50+ Delicious Camp Chef Dutch Oven Recipes for Outdoor Cooking

Camping is one of the best ways to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great meals in the process.

One of the most versatile cooking tools for the outdoors is the Dutch oven.

Whether you’re cooking over an open flame or a campfire, a Dutch oven can help you create everything from hearty stews to sweet desserts with minimal effort.

In this collection of 50+ Camp Chef Dutch Oven Recipes, you’ll find everything you need to cook delicious meals while you’re out in nature.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor chef or new to campfire cooking, these recipes are easy to follow and guarantee a satisfying meal every time.

From savory breakfasts to indulgent desserts, the Dutch oven can do it all.

Get ready to impress your camping crew with flavorful dishes that will make every outdoor adventure feel like a gourmet experience!

50+ Delicious Camp Chef Dutch Oven Recipes for Outdoor Cooking

The beauty of Dutch oven cooking lies in its simplicity and versatility. It allows you to prepare an array of meals that are just as delicious as anything you would make at home, all while soaking in the great outdoors.

These 50+ Camp Chef Dutch Oven Recipes will not only elevate your camping meals but also add a sense of excitement and creativity to your outdoor cooking repertoire.

Whether you’re enjoying a hearty dinner, a quick breakfast, or a sweet treat under the stars, your Dutch oven is your best friend on the trail.

So gather your ingredients, fire up the campfire, and get cooking with these incredible recipes that are sure to impress and satisfy your hunger in the wilderness!

Hearty Campfire Beef Stew

Nothing beats a warm, flavorful beef stew when you’re camping. This hearty dish, prepared in a Camp Chef Dutch oven, combines tender beef, earthy vegetables, and rich broth, simmering over a fire for the ultimate comfort food. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe for outdoor enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup peas (optional, for the last 10 minutes)

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and brown the beef cubes in batches. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same Dutch oven, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
3. Deglaze with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
4. Return the beef to the Dutch oven, then add carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, beef broth, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook over low heat for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender. Add peas in the last 10 minutes if desired.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread.

This stew is a camping classic, perfect for fueling your outdoor adventures. Its slow-cooked depth of flavor and tender texture make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Campfire Chicken and Dumplings

This creamy and comforting chicken and dumplings dish is a must-try for camping trips. The Camp Chef Dutch oven works wonders in creating a rich base and fluffy dumplings that taste like home.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat and melt butter. Sauté chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, cook onion, celery, and carrots until softened.
3. Return the chicken, add chicken broth, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, mix dumpling ingredients in a bowl until just combined.
5. Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the stew.
6. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
7. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.

The combination of creamy chicken stew and soft, pillowy dumplings is perfect after a day of hiking. This recipe brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal to the great outdoors.

Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

This Camp Chef Dutch oven peach cobbler is a sweet and simple dessert perfect for camping trips. With juicy peaches and a buttery, golden crust, this classic dessert ends any meal on a high note.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh or canned peaches (drained, if canned)
• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Dutch oven over medium heat. In a bowl, mix peaches with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
2. Pour the peach mixture into the Dutch oven.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in melted butter and milk until smooth.
4. Pour the batter evenly over the peaches.
5. Cover and cook over low heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This cobbler’s juicy, sweet filling and fluffy crust create the perfect end to a campfire meal. It’s easy to make and will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Savory Dutch Oven Campfire Chili

This savory campfire chili is a hearty, smoky dish perfect for outdoor adventures. Made in a Camp Chef Dutch oven, it combines ground beef, beans, and bold spices for a filling, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and keeps everyone warm and satisfied.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

This chili is ideal for chilly nights around the campfire. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a go-to meal that’s easy to customize and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Rustic Campfire Pot Roast

A Dutch oven pot roast is the epitome of comfort food, especially when camping. This recipe brings together tender beef, root vegetables, and a savory broth that slow-cooks over the fire for hours, resulting in a meal that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb beef chuck roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 4 potatoes, halved
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion and garlic to the Dutch oven, cooking until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Deglaze with red wine (if using) or a bit of broth, scraping up browned bits.
4. Return the roast to the pot, and add carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and the remaining beef broth.
5. Cover and cook over low heat for 3–4 hours, checking occasionally, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart.
6. Serve the pot roast hot with the vegetables and a ladle of the savory broth.

