5 One-Pot Campfire Dinners for Easy Cooking and Cleanup

Camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, and the last thing you want to worry about is a complicated meal with a messy cleanup. These five one-pot campfire dinners are simple, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for refueling after a day of adventure.

1. Campfire Chili

A warm, hearty chili is a camping classic that’s easy to make in one pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or cast-iron pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, water, and seasonings.
4. Cover and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot with bread or crackers.

2. Sausage and Potato Foil Packets

These foil packets are loaded with flavor and require zero cleanup.

Ingredients (per serving):

• 1 smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 1/4 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a large sheet of aluminum foil.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Seal the foil packet tightly and place it on hot campfire coals or a grill.
4. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Carefully open and serve hot.

3. One-Pot Campfire Pasta

A comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 lb ground sausage or ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or parmesan)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground sausage until browned.
2. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, water, pasta, and seasonings.
4. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and serve hot.

4. Campfire Chicken and Rice

A simple and filling dish that’s easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat a large pot over the fire and add the cubed chicken.
2. Cook until browned on all sides.
3. Stir in rice, chicken broth, vegetables, and seasonings.
4. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

5. Beef and Vegetable Stew

A rich and filling stew that’s packed with protein and veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew beef, cut into cubes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, cook the beef until browned on all sides.
2. Add the onions, garlic, and celery, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, beef broth, and seasonings.
4. Cover and let simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot with bread or biscuits.

Final Thoughts

Cooking over a campfire doesn’t have to be complicated. These five one-pot meals are not only delicious but also minimize cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. Want more camping meal ideas? Check out our guides to campfire cooking gear and meal prep tips!