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When I go camping with my son or a friend, I always make sure to pack easy meals that are both delicious and practical to prepare. Planning simple camping meals for two allows us to have more time to focus on enjoying the great outdoors together, while still satisfying our taste buds.
As someone who frequents the outdoors, I’ve found that quick and easy camping meals are the way to go, especially when we’re cooking for two. The key is to choose recipes with minimal ingredients and equipment requirements. This ensures that we’re not weighed down by excessive camping gear, and that we can prepare everything efficiently.
From hearty breakfasts to cozy campfire dinners, the camping meal ideas I’ve gathered are from my own experience or are inspired by various sources. With these easy, yet delicious recipes, you’ll be ready to enjoy unforgettable meals under the stars with your camping buddy!
Table of Contents
- Planning Your Easy Camping Meals Menu
- Gear Up for Cooking
- Breakfast Ideas to Start the Day Strong
- Satisfying Lunch Options for Campers
- Delicious and Easy Camping Meals for Dinner
- Smart Camping Food Hacks and Tips
Planning Your Easy Camping Meals Menu
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When planning a camping menu for two, I always start by considering simple yet delicious meals that can be easily prepared at the campsite. To do this, I create a meal plan that includes a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This helps ensure that we won’t get bored with our food choices and that we can make the most of our outdoor adventure.
I like to include a good mix of recipes in my meal plan, featuring different ingredients and cooking techniques. For example, for breakfast, I might prepare bacon and cheese quiche using a Dutch oven, as mentioned in the search results. This dish is both versatile and delicious, with the option of enjoying the leftovers cold the next day, along with a fresh salad for lunch or dinner.
To make sure our camping menu has a variety of options and requires minimal preparation time, I incorporate some easy-to-prepare meals such as campfire grilled fish tacos, seasoned with a simple spice rub, or grilled Mexican style street corn. These can be quickly assembled and cooked at the campsite without much fuss.
When planning our camping menu, I keep a list of all the ingredients needed for each meal. This ensures that I won’t forget any essential items during our trip. To stay organized, it’s useful to create a table that lists the meals and their corresponding ingredients.
| Meal | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Bacon and Cheese Quiche | Bacon, Cheese, Eggs, Pie Crust, Seasoning |
| Campfire Grilled Fish Tacos | Fish, Spice Rub, Tortillas, Toppings |
| Grilled Mexican Street Corn | Corn, Seasoning, Toppings |
By creating a meal plan and packing list, I’m able to save time and avoid last-minute stress when shopping and packing for a camping trip. Staying organized and prepared ensures that we can focus on enjoying our time together in the great outdoors.
Gear Up for Cooking
When it comes to camping, having the right cooking gear can make all the difference in creating delicious meals and enjoying your outdoor experience to the fullest. One essential piece of equipment is a sturdy portable stove or campfire grill, depending on the campsite regulations and personal preference. These allow you to cook a variety of foods, from simple breakfasts to hearty dinners, with ease.
On a recent trip, I tested out a new gadget in my arsenal, the Summit Stove. As you can see above and below, this stove is compact, making it easy to transport, set up, clean, and take down when it’s time to head home. In fact, it it neatly fits into a 4 x 4 x 16-inch box, so its portability factor is very high.
The Summit Stove uses either wood or charcoal, so you can cook a variety of food and get that delicious wood-fired or charcoal flavor with whatever meal you’re cooking. And since this stove is made from stainless steel, it’s extremely durable and easy to clean – just what you want when you’re camping!
There are a couple of other items worth mentioning in my campsite cooking setup…
The green thing you see under the Summit Stove isn’t a tablecloth – it’s a Campfire Mat Mini Mat. This mat is made of fire-retardant material, which is extremely important when using a wood-fired or charcoal grill. The mat protects my Tailgater Tire Table and the surrounding area from embers or sparks that manage to find their way out of the grill.
You can use this mat in a variety of other applications, too – with fire boxes, portable fire pits or fire bowls, small propane-powered grills, and so forth.
I also use the Tailgater Tire Table for my cooking setup. The table simply hooks onto my Jeep’s tire to provide a stable, level place to get cooking. The table has a leg for added stability, too.
The Tire Table is one of the first camping accessories I get out when I get to camp. It’s sturdy, reliable, easy to set up, and easy to take down, too. I use this table for everything from meal prep to cooking to eating dinner with my son. I also use it for work when I need to get stuff done while I’m camping.
A reliable set of cookware is also a must-have, including pots, pans, and a kettle for boiling water. Opt for lightweight and durable materials like stainless steel or aluminum to withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking.