This pot roast is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s worth the wait. Its deep, comforting flavors and tender texture are perfect for a leisurely camping dinner.

Cheesy Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is the ultimate camping comfort food. Made entirely in a Dutch oven, it’s a one-pot recipe with gooey cheese and buttery breadcrumbs for an indulgent treat that will delight both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. In the Dutch oven, bring water or broth to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
2. Lower the heat and melt butter in the Dutch oven. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Return the cooked macaroni to the Dutch oven, tossing to coat in the cheese sauce.
6. For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese, cover, and cook over low heat for 5–10 minutes until golden.
7. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

This mac and cheese is a versatile, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and universally loved. Whether you’re feeding a family or a group of friends, it’s bound to be a hit around the campfire.

Dutch Oven Campfire Lasagna

Campfire lasagna in a Dutch oven is a hearty, cheesy dish that feels like a gourmet treat in the great outdoors. Layered with pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make over a fire.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 package (8 oz) oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and brown the ground beef or sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
2. Remove the meat sauce from the Dutch oven and set aside. Wipe the Dutch oven clean if needed.
3. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the Dutch oven. Layer lasagna noodles on top, breaking them to fit. Add a layer of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a layer of meat sauce. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
4. Cover and place over low heat, with hot coals or campfire embers on the lid, to create an oven effect. Cook for 30–40 minutes, checking occasionally.
5. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

This lasagna is perfect for a cozy camp dinner. The layers of tender pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese make every bite satisfying, bringing a taste of home to your outdoor adventure.

Campfire Breakfast Hash

A savory breakfast hash cooked in a Dutch oven is the perfect way to start your camping day. Packed with potatoes, sausage, eggs, and veggies, this all-in-one meal is easy to customize and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the diced potatoes until golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same Dutch oven, cook the sausage or bacon until browned. Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
3. Return the potatoes to the Dutch oven and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Make four small wells in the hash and crack an egg into each. Cover and cook until the eggs are set to your liking (about 5–8 minutes).
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and cook for 2–3 more minutes until melted.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the hearty flavors of this breakfast hash.

This breakfast hash is a campfire favorite, combining crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and gooey cheese for a meal that’s satisfying and energizing. It’s perfect for sharing and sets the tone for a day of adventure.

Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This Dutch oven pineapple upside-down cake is a delightful dessert that brings a touch of sweetness to your camping menu. Caramelized pineapple rings and a buttery, tender cake make this treat irresistible and fun to prepare outdoors.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice)
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Maraschino cherries (optional)
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs (or as per cake mix instructions)
• 1 cup water (use reserved pineapple juice as part of the liquid)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Dutch oven over low heat. Melt butter in the bottom, then sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter. Arrange pineapple slices on top and place a cherry in the center of each slice, if using.
2. In a bowl, prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, using reserved pineapple juice as part of the liquid.
3. Pour the cake batter over the pineapple slices, spreading it evenly.
4. Cover the Dutch oven and place it over low heat. Add hot coals or embers to the lid to create an even baking environment. Cook for 25–35 minutes, checking occasionally, until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let cool slightly, then invert onto a serving plate.

This pineapple upside-down cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your campmates. The caramelized topping and moist cake make for a sweet, tropical ending to any outdoor meal.

Campfire Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick and delicious stir-fry made in your Dutch oven is the perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal while camping. This recipe features tender beef and fresh vegetables stir-fried in a savory sauce, providing a tasty and satisfying meal that cooks up in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken sauce)
• 2 tbsp water (optional, to mix with cornstarch)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Sauté the sliced beef in batches until browned, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same Dutch oven, add garlic, onion, bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Return the beef to the Dutch oven, then add soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables.
4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in water and stir it into the mixture. Continue to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot over rice or noodles.

