When it comes to outdoor cooking, few pieces of equipment are as versatile and reliable as the humble cast iron skillet. Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or simply cooking up a storm in your backyard, a well-seasoned cast iron pan can help you whip up a world of delicious meals. And when paired with the campfire, the possibilities become truly endless. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 flavorful recipes for cast iron camping that will keep you fueled and satisfied on your next outdoor adventure.
From hearty breakfast dishes to satisfying dinner options, our recipe roundup has something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for some new ideas to try out at home, these recipes are sure to become instant favorites. So grab your cast iron skillet, fire up the campfire, and get ready to cook up some serious culinary magic.
Campfire Dutch Oven Chili
Campfire Dutch Oven Chili: A Hearty Outdoor Delight
Savor the flavors of a warm and comforting chili, perfectly suited for your next camping adventure. This recipe is designed specifically for cooking in a Campfire Dutch Oven, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal amidst nature’s beauty.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped bell peppers (any color)
– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
4. Pour in the water and stir to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to your preheated Campfire Dutch Oven (medium-high heat).
6. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter
Warm up your senses with this classic skillet cornbread, perfectly complemented by a drizzle of honey butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
– Honey, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda.
3. Add buttermilk and melted butter; stir until just combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a preheated 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. While the cornbread is still warm, mix together 2 tablespoons of softened butter with 1 tablespoon of honey.
7. Serve the warm cornbread with a dollop of honey butter on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cast Iron Breakfast Hash
A hearty breakfast dish that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a fuel-up-for-the-day meal. This recipe uses the natural non-stick properties of well-seasoned cast iron to cook up a delicious hash.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of leftover cooked potatoes (or 1-2 medium-sized raw potatoes, peeled and diced)
– 1 cup of cooked sausage (such as breakfast links or Italian sausage), sliced
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a small amount of cooking spray or oil to the pan and swirl it around.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the cooked potatoes, sliced sausage, and shredded cheese to the pan. Stir until everything is well combined.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the hash simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Campfire Pizza
A delicious and convenient pizza recipe perfect for your next camping trip or backyard gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Place the dough in a large cast-iron skillet or camping pot with a diameter of at least 10 inches.
4. Spread the marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top the sauce with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and red onion.
6. Sprinkle basil leaves on top for added flavor and color.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Place the skillet or pot over the campfire or grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Cast Iron Steak with Herbs
A classic steakhouse favorite gets a flavorful boost from the grill and aromatic herbs. This recipe yields a tender, smoky steak with a savory crust.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds cast iron steak (such as ribeye or strip loin)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and garlic.
3. Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Brush the herb mixture evenly onto both sides of the steak.
5. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes total cooking time.
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler Recipe
Experience the warmth of a homemade dessert with this easy-to-make Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler recipe, perfect for warm summer nights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 can peaches in heavy syrup (14.5 oz)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Dutch oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine peaches, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. Pour melted butter over peach mixture; stir until combined.
4. Beat egg and vanilla extract in separate bowl. Add to peach mixture; mix until smooth.
5. Roll out pie crust; place on top of peach mixture, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Seal crust by pressing edges with fork or crimping with fingers.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling bubbles slightly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
Campfire Skillet Nachos
Gather ’round the campsite with this epic recipe for Campfire Skillet Nachos! A perfect combination of gooey cheese, savory meat, and crunchy tortilla chips, all cooked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet over the campfire.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (16 oz) nacho cheese sauce
– 1 bag (12-14 oz) tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned, breaking up with a spatula as needed.
3. Add the nacho cheese sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on top of the meat mixture.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chips.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings (e.g., jalapeños, sour cream, salsa).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cast Iron Sausage and Veggies
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this satisfying cast iron recipe, featuring juicy sausage and tender vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 2 medium red onions, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add sausage; cook for 5 minutes, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Remove sausage from skillet; set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium; add olive oil, bell peppers, zucchinis, onions, and garlic. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Return sausage to the skillet; stir to combine with vegetables.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dutch Oven Beef Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a cozy evening with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Dutch oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Brown the beef in the hot pot for 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, and thyme. Stir well.
4. Cover the pot and cook for 2-1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp
A flavorful and aromatic shrimp dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the shrimp hot with the garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. Offer lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Campfire Mac and Cheese
This classic campfire macaroni and cheese recipe is a staple for any outdoor adventure. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting, cheesy dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large pot, combine the cooked macaroni, milk, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Add the butter and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Pancakes with Berries
Start your day off right with a hearty and delicious breakfast featuring cast iron pancakes loaded with sweet and tangy berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve warm with fresh berries and a drizzle of your favorite syrup.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 minutes per pancake.
Dutch Oven Pulled Pork
Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe
Transform a pork shoulder into tender, juicy pulled pork with this easy Dutch oven recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Dutch oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the Dutch oven. Put the pork shoulder on top of the onions.
5. Pour in apple cider vinegar and water.
6. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or foil and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before shredding and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Skillet Campfire Quesadillas
This recipe brings a taste of camping adventure indoors with the ease of cooking quesadillas in a skillet! A perfect combination of melted cheese, savory beef, and crunchy campfire-roasted veggies.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup roasted bell peppers (any color), diced
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned, breaking apart into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add roasted bell peppers and stir to combine.
4. In a separate pan or griddle, cook tortillas for 30 seconds on each side to slightly soften.
5. Assemble quesadillas by placing cooked beef mixture onto half of each tortilla, then topping with cheese.
6. Fold tortillas in half and place in the skillet with cooking spray or oil.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this simple recipe that yields a crispy, golden-brown sandwich with a perfectly melted interior.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1-2 slices of cheese (Cheddar, American, or your favorite variety)
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Add cheese on top of the bread, followed by the second bread slice, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
6. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 minutes
Dutch Oven Apple Crisp
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple crisp, cooked to perfection in your Dutch oven.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to the preheated Dutch oven.
4. In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts (if using). Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
5. Spread the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
6. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Campfire Fajitas in a Skillet
Get ready for a flavorful and convenient camping meal that’s perfect for the great outdoors.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb beef or chicken, sliced into thin strips
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning
• 8-10 small flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil and cook the sliced meat for 3-4 minutes or until browned.
3. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Add the minced garlic and fajita seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the fajitas by placing a portion of the meat and vegetable mixture onto each tortilla.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cast Iron Roasted Potatoes
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until they’re evenly coated.
3. Place the potatoes in a preheated cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pot, leaving some space between each wedge.
4. Roast the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown, flipping them halfway through cooking time.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings
A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe yields tender chicken and fluffy dumplings cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Dutch oven to 375°F.
2. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Add the oil to the pot and brown the chicken on both sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the broth, water, and butter to the pot. Bring to a boil.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add cold water to form a dough.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into small squares or strips.
7. Place the dumplings on top of the chicken and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Skillet Blueberry Cobbler
A sweet and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for a weeknight treat or weekend gathering, this skillet blueberry cobbler is easy to make and sure to please. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a warm, fruity, and buttery masterpiece in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine blueberries, sugar, flour, and baking powder.
3. Pour in the melted butter, beaten egg, milk, and vanilla extract; stir until well combined.
4. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fruit is tender and the crust is golden brown.
5. Remove the lid or foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Campfire cooking has never tasted better! This article features 20 mouth-watering cast iron camping recipes perfect for your next outdoor adventure. From hearty dishes like Campfire Dutch Oven Chili and One-Pan Campfire Pizza, to sweet treats like Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler and Skillet Blueberry Cobbler, these recipes are sure to satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for some new ideas for camping meals, this collection of cast iron camping recipes has something for everyone.