6 Fantastic Camping Meal Ideas For Families

One of the key parts of camping is the food. Cooking and sharing food with your family around the campfire can be a great experience that you should try at least once in your life.

However, it is not an easy task if you are not well prepared, that’s why we are here to help. Below are the best meal ideas you can try out at the campsite. Have fun, The meals taste better when you’re enjoying the great outdoors!

Family Meal Ideas #1: Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are delicious, filling, and energizing so you’ll have the kickstart to go hiking, kayaking, or sightseeing early in the day.

Ingredients:

• Eggs (optional)
• Tortillas
• Cheese (pre-grated is best)
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Fried peppers and/or onions

Directions:

Place your tortilla wraps on foil, one per person. Fill each tortilla with the desired ingredients listed above, then fold the tortilla into a burrito shape. Use the foil to wrap your burrito. Cook it over the stove for 5 minutes on each side. Ensure the cheese is melted and the ingredients are warmed through.

If adding eggs to your burrito, cook them first and scramble them. This way you can easily place them in the tortilla with the other ingredients. Proceed as described above.

Family Meal Ideas #2: Mini Pizzas

This is an especially fun one for the kids. This is something you’ve probably done at home with a toaster oven. Well, you can do the same thing with a pan, camping stove, or campfire! This is an easy option that can work as a meal or snack.

Image source: pexels

Ingredients:

• Plain bagels or English Muffins
• Pre-grated cheese
• Pizza sauce
• Toppings: pepperoni, onions, sausage, etc.

Directions:

Cut bagels or English muffins in half. One-half will count as one pizza. Spread pizza sauce on top, then layer with as much cheese as you want. Next, you can place all of your toppings on. Finally, put your mini pizza in the pan and grill it until the cheese melts and the toppings appear to be cooked.

Family Meal Ideas #3: Hamburgers/ Cheeseburgers

A classic go-to that is so good you don’t have to change the recipe no matter where you are. It is easy, great for the kids, and a filling meal that’s perfect for a laid-back day.

Ingredients: 

• Burger buns
• Sliced cheese of choice
• Beef mince
• Minced onion and garlic
• Lettuce (optional)
• Sliced tomato (optional)
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Mustard

Directions: 

Take the minced ground beef along with the onion and garlic and mix them together first. Once mixed into the meat, begin shaping your patties with your hands. Cook the patties on a pan over your stove or campfire. Flip back and forth until cooked through.

If you want cheese, now is the time to put it on the burger. Let the cheese warm so it begins to melt. Finally, put the burger on your bun and add any additional toppings and condiments.

Family Meal Ideas #4: Omelets

A delicious and nutritious breakfast option to get your protein for the day. Omelets can be made any way that you want with any fillings you want. They’re capable of feeding the whole family with ease.

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Butter
• Cheese
• Fillings: hot dogs, ham, bacon, sausage, onions, peppers, etc.

Directions: 

Melt butter in the pan it will add flavor as well as prevent the eggs from sticking. Next, whisk the eggs and pour them into the pan. Cook until the bottom of the eggs begins to firm up, but the top remains runny. This is when you add any of your fillings. Once filled, fold the eggs over like a tortilla and cook until golden.

Family Meal Ideas #5: Mac and Cheese

Any pasta is a great go-to for camping because you can turn it into anything and add everything you want to it. This is a flavorful meal perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of elbow macaroni pasta
• 3 cups grated cheese
• 4 cups of milk (can use water as a substitute)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Directions:

Pour both the milk and pasta into a large saucepan. Bring it to a boil over the camp stove or fire and stir to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once the macaroni is cooked, the milk will have thickened (if you’re using milk), remove the saucepan from heat and add in all other ingredients. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated. It should appear smooth and creamy when ready to eat.

Family Meal Ideas #6: Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The perfect option for lunch or dinner. Grilled cheese sandwiches are great for eating on a quiet night and around the campfire with minimal clean-up required after.

Ingredients: 

• Sliced bread
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Canned tomato soup (optional)

Directions: 

With two slices of bread, spread the butter on one side of both slices (repeat for amount of sandwiches you’re making). Place the butter side down in the pan over the camp stove. Layer your cheese on top and then place the other slice on top with the butter side facing up. Flip the sandwich until both sides are golden-brown and the cheese is melted.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the best camping meals that the whole family will enjoy. Remember to plan and prepare accordingly so you can properly pack your cooler. If you’re only going for a weekend, then you don’t have to worry about items like bread, eggs, butter, and milk going bad as long as they stay cold.

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About The Author:  Paul is a software engineer with a passion for the outdoors. He loves sharing his tips and guides to help people enhance their outdoor experiences. He is the creator of cutecamper.com.