Campfire cooking has long been a cherished tradition among outdoor enthusiasts, allowing families and friends to gather around the flames and enjoy delicious meals under the stars. One of the most versatile and beloved tools for campfire cooking is the Dutch oven.
This heavy, cast-iron pot can handle a variety of dishes, from savory stews to sweet desserts, all while imparting a unique smoky flavor that can’t be replicated at home.
In this article, we’ll explore 25+ Campfire Dutch Oven Recipes that are perfect for your next adventure. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, a picnic in the park, or just a backyard barbecue, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with your outdoor cooking.
From hearty main courses to delightful desserts, these Dutch oven recipes are sure to please your taste buds and make your camping experience memorable.
So grab your Dutch oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the delicious world of campfire cooking!
25+ Irresistible Campfire Dutch Oven Recipes for Outdoor Cooking
There you have it—25+ Campfire Dutch Oven Recipes that will elevate your outdoor cooking game and create unforgettable moments around the fire.
Whether you opt for a classic chili, a comforting casserole, or a sweet dessert, each recipe offers the opportunity to explore flavors and enjoy the simplicity of cooking outdoors.
Camping is not just about the great outdoors; it’s also about sharing meals with loved ones and creating lasting memories. So next time you pack for your camping trip, don’t forget to include your trusty Dutch oven and some of these amazing recipes.
Embrace the spirit of adventure and let the warmth of the campfire and the joy of delicious food bring your group closer together. Happy cooking and happy camping!
Dutch Oven Campfire Chili
Campfire chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for outdoor cooking. This recipe combines ground beef, beans, and a medley of spices to create a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare over a campfire. The rich flavors develop beautifully in a Dutch oven, making it an ideal choice for camping trips.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
- Instructions:
- Heat your Dutch oven over medium heat on the campfire.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir well.
- Cover the Dutch oven and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with optional toppings.
This Dutch Oven Campfire Chili is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for chilly evenings around the campfire. The smoky flavors from the fire add an extra layer of deliciousness to this already flavorful chili. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and will surely become a staple in your camping meal repertoire.
Dutch Oven Campfire Pot Roast
Pot roast is a classic comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make while camping. Using a Dutch oven over a campfire allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy. This recipe incorporates vegetables and savory seasonings to create a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
- Ingredients:
- 3 lbs chuck roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over the campfire.
- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned.
- Remove the roast and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the Dutch oven, cooking until softened.
- Return the roast to the pot and add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using).
- Place the rosemary and thyme sprigs on top.
- Cover the Dutch oven and let the pot roast cook for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Serve hot.
This Dutch Oven Campfire Pot Roast is a hearty and wholesome meal that brings the comforts of home to the great outdoors. The slow-cooked beef and vegetables absorb the smoky essence of the campfire, making each bite flavorful and tender. This dish is perfect for a family meal after a day of hiking and exploring.
Dutch Oven Campfire Apple Cobbler
Apple cobbler is a delightful dessert that’s simple to prepare using a Dutch oven over a campfire. This recipe combines sweet apples, cinnamon, and a buttery biscuit topping to create a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for enjoying under the stars.
- Ingredients:
- 6 large apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, 1 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Pour the apple mixture into the bottom of the Dutch oven.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, 1 cup sugar, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter and milk until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter over the apples in the Dutch oven.
- Cover and cook over the campfire for 45-60 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This Dutch Oven Campfire Apple Cobbler is the perfect ending to a day spent outdoors. The sweet, spiced apples combined with the buttery, golden topping create a dessert that’s comforting and satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to treat yourself and your fellow campers to a delicious homemade dessert while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Dutch Oven Campfire Beef Stew
Beef stew is a classic and hearty meal that’s perfect for camping. This recipe uses tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich broth to create a flavorful stew that simmers to perfection in a Dutch oven over a campfire. It’s an excellent dish to warm up with after a day of outdoor activities.
- Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over the campfire.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the Dutch oven, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the carrots and potatoes.
- Return the beef to the Dutch oven.
- Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cover and let the stew simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
This Dutch Oven Campfire Beef Stew is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for the great outdoors. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty stew. It’s a meal that will satisfy and warm you up after a day of adventure.
Dutch Oven Campfire Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting and filling dish that’s easy to make in a Dutch oven over a campfire. This recipe combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for camping.
- Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over the campfire.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the Dutch oven, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for a few minutes.
- Return the chicken to the Dutch oven and add the chicken broth and thyme.
- Cover and let the chicken simmer for 45 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter to form a dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering chicken mixture.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot.
This Dutch Oven Campfire Chicken and Dumplings is a delightful and hearty meal that brings comfort and warmth to your camping experience. The tender chicken and fluffy dumplings make for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing around the campfire.
Dutch Oven Campfire Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic campfire dish that’s easy to prepare in a Dutch oven. This recipe uses a combination of beans, bacon, molasses, and spices to create a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for camping. It’s a great accompaniment to grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
- Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Cook the bacon in the Dutch oven over the campfire until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the Dutch oven, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the navy beans and kidney beans.
- Add the barbecue sauce, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the Dutch oven and let the beans simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cooked bacon before serving.
These Dutch Oven Campfire Baked Beans are a tasty and versatile dish that adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness to your camping meals. They pair well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a hearty side dish. The ease of preparation and delicious flavors make them a must-have for any camping trip.
Dutch Oven Campfire Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a flavorful and spicy one-pot dish that is perfect for cooking over a campfire. This Dutch oven recipe combines chicken, sausage, shrimp, and a medley of spices with rice to create a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s an ideal choice for those who enjoy bold flavors and easy campfire cooking.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over the campfire.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add the sausage slices to the Dutch oven and cook until browned. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the Dutch oven, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Return the chicken and sausage to the Dutch oven, stirring to combine.
- Cover and let the jambalaya simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the shrimp in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, stirring to ensure they cook evenly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
This Dutch Oven Campfire Jambalaya brings a taste of Louisiana to the great outdoors. The combination of chicken, sausage, and shrimp with the rich, spicy flavors makes this dish a campfire favorite. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Dutch Oven Campfire Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that translates beautifully to campfire cooking in a Dutch oven. This recipe layers seasoned ground meat and vegetables with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening by the fire.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance or instant)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Instructions:
- Heat the Dutch oven over the campfire and brown the ground meat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Cover the Dutch oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Dutch Oven Campfire Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food for a night under the stars. The savory meat and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese, makes for a delicious and filling meal. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a home-cooked favorite while camping.
Dutch Oven Campfire Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed even while camping. This Dutch oven recipe allows you to bake soft, gooey cinnamon rolls over a campfire. They are perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet snack, bringing a touch of home to your outdoor adventure.
- Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Instructions:
- Line the Dutch oven with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Open the can of cinnamon roll dough and arrange the rolls in the Dutch oven.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cinnamon rolls.
- Cover the Dutch oven and place it over the campfire.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drizzle the included icing over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Dutch Oven Campfire Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful and indulgent treat that will impress your fellow campers. The sweet, gooey rolls are perfect for a morning treat or a dessert around the campfire. They are easy to make and add a touch of comfort to your camping experience.
Dutch Oven Campfire Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable stew that’s perfect for campfire cooking. This Dutch oven recipe combines eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs to create a flavorful and nutritious dish. It’s an excellent vegetarian option that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.
- Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over the campfire.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and let the vegetables simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and well-cooked.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Dutch Oven Campfire Ratatouille is a vibrant and delicious dish that showcases the natural flavors of fresh vegetables. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for outdoor cooking, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of summer vegetables while camping.
Dutch Oven Campfire BBQ Pulled Pork
BBQ Pulled Pork is a crowd-pleaser that can be easily made over a campfire using a Dutch oven. This recipe involves slow-cooking a pork shoulder with barbecue sauce and spices until it is tender and can be easily shredded. Serve it on buns for a delicious and hearty sandwich that everyone will love.
- Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns for serving
- Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over the campfire.
- Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
- Brown the pork on all sides in the Dutch oven.
- Add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Pour in the barbecue sauce, chicken broth, and brown sugar.
- Cover and let the pork cook for 3-4 hours, turning occasionally, until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
- Remove the pork from the Dutch oven and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the sauce and mix well.
- Serve the BBQ pulled pork on buns.
Dutch Oven Campfire BBQ Pulled Pork is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic barbecue dish while camping. The slow-cooked pork becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, making it perfect for sandwiches. This hearty meal is sure to be a hit around the campfire, providing a satisfying and delicious dining experience.
Dutch Oven Campfire Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare in a Dutch oven over a campfire. This recipe combines ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and spices, stuffed into bell peppers and cooked to perfection. It’s a well-rounded dish that’s both filling and delicious.
- Ingredients:
- 6 bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Instructions:
- Heat a bit of oil in the Dutch oven over the campfire.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same Dutch oven, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the browned ground meat.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the Dutch oven.
- Cover and cook for about 30-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot.
Dutch Oven Campfire Stuffed Bell Peppers are a wholesome and tasty meal that’s perfect for camping. The combination of seasoned meat, rice, and tender bell peppers makes for a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare over a campfire. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal under the stars for a memorable outdoor dining experience.
Dutch Oven Campfire Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish that is easy to prepare and cook in a Dutch oven over a campfire. This one-pot meal combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a mix of vegetables, creating a hearty dish that warms the soul. It’s perfect for a family meal after a day of outdoor activities.
- Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over the campfire.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Brown the chicken on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same Dutch oven, add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the rice, then add the chicken broth and mixed vegetables.
- Return the chicken thighs to the Dutch oven, nestling them into the rice mixture.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Fluff the rice before serving.
Dutch Oven Campfire Chicken and Rice Casserole is a satisfying meal that captures the essence of home cooking in the great outdoors. The combination of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables makes this dish a favorite among campers. It’s a simple yet delicious way to nourish your family after a day spent exploring nature.
Dutch Oven Campfire Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with a crunchy topping. This Dutch oven recipe allows you to enjoy this classic dessert while camping, making it a perfect way to end a day outdoors. It’s easy to prepare and cook over the campfire, creating a warm and comforting treat.
- Ingredients:
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 4-5 medium apples)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread them evenly in the bottom of the Dutch oven.
- In another bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. If using nuts, fold them in.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
- Cover the Dutch oven and place it over the campfire. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Dutch Oven Campfire Apple Crisp is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the great outdoors. The combination of warm, spiced apples and a crunchy topping creates a comforting dessert that’s sure to please everyone around the campfire. It’s a delightful end to any camping meal, inviting everyone to share in the sweetness of the evening.
Dutch Oven Campfire Chili
Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for cooking in a Dutch oven over a campfire. This recipe combines ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices to create a warm, satisfying meal that’s ideal for chilly nights. It’s a great option for feeding a group and can easily be customized to suit different tastes.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
- Instructions:
- Heat the Dutch oven over the campfire and add the ground meat. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
- Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Cover and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Dutch Oven Campfire Chili is a hearty and fulfilling meal that warms you up after a day of outdoor adventures. Packed with protein and rich flavors, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to gather around the campfire with friends and family. Customize it with your favorite toppings to create a meal that everyone will enjoy!
Note: More recipes are coming soon!