Our favorite make-ahead camping meals

Camping is all about soaking up nature, enjoying the fresh air, and, of course, indulging in some delicious food. But no one wants to spend hours prepping meals when they could be out hiking or relaxing by the campfire. That’s why make-ahead meals are a camping essential. Here are five of our favorite make-ahead camping meals that are easy to prepare, pack, and enjoy in the great outdoors.

1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos

A Hearty Start to the Day

Breakfast burritos are a camping classic, and for good reason—they’re easy to make, pack a lot of flavor, and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes.

Ingredients:

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 8 eggs
• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or vegetarian sausage)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup diced potatoes (optional)
• Salsa and hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Filling: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions, bell peppers, and potatoes (if using) until tender.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Whisk the eggs and cook them in the skillet until they are just set. Mix in the sausage and veggies.
3. Assemble the Burritos: Lay out the tortillas and divide the egg mixture evenly among them. Sprinkle with cheese, add salsa or hot sauce if desired, and roll them up tightly.
4. Wrap and Pack: Wrap each burrito in aluminum foil and store them in a large zip-top bag. Keep them refrigerated or in a cooler until ready to cook.
5. Reheat: At camp, simply place the foil-wrapped burritos on the campfire or a portable stove until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

2. Mason Jar Pasta Salad

A Refreshing, No-Cook Meal

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Making it in mason jars means it’s portable and easy to store in your cooler.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotini or bowtie pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let cool.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella, olives, bell peppers, and basil.
3. Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pack in Jars: Divide the pasta salad into mason jars, filling each jar about three-quarters full. Seal the jars and store them in a cooler.
5. Serve: When you’re ready to eat, just shake up the jar and dig in! This salad is great cold or at room temperature.

3. Campfire Chili

Comfort Food in a Bowl

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili after a day of hiking. This make-ahead version is hearty, flavorful, and easy to reheat over the campfire.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Veggies: Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Cool and Pack: Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator or cooler.
5. Reheat: At camp, reheat the chili over the campfire or a portable stove until it’s warmed through. Serve with cornbread or crackers.

4. Foil Packet Fajitas

A Flavorful and Easy Dinner

Foil packets are a camper’s best friend—they’re easy to make, cook, and clean up. These fajitas are packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips (or use beef, shrimp, or tofu)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 packet fajita seasoning mix
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 flour tortillas
• Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken strips with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Add the bell peppers and onions, and mix well.
2. Assemble the Packets: Divide the chicken and veggie mixture evenly among 4 large sheets of aluminum foil. Fold the foil over to create a sealed packet.
3. Pack and Store: Place the foil packets in a zip-top bag and store them in a cooler until ready to cook.
4. Cook: At camp, place the foil packets on the grill or directly on the campfire coals. For grilling, consider bringing along some BBQ pellets for enhanced flavor. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve: Carefully open the packets and serve the fajita filling with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

5. No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites

A Sweet and Nutritious Snack

These energy bites are perfect for a quick snack on the trail or around the campfire. They’re easy to make ahead and packed with protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, flaxseed, vanilla, and salt. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the Bites: Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into bite-sized balls.
3. Chill: Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Pack: Once firm, transfer the energy bites to an airtight container and store them in a cooler. They’ll keep well for up to a week.
5. Enjoy: Grab a couple of bites whenever you need a quick energy boost on your camping adventure.

Wrapping Up

These make-ahead camping meals are designed to save you time and effort, so you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. With a little prep at home, you’ll be ready to savor delicious, home-cooked meals by the campfire without all the fuss. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast burrito or a quick energy bite, these recipes are sure to keep you fueled and happy on your next camping trip.