Easy and Tasty Campfire Cast Iron Dutch Oven Recipes

Camping and cooking over a campfire are experiences that go hand in hand. One of the most versatile and efficient ways to create memorable dishes in the great outdoors is by using a cast iron Dutch oven. Thanks to its rugged, heat-retaining properties, a Dutch oven is essential for campfire cooking, allowing you to master a variety of recipes easily.

From slow-simmered stews and hearty main courses to mouthwatering desserts, cast iron Dutch ovens have you covered. Utilizing this time-tested cooking tool not only enhances flavors but also makes meal preparation straightforward, even for beginner campfire cooks. So gather around the fire, unleash your culinary creativity, and watch as your cast iron Dutch oven works its magic on delicious campfire recipes.

Classic Dutch Oven Recipes

Pizza

Making pizza in a Dutch oven is easier than you might think. Preheat your Dutch oven and then spread out store-bought pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper. Add your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings. Carefully lower the pizza into the Dutch oven and cover with the lid. Cook until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted, usually around 10-15 minutes.

Beef Stew

Hearty and full of flavor, a classic beef stew is a staple among Dutch oven camping recipes. Start by searing cubed beef in a hot Dutch oven with a little oil. Once browned, add your choice of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Add enough beef broth to cover everything, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the beef is tender and the veggies are cooked.

Lasagna

Give your campfire dinner a delicious Italian twist with this easy Dutch oven lasagna recipe. Layer cooked lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and any additional desired fillings (like ground meat or spinach) directly into the Dutch oven. Follow a pattern of noodle-sauce-cheese until the pot is filled. Cook over low heat for roughly 45 minutes to an hour or until the lasagna is bubbling and fully cooked.

Garlic Bread

Don’t forget the side dish! Make some mouthwatering garlic bread in your Dutch oven by slicing a loaf of French bread into thick slices. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley in a bowl. Spread the garlic butter mixture onto each slice and reassemble the loaf. Wrap the loaf in foil and place in the Dutch oven. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the garlic butter has melted.

Apple Cobbler

Finish off a perfect campfire dinner with a delightful Dutch oven apple cobbler. Simply mix sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of flour in the Dutch oven. For the topping, mix a combination of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this topping over the apples and cook for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

Nachos

Create an easy campfire appetizer by layering tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and your preferred toppings (like black beans, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes) in the Dutch oven. Cook the nachos until the cheese is melted and the chips are just starting to brown. Once done, serve them up with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side.

Cinnamon Rolls

Wake up to a sweet and satisfying breakfast treat by making cinnamon rolls in your Dutch oven. Either use store-bought cinnamon roll dough or prepare your own the night before. Arrange the rolls inside the Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake until the rolls are golden and cooked through. Don’t forget to drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk or cream.

Breakfast in a Dutch Oven

Mountain Man Breakfast

The Mountain Man Breakfast is a hearty meal that’ll keep you energized throughout your camping activities. It’s simple to prepare and cooks all in one pot. To make this dish, you’ll need:

• Sausage, onion, and garlic – brown these together in your Dutch oven.
• Add diced potatoes and cook until they’re tender.
• Beat some eggs and pour them over the sausage and potato mixture.
• Top with shredded cheese and let everything cook until the eggs are set.

Feel free to customize the Mountain Man Breakfast with your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers or tomatoes, to add even more flavor.

Dutch Baby

A Dutch Baby is a delightfully puffy pancake that can be baked directly in your Dutch oven, making it an ideal campfire breakfast. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat your Dutch oven inside the campfire.
2. Prepare a batter with flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Melt some butter in the heated Dutch oven and pour the batter in.
4. Bake until the Dutch Baby is golden and puffed up.

Serve your Dutch Baby with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Dutch Oven French Toast

French toast in a Dutch oven is a game changer for campfire breakfasts. This popular dish is both delicious and easy to make. Here’s what you’ll do:

• Combine milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
• Dip slices of bread in the mixture and layer them in the Dutch oven.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and some brown sugar for extra flavor.
• Cover and bake in the campfire until the French toast is cooked through.

Enjoy your Dutch Oven French Toast with your favorite toppings, like berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Campfire Specialties

Dutch Oven Chili

Whether you’re camping or simply enjoying an outdoor gathering, Dutch Oven Chili is a delicious choice. Start by browning ground beef or turkey in the dutch oven, adding diced onions, peppers, and garlic. Spice it up with cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add canned tomatoes and red kidney beans, then let it simmer over the campfire for an hour or more. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions to top it off – you’ll have a comforting bowl of chili that everyone will love.

Dutch Oven Enchiladas

Imagine whipping up mouth-watering enchiladas right at the campsite. Prepare your favorite enchilada filling, like cooked chicken or beef, sautéed onions and peppers. Heat canned enchilada sauce in the dutch oven, then roll the filling into flour tortillas and place them seam-side down into the sauce. Top it off with more sauce and grated cheese. Cover and cook over the campfire until the cheese is melted and bubbly – your taste buds will thank you.

Dutch Oven Jambalaya

Dutch Oven Jambalaya is excellent for those who crave a taste of the bayou while camping. Heat oil in the dutch oven and cook diced onion, peppers, and celery. Add sliced andouille sausage, diced chicken, and chopped tomatoes, along with Creole seasoning, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir in uncooked rice and chicken broth, then cover and cook until the rice absorbs the liquid. Top with cooked shrimp, and you’ve got a one-pot dish that brings the flavors of New Orleans to your campfire.

Campfire Stew

When it’s time for a hearty campfire meal, a Dutch Oven Campfire Stew is perfect. Brown chunks of beef or pork in the dutch oven, then add your choice of root vegetables, like carrots, onions, and potatoes. Stir in tomato sauce or paste, beef broth, and seasonings like bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for a couple of hours over the campfire to fully tenderize the meat and blend the flavors. The result is a satisfying stew that warms you up on those cool nights outdoors.