Dreaming of a weekend escape filled with breathtaking scenery and the crackling of a campfire? Car camping offers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, but planning delicious and easy meals can make or break the experience. Forget those bland, pre-packaged meals! This post is packed with simple yet satisfying car camping recipes that will fuel your adventures and leave you wanting more. These healthy meals are perfect for quick dinner ideas and are easily adaptable to your preferences. Get ready to elevate your camping cuisine!
One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies
This recipe is a fantastic example of how simple homemade cooking can be, even when you're miles away from your kitchen. It's a complete meal, requiring minimal cleanup – a huge bonus when you’re camping!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 lb carrots, chopped
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 lemons, one juiced, one thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (Italian mix, Herbes de Provence, or your favorite blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your portable camping oven or build a campfire suitable for cooking (always prioritize safety!).
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the dried herbs.
- Place the vegetables in a single layer in your oven-safe dish or on a large piece of heavy-duty foil suitable for oven cooking.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Drizzle the chicken with the lemon juice and remaining herbs. Arrange the lemon slices on top of the chicken.
- Roast at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Cooking time may vary depending on your heat source.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success:
- For even cooking, ensure the vegetables are roughly the same size.
- If using foil, create a tight seal to prevent the juices from escaping.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Campfire Chili
This hearty chili is a classic car camping recipe, perfect for a chilly evening. It’s easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies: Calories: 450-550, Protein: 35-45g, Fat: 20-25g
- Campfire Chili: Calories: 300-400, Protein: 25-35g, Fat: 15-20g
These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Enjoy your next car camping adventure with these delicious and easy-to-prepare meals! Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep our beautiful outdoor spaces clean and pristine for everyone to enjoy. Happy camping!