10 Easy Camping Lunch Ideas for Beginners-Easy Elevate Your Camping Experience

Leave a Comment / Camping / By / 06/11/2024 / 6 minutes of reading
Camping is one of our favorite ways to escape the hustle of everyday life and connect with nature.
I’ve been out on the trail enough to realize that lunch is often the most challenging meal of the day. You don’t want to overeat and feel weighed down, but you also can’t skimp too much because you’ll need fuel to keep going.
I’ve been out on the trail enough to realize that lunch is often the most challenging meal of the day. You don’t want to overeat and feel weighed down, but you also can’t skimp too much because you’ll need fuel to keep going.

Table of Contents

1. Pesto Tortellini Bake: The Ultimate Freezer Meal

First up is my Pesto Tortellini Bake, which I absolutely love because of how easy it is to prepare in advance. You can make this up to three months ahead of your trip, so it’s perfect for busy campers who want to save time on meal prep.
I use plastic freezer bag holders to make sure the bag stays upright and clean as I fill it with ingredients—trust me, this makes the process so much smoother.
At camp, the only thing you have to do is give it enough time to defrost, then dump and bake. In just 45 minutes, you have a warm, comforting meal that tastes like it took hours to make.

2. Greek Chicken Souvlaki: A Taste of the Mediterranean in the Wild

Next on our list is a dish that brings a little taste of Greece to your camping experience: Greek Chicken Souvlaki.
The key here is to marinate your chicken (or whichever meat you prefer) before you head out camping. That way, when you’re ready to cook, all you have to do is skewer the meat and get it on the grill.
To make it a complete meal, we pair the souvlaki with a Greek village salad, tzatziki, and pita bread. The fresh, zesty salad and cool tzatziki perfectly complement the smoky, tender meat.

3. Steak Burritos: A New Camping Favorite

Pre-prepping your ingredients is the key to making this meal quick and stress-free while camping.

We like to slice up bell peppers (we usually go for a mix of red, yellow, and green for extra color), steak, and onion before we leave home.

Once everything’s ready, we roll the steak and veggies up in a tortilla along with sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

You can also throw the burrito in a skillet for a quick toast, which makes the tortilla crisp and adds an extra layer of texture.

4. S’mores Brownies: Ooey Gooey and Irresistible

What’s camping without dessert? And nothing says camping quite like s’mores, but I‘m taking it up a notch with S’mores Brownies. These brownies are ooey, gooey, and completely delicious.
I like to line my Dutch oven with parchment paper for easy cleanup—plus, it helps the brownies cook evenly without sticking to the sides.

5. Three-Ingredient Caesar Chicken: No Prep Required

If you’re looking for a meal that requires zero prep time, look no further than my Three-Ingredient Caesar Chicken.

This dish is as easy as it gets, but the flavor is out of this world. You just brown the chicken, add some creamy Caesar salad dressing, and bake until the chicken is cooked through.

6. Campfire Goulash: Comfort Food with Bold Italian Flavors

It’s simple to make and packs bold, Italian flavors that are always a hit with my family. Instead of using ground beef, I opt for Italian sausage to elevate the dish with a little extra kick.

The best part? There’s no need to boil pasta separately. Everything cooks in one pot, so you’re left with a hearty, comforting meal in just five minutes of prep time.

The flavors meld together beautifully, and it’s the perfect dish to warm up with after a long day of hiking or exploring.

7. Camping Pancake