Additionally, don’t forget about utensils such as spatulas, tongs, and cooking spoons for flipping, stirring, and serving your meals. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for prepping ingredients, while a can opener comes in handy for canned goods.
Other useful items to include in your camping kitchen kit are heat-resistant gloves for handling hot cookware, a grill brush for cleaning, and aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lastly, remember to pack food storage containers or resealable bags to keep ingredients fresh and organized during your trip. With the right cooking gear, you’ll be well-equipped to whip up tasty meals and savor the great outdoors with friends and family.
Breakfast Ideas to Start the Day Strong
Campfire Classics
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When it comes to classic camp breakfasts, nothing beats the smell of bacon and eggs sizzling over the fire. One of my favorite ways to enjoy these staples is by creating a hearty camping breakfast sandwich. I use toast, bacon, avocado, and a fried egg cooked in a single skillet over a camp stove or campfire. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare.
Another campfire classic is Campfire French Toast. To make this, soak slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, then cook them in a skillet with some butter. For added sweetness, serve the French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Banana bread pancakes are another perfect start to a busy day outdoors. I simply combine mashed bananas, eggs, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cook in a skillet over a camp stove or campfire until golden brown and serve with butter and maple syrup.
On-the-Go Breakfasts
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Granola bars, muffins, and trail mix are great grab-and-go options that provide much-needed energy for hiking, fishing, or other campsite activities. I prefer homemade granola bars packed with nuts, dried fruits, and oats for sustained energy throughout the morning.
If you want a hot on-the-go breakfast option, I recommend trying a Camping Oatmeal Recipe with Dried Fruit. Prepare oatmeal with hot water in a thermos and add your choice of dried fruit, nuts, and sweeteners. This portable, non-perishable breakfast option provides a hearty, nourishing start to the day.
Lastly, breakfast burrito bowls are an excellent on-the-go camping breakfast. Prepare scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese in advance, then assemble in a bowl with fresh ingredients like tomato, onion, and spinach. This dish is customizable to suit your preferences and can be easily carried in a food container for a satisfying meal on the move.
Satisfying Lunch Options for Campers
Quick Fix Delights
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One of my favorite go-to quick lunches when camping is quesadillas. They are versatile and can be customized with various fillings like cheese, beans, vegetables, or even pre-cooked meats. To prepare, simply place the tortilla on a grill or skillet and add your favorite ingredients. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese has melted, flipping once for an even cook. Slice it up and enjoy!
Another fast and nutritious lunch option is a wrap up. You can use any type of flatbread or large lettuce leaves as a base and fill them with your choice of protein, vegetables, spreads, and condiments. Some tasty options include grilled chicken, avocado, and fresh tomato, or hummus, cucumber, and carrot sticks. Wrapping these up in a foil packet will make them easy to transport and consume on the go.
For a refreshing and healthy treat, a yogurt parfait is an ideal choice. Layer plain or flavored Greek yogurt with your preferred granola, nuts, seeds, and fresh or frozen berries. Don’t forget to pack a spoon and dig into this delicious combination of flavors and textures!
Hearty Midday Meals
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As a more filling option during my camping trips, I like to prepare a Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. This sandwich can be cooked using a cast iron skillet or wrapped in a foil packet to cook over a campfire. Start by layering rye bread with pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing, and finally another slice of rye on top. Press the layers down and cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted.
Chickpea and Pesto Sandwiches are another satisfying midday meal. Start by mashing drained canned chickpeas with mayo, salt, and pepper. Spread a generous amount of prepared pesto onto slices of bread, add the chickpea mixture and top with slices of tomato. These sandwiches are both flavorsome and easy-to-make.
I also like to bring along a healthy mixed greens salad on my camping trips. Combining lettuce, radicchio, herbs, dandelion greens, and other fresh ingredients, this salad can be topped up with some dressing, proteins, or even nuts and seeds for added crunch.
Delicious and Easy Camping Meals for Dinner
One-Pot Wonders
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One-pot meals are a camper’s best friend because they are easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup. Some favorites include campfire chili and sweet potato peanut stew. Chili can be made with canned beans and vegetables, seasoned with your favorite spices, and cooked over the fire until piping hot. Sweet potato peanut stew is a rich and flavorful dish that combines diced sweet potatoes, canned tomatoes, and peanut butter. Simply simmer the ingredients in a pot over the fire until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Here are some great one-pot meal ideas:
- Campfire Stew: This hearty dish combines meat, potatoes, and carrots in a rich sauce. Cook until tender over low heat.
- Curry: A simple curry can be made with canned vegetables, coconut milk, and your favorite curry powder. Simmer until heated through, then serve over instant rice.
- Red Lentil Sloppy Joes: Cook red lentils with onions, peppers, and a homemade or store-bought sauce for a filling vegetarian option.
Foil Packet Creations
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Foil packets are another convenient way to cook while camping. They can be filled with almost any combination of ingredients and tossed on the grill or directly on the coals. Some tasty foil packet creations include:
- Hobo Dinner Foil Packets: Layer sliced potatoes, onions, carrots, and your choice of protein (like ground beef, chicken, or sausage) in a foil packet and cook until everything is tender.
- Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets: Combine shrimp, butter, lemon, garlic, and parsley in a foil packet and grill until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
- Grilled Chicken Fajitas: Sliced chicken, peppers, and onions can be cooked together in a foil packet and served with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Grill and Dutch Oven Specialties
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When it comes to cooking outdoors, grills and Dutch ovens open up a world of possibilities. From grilled kabobs to Dutch oven quiches, these cooking appliances can help create a variety of delicious dinners. Here are some crowd-pleasers:
- Kabobs: Skewer your favorite meat, vegetables, and even fruit for a customizable, easy-to-eat meal. Marinate the ingredients beforehand if desired.
- Grilled Fish Tacos: Rub your favorite fish with spices and grill it until cooked through. Serve the fish on tortillas with a slaw or salsa for a light and refreshing meal.
- Bacon and Cheese Dutch Oven Quiche: Prepare a simple quiche using a store-bought pie crust and fill it with your favorite ingredients, such as bacon and cheese. Bake it in a Dutch oven until the eggs are set.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a good burger, either.
Above, you can see my “super awesome mega burger” cooking in a cast-iron skillet on my Summit Stove. This burger is moist, delicious, and packed with flavor! Here’s what you need:
- Ciabatta buns (my favorite is from Trader Joe’s)
- Beef patties made with 80% lean beef so there’s more fat
- Two slices of bacon
- One egg
- Feta cheese
- Havarti cheese
- Pepper jack cheese
- Pico de gallo
- Fresh cilantro
- Trader Joe’s Magnifisauce
Cook the bacon first, that way you can use the bacon fat to cook the hamburger and the egg. Cook the burger for about five minutes, then flip and add the feta cheese on top of the patty to let it melt. Cook the patty an additional five minutes. Add the ciabatta bun to the skillet to brown for about a minute or two.
Then it’s time to construct the burger. Add the patty with the melted feta to the bun, then add a slice of havarti and pepper jack with the egg on top. Add the Trader Joe’s Magnifisauce to the top bun, then add the pico de gallo on top of the egg. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and enjoy!
By utilizing these cooking methods, your camping dinners will be both delicious and hassle-free. Whether you prefer one-pot meals, foil packet creations, or using a grill or Dutch oven, there’s an easy and tasty dinner option for you to enjoy in the great outdoors.
Smart Camping Food Hacks and Tips
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As a camping enthusiast, I’m excited to share some easy and delicious camping meals for two, along with smart food hacks and tips to make your outdoor experience even more enjoyable. These ideas are perfect for those who want a no-fuss menu but still crave delicious food while enjoying the great outdoors.
One of my all-time favorite easy camping meals are campfire nachos. Simply layer tortilla chips, cheese, black beans, and any other toppings of your choice on a cast-iron skillet or aluminum foil. Cook it over the campfire until the cheese is melted. This dish is perfect for sharing and requires minimal cookware.
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Another delicious treat is the campfire apple crisp. Core and slice apples, then toss them in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of water. Place the apples on aluminum foil, cover them with a simple mixture of oats, flour, sugar, and butter, then wrap them securely. Cook the foil packet over the campfire until the apples are tender and the topping is crispy.
For a sweet breakfast or dessert, try making campfire cinnamon roll-ups. Spread your favorite canned cinnamon roll dough with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and then wrap it around roasting sticks. Slowly cook them over the campfire, rotating the sticks to ensure even cooking.
Here are a few more camping hacks and tips that I found helpful during my adventures:
- Freeze-dried meals: Lightweight and easy to pack, these meals only require hot water to cook. They’re excellent options for backpacking trips where weight and space matter. Peak Refuel’s Chicken Coconut Curry is one of my favorites!
- One-pot wonders: Save time and reduce the number of cookware needed by preparing meals that only require a single piece of cookware, such as a grilled cheese sandwich or a stir fry.
- Food storage: Use airtight containers or zipper-lock bags to keep your food fresh and protected from pests. This also helps to minimize scents that can attract wildlife.
Hopefully, these ideas will help you to enjoy delicious meals during your camping trip while making the most of your time in nature. Happy camping!
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