If you love camping but don’t want to survive on just hot dogs and instant noodles, it’s time to elevate your campfire cooking game with Dutch oven recipes. A Dutch oven is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you can take outdoors. It can bake, roast, simmer, fry, and stew — all in one pot.
In this article, we’ll share 5 Dutch oven recipes for camping that are hearty, easy to make, and perfect for the great outdoors. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry group of campers, these recipes will help you create memorable meals under the stars.
Why Dutch Oven Cooking is Perfect for Camping
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why a Dutch oven is a camper’s best friend.
- Versatility: You can make soups, stews, bread, desserts, and even pizza.
- Durability: Cast iron Dutch ovens are built to last and can withstand campfire heat.
- Flavor: Slow cooking in a Dutch oven develops deep, rich flavors.
- One-Pot Meals: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup at the campsite.
Now, let’s get into the star of this article — 5 delicious Dutch oven camping recipes you can try on your next trip.
1. Dutch Oven Campfire Chili
Nothing says camping like a hot bowl of chili after a long day of hiking. This Dutch oven chili is packed with protein and smoky flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 2 cans (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat your Dutch oven over medium campfire heat.
- Brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices.
- Cover with the lid and let simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pro Tip: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread for a complete campfire meal.
2. Dutch Oven Chicken and Veggie Stew
This is one of the easiest Dutch oven recipes for camping — a wholesome, one-pot meal with protein and vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Heat Dutch oven and sear chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides.
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
- Pour in chicken broth, add thyme and bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, until chicken is tender and veggies are soft.
Pro Tip: Remove the chicken, shred it, and return to the pot for easy serving.
3. Dutch Oven Campfire Pizza
Yes, you can make pizza while camping with a Dutch oven! It’s easier than you think and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 store-bought pizza dough (or pre-made crust)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- Toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, olives)
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Lightly oil the bottom of your Dutch oven.
- Stretch the pizza dough to fit and press into the bottom.
- Spread sauce evenly, add cheese, then toppings.
- Cover with the lid and place hot coals on top for even heat.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is cooked.
Pro Tip: Rotate the Dutch oven halfway through for even cooking.
4. Dutch Oven Campfire Lasagna
This recipe turns a camping trip into a gourmet experience. The layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce make it a comfort food favorite.
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil)
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Brown the meat in the Dutch oven. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove sauce and lightly oil the Dutch oven bottom.
- Layer noodles, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.
- Cover with lid and place coals on top. Cook for 30–40 minutes, until bubbly and hot.
Pro Tip: Line the Dutch oven with foil for easy cleanup.
5. Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
End your camping day with a sweet treat. This Dutch oven dessert is simple yet irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz) sliced peaches, drained
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter, sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Grease the bottom of the Dutch oven.
- Add peaches and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle cake mix evenly over peaches.
- Place butter slices on top and sprinkle cinnamon.
- Cover and cook with hot coals on top for 30 minutes, until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you have a cooler handy.
Tips for Successful Dutch Oven Cooking While Camping
- Preheat your Dutch oven: Just like at home, preheating helps with even cooking.
- Use charcoal or campfire coals: This allows better temperature control than open flames.
- Rotate the lid and oven: Helps avoid hot spots and burns.
- Bring heat-resistant gloves: Dutch ovens get extremely hot.
- Clean and season after use: Prevents rust and keeps your cast iron in top condition.
Final Thoughts
Cooking with a Dutch oven while camping opens up a world of possibilities beyond traditional campfire meals. These 5 Dutch oven recipes for camping are easy, delicious, and sure to impress your camping crew.
From hearty chili to a gooey peach cobbler, you can enjoy home-style comfort food even in the middle of the wilderness. Pack your Dutch oven, gather some coals, and turn your next camping trip into a true outdoor feast.