This stir-fry is an easy, one-pan meal that is bursting with flavors. The combination of tender beef, fresh veggies, and savory sauce makes for a well-balanced meal that satisfies hunger without much fuss.

Campfire Baked Apples

Baked apples are a sweet, warm, and comforting dessert perfect for a camping evening. This simple recipe is made with apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and the Dutch oven creates a deliciously tender filling that will leave everyone craving more.

Ingredients:

• 6 large apples (any baking variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
• ¼ cup raisins (optional)
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Dutch oven over medium heat. Slice the tops off the apples and carefully core them, leaving the bottom intact.
2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stuff the apples with this mixture, packing it inside the cored center.
3. Place the apples in the Dutch oven and dot the tops with butter. Add chopped nuts and raisins into the center, if using.
4. Cover and cook over low heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized. Check occasionally, adding a little water to the bottom of the Dutch oven if needed to prevent burning.
5. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

These baked apples are the perfect end to any camping meal. They offer a warm, comforting sweetness with the added richness of cinnamon, sugar, and butter, making them an unforgettable dessert by the campfire.

Dutch Oven BBQ Chicken

This BBQ chicken made in a Dutch oven is an easy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any campfire meal. With tender chicken, a smoky barbecue sauce, and the convenience of a one-pot cooking method, this recipe is a winner for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious outdoor meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then brown the chicken in the Dutch oven, skin-side down, for 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same Dutch oven, sauté the onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Return the chicken to the Dutch oven, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
5. Cover and cook over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Serve the BBQ chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top.

This BBQ chicken recipe is the epitome of easy, comfort food. The tender chicken, savory sauce, and smoky flavors bring everyone together, making it the perfect dish to enjoy after a long day of outdoor activities.

Dutch Oven Chicken and Rice Casserole

This comforting chicken and rice casserole is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a filling camp meal. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, savory sauce, this dish will quickly become a favorite for your camping trips.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides for about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Return the chicken breasts to the pot, placing them on top of the rice mixture. Cover and cook over low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
5. Add frozen peas and stir them into the casserole. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors.

This chicken and rice casserole is the epitome of comfort food in the great outdoors. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also rich, creamy, and filling, making it perfect for feeding a hungry crew after a day of hiking or exploring.

Campfire Skillet Nachos

This Dutch oven nacho recipe is an easy and fun dish to prepare while camping, combining crispy tortilla chips with layers of melty cheese, savory ground beef, and your favorite nacho toppings. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family around the campfire.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 bag tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup salsa
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. Stir in taco seasoning and a little water, as per the packet instructions.
2. Remove the beef mixture from the Dutch oven and set aside.
3. Layer tortilla chips in the bottom of the Dutch oven, then top with half of the cooked beef, green chilies, black olives, and shredded cheeses. Add another layer of chips and repeat the layering process.
4. Cover the Dutch oven and cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from heat and top with salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

These skillet nachos are the ultimate campfire snack that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Perfect for a casual dinner or as a fun appetizer for sharing, they’ll definitely be a hit around the campfire.

Dutch Oven Apple Crisp

This apple crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for serving after a long day of camping. With a buttery oat topping, spiced apples, and a bit of cinnamon, it’s a dessert that captures the essence of fall, no matter where you are.

Ingredients:

• 6 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled and sliced
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, cold and cut into cubes
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Dutch oven over medium heat. Place the sliced apples in the bottom of the oven, and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon and nutmeg. Toss to coat.
2. In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, salt, and the remaining cinnamon and nutmeg. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Spread the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
4. Cover and cook over low heat for 25–30 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown.
5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra treat.

This apple crisp is the perfect end to any outdoor meal. The warm, cinnamon-spiced apples paired with the crunchy oat topping create a dessert that is both satisfying and comforting, ideal for enjoying by the campfire.

Note: More recipes​ are coming soon!