Janky's Very Arguable List Of The BEST Campfire Meals

by Leanne Kruse
The Best Campfire Meals: Delicious Recipes for Outdoor Enthusiasts
When you're out in the wilderness, nothing beats the experience of cooking over an open flame. The smell of wood smoke, the crackling of the fire, and the satisfaction of a hot meal after a long day of hiking or exploring—it’s all part of the adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor lifestyle, having a few go-to campfire meals can make your experience even more enjoyable. Here are some of the best campfire meals to try on your next trip, including a classic recipe for hobo packets and a foraged food option perfect for Minnesota.
1. Hobo Packets: The Campfire Classic 
Hobo packets are a staple of campfire cooking for a reason—they’re easy to prepare, customizable, and require minimal cleanup. All you need is some heavy-duty aluminum foil, your favorite ingredients, and a good bed of coals to cook over. They can even be prepped ahead of time, and brought along! 
Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: shredded cheese, herbs (like rosemary or thyme), or your favorite sauce (like BBQ or teriyaki)
Instructions:
  1. Start by laying out large sheets of aluminum foil (one per person).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Form the mixture into small patties.
  3. Place a handful of sliced potatoes, carrots, onions, peas, garlic cloves, mushrooms or bell peppers in the center of each sheet of foil. Any veggies you want!
  4. Drizzle with olive oil, or just toss in a couple tablespoons of butter.
  5. Place a patty of meat on top of the vegetables. For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with extra veggies, beans, or tofu.
  6. Wrap the foil tightly around the ingredients, ensuring there are no gaps where steam can escape.
  7. Place the packets on hot coals (not directly in the flames) and cook for 20-30 minutes, turning halfway through. The exact time will depend on the heat of your coals and the thickness of your ingredients.
  8. Carefully open the packets (watch out for steam!) and enjoy. Sprinkle with cheese or add sauce if desired.
I enjoy adding some cubed steak towards the end of the cooking time, so that my veggies are cooked nice and thoroughly, but I don’t overcook my steak. A variation that I’m going to try next time I’m out camping for a weekend is a breakfast foil packet with hash browns, ground sausage or chorizo, onion and an egg added towards the end!
2. Foraged Feast: Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom Medley
Minnesota is known for its abundant natural resources, including wild rice and various edible mushrooms. This recipe combines these foraged foods into a delicious and satisfying campfire meal.
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup wild rice (foraged or store-bought)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup foraged mushrooms (like morels or chanterelles), cleaned and sliced
  • 1 handful of foraged greens (like dandelion leaves or nettles), washed and chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon
Instructions:
  1. Start by cooking the wild rice. In a pot, combine the wild rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over the campfire, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
  2. While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or a camping pan.
  3. Add the diced onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the foraged mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
  5. Add the foraged greens and cook until wilted.
  6. Once the wild rice is done, mix it into the skillet with the mushrooms and greens.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional flavorings like soy sauce or lemon juice.
  8. Serve hot, enjoying the flavors of Minnesota’s wild bounty.
Morels (left) and Golden Chanterelles (right)
Some other fun foraged options to include in your Minnesota feast would be ramps, garlic mustard, cattails, or wild asparagus if you’re lucky!
3. Campfire Chili: Warm and Hearty
Chili is another excellent campfire meal, perfect for cooler nights when you need something warm and filling. This recipe is versatile and can be made with your favorite meat or kept vegetarian.
Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, hot sauce
Instructions:
  1. In a large cast-iron pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground meat over the campfire until browned.
  2. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
  4. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spices to your taste.
  5. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer over low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or a dash of hot sauce.
4. S'mores Banana Boats: A Sweet Campfire Treat
No campfire meal is complete without dessert, and s’mores banana boats are a fun twist on the classic treat.
Ingredients:
  • Bananas (one per person)
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Chocolate chips
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • Optional: peanut butter, caramel sauce, or your favorite candy
Instructions:
  1. Start by slicing each banana lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  2. Gently pull apart the banana and stuff with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and any other desired fillings.
  3. Wrap each banana in aluminum foil.
  4. Place the wrapped bananas on the campfire coals and cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted.
  5. Carefully unwrap and enjoy your gooey, delicious treat with a spoon.
Whether you’re enjoying a weekend in the woods or a longer trek into the backcountry, these campfire meals are sure to keep you fueled and happy. Cooking over a fire is an experience in itself, and with these recipes, you’ll be able to make the most of your time outdoors. So gather your ingredients, stoke the flames, and enjoy the flavors of nature. Submit your own favorite campfire recipes to us through email and we will create a running list of our customers' favorites! 
Mention this blog posting at checkout and save 15% on any camp cook and kitchen gear you find! Stay Janky!

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