearty Dutch oven simmering over the fire.
Check out this recipe
Posted in Heat & Eat

Loaded Campfire Nachos

Loaded Campfire Nachos are proof that campground cooking can be both easy and impressive. Instead of placing food directly over the flames, this recipe uses indirect heat to turn your campfire into an outdoor oven. Layers of tortilla chips, seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and toppings cook together in a foil pan until hot and melty. Whether you’re feeding hungry campers or looking for a fun meal to share around the fire, these nachos are always a crowd-pleaser.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Loaded Campfire Nachos

A foil-pan meal cooked with indirect campfire heat. This ties directly into the future Outdoor Oven article concept.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 8 ounces tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
  • 1 jalapeño sliced (optional)
  • 1 Roma tomato diced
  • 2 green onions sliced
Optional Toppings
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced black olives
  • Fresh cilantro

Method
 

Cook the Beef
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
  3. Drain excess grease if needed.
  4. Stir in the taco seasoning and water.
  5. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the seasoning is absorbed.
Assemble the Nachos
  1. Spray a disposable foil pan lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Spread half of the tortilla chips in the pan.
  3. Top with half of the beef mixture.
  4. Add half of the black beans.
  5. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
  6. Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, beef, beans, and cheese.
  7. Add jalapeño slices if using.
Prepare the Campfire
  1. Build a campfire and allow it to burn down to a good bed of coals.
  2. Push the majority of the coals to one side of the fire ring.
  3. Place a grill grate over the fire ring.
Cook the Nachos
  1. Place the foil pan on the cooler side of the grate away from the direct heat.
  2. Cover the pan loosely with foil.
  3. Cook for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve
  1. Carefully remove the pan from the fire.
  2. Top with diced tomato and green onions.
  3. Add any desired toppings.
  4. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage & Reheating Tips
  • Nachos are best eaten fresh.
  • If leftovers remain, store toppings separately.
  • Reheat in a skillet or foil pan on the grill.
  • Avoid microwaving if possible, as the chips can become soggy.
Posted in Arrival Day Dinner, Cold/No Heat Meals

Old Bay Shrimp Salad Wraps

When summer temperatures climb, sometimes the best campground dinner is one that doesn’t require heating up the grill or camp stove. These Old Bay Shrimp Salad Wraps are cool, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Tender shrimp are tossed in a light dressing seasoned with Old Bay, then wrapped in soft tortillas with crisp lettuce and crunchy vegetables. They’re perfect for hot afternoons, beachside campsites, and RV travelers looking for a quick meal with minimal cleanup.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Old Bay Shrimp Salad Wraps

A cool, no-cook meal ideal for hot campground afternoons.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cooked shrimp peeled, deveined, and chopped
  • ¼ cup light mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 celery stalks finely diced
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Optional: sliced tomato or cucumber

Method
 

Prepare the Shrimp Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and black pepper.
  2. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add the chopped shrimp, celery, and green onions.
  4. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Wraps
  1. Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface.
  2. Divide the lettuce evenly among the tortillas.
  3. Spoon the shrimp salad onto the center of each tortilla.
  4. Add tomato or cucumber slices if desired.
Wrap and Serve
  1. Fold in the sides of each tortilla.
  2. Roll tightly into wraps.
  3. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage & Reheating Tips
  • Store the shrimp salad separately from the tortillas if making ahead.
  • Keep refrigerated and use within 2 days.
  • Assemble wraps just before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Not recommended for freezing.
Posted in Freezer & Make-Ahead Meals, Jar Mixes (Meal Starters)

Beef & Barley Stew Jar Mix (Mild + Heart-Healthy)

🥗 Beef & Barley Stew

Heart-Healthy | Low-Cholesterol | Low-A1C


💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This was just so good. The recipe gives you the ingredient amounts to make 2, 1 or light lunch, which comes in handy. It took less than 30 minutes to make, and I wish I had made more! But I’ve got 2 more jars waiting for me in my pantry.



🛒 Ingredients

Quart Jar – 2 servings

  • 1/2 cup dehydrated shredded beef
  • 1/3 cup pre-cooked dehydrated barley
  • 1/3 cup dehydrated carrots
  • 2–3 tbsp dehydrated onions
  • 1–2 tbsp dehydrated celery
  • 1/4 cup dehydrated mushrooms (optional but really good here)
  • 2 tsp low-sodium beef bouillon
  • Gentle Seasoning Blend:
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp parsley
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Optional: tiny pinch rosemary (go light—it can take over)

PINT JAR (Single Serving)

  • 1/4 cup beef
  • 2–3 tbsp barley
  • 2 tbsp carrots
  • 1–2 tbsp onions/celery mix
  • 1 tsp bouillon
  • Pinch of each seasoning

HALF-PINT (Light Meal / Side)

  • 2–3 tbsp beef
  • 1–2 tbsp barley
  • 1–2 tbsp veggies
  • 1/2 tsp bouillon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Use pre-cooked barley:
    • Cook barley fully (like you would for a side dish)
    • Spread thin
    • Dehydrate until dry
    • 👉 This ensures it rehydrates soft—not chewy or underdone.
  2. Add 3–3½ cups boiling water (1 1/2 – 2 cups for Pint, 1 cup for Half Pint)
  3. Cover and let sit 20–25 minutes (or simmer 10–15) (20 min for Pint, less for Half Pint)
  4. 👉 Barley takes a little longer than noodles, but it’s worth it.

💡 Tips & Swaps

  • Given the current price of beef, I substituted some ground Turkey. Next time I make the jars up, I want to try shredded pork. Either way, it was absolutely delicious.
  • Once you’ve added the ingredients and the water comes back to a boil, turn the burner down to a simmer. You won’t need more.
  • If you have leftovers, let them cool and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

🥡 Meal Prep & Storage

  • Reheat instructions: I would add a little moisture to the stew before you microwave it. I believe that either low sodium beef broth or water would work well. Heat for 2 minutes before checking.

❤️ Heart-Healthy Notes

Using a dehydrated protein means that the excess fat is already gone from the meat. The barley and vegetables add fiber without overwhelming the protein. It was just that good!


📣 Let’s Connect

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
#HeartHealthy #LowCholesterol #LowA1C #SimpleGoodFood


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simplegoodfood
simplegoodfood

Just a Pennsylvania Dutch girl raised on simple good food that fills you up. Fussy recipes that leave you still hungry need not apply!

306 posts
2 followers

Posted in Seafood Meals

“Air Fryer Tilapia (Heart-Healthy, Low Cholesterol)”

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tilapia is a favorite of mine with a mild taste. It can be cooked in many ways, including, but not limited to, fried or broiled. I choose it for the affordability. It cooks up quickly and easily in an Air Fryer.


simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Air Fryer Tilapia

Tilapia is a favorite of mine with a mild taste. It can be cooked in many ways, including, but not limited to, fried or broiled. I choose it for the affordability. It cooks up quickly and easily in an Air Fryer.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 128

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tilapia fillets 4–6 oz each, fresh or thawed
  • 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil healthy unsaturated fat, reduced amount
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika adds flavor without salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • No added salt optional: use salt-free seasoning like Mrs. Dash

Method
 

  1. Preheat Air Fryer Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Season the Fish: Pat tilapia dry. Lightly brush or spray both sides with oil. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the fish.
  3. Air Fry: Place fillets in a single layer in the basket. Cook 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily (internal temp 145°F / 63°C).
  4. Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over fillets. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
  5. Pair with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a leafy green salad for a balanced, heart-healthy meal.

Notes

💡 Tips & Swaps

  • Any mild flavor white fish can be substituted. Swai is a particular favorite of mine.
  • Do not overcook! It is easy to overcook this fish if you don’t stay with it.
  • If you actually have leftovers, allow the fish to cool before placing in a covered container.

🥡 Meal Prep & Storage

  • Reheat instructions: If you have leftovers, this will reheat in the microwave. I would start with just a minute or two before you check.

❤️ Heart-Healthy Notes

Tilapia is a wonderful source of lean protein, along with other Antioxidants and vitamins.
Posted in Simple Meals, Weekend Suppers

Saturday – Turkey & Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

This weekend’s heart-healthy comfort food dinner is Turkey and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie. This is a simple meal that comes together easily and is perfect for a Saturday evening dinner.

Turkey & Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

This weekend’s heart-healthy comfort food dinner is Turkey and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie. This is a simple meal that comes together easily and is perfect for a Saturday evening dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables carrots, peas, green beans
  • ½ onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 cup mashed potatoes about 1 large potato
  • Black pepper
  • Optional: sprinkle paprika on top

Method
 

  1. Boil and mash potato, set aside.
  2. Cook onion in olive oil.
  3. Add ground turkey and cook until done.
  4. Add vegetables and broth, simmer 5 minutes.
  5. Put mixture in small baking dish.
  6. Spread mashed potatoes on top.
  7. Sprinkle paprika.
  8. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

#HeartHealthy, #CookingForOne, #SimpleGoodFood, #LowCholesterol, #DiabeticFriendly, #ComfortFood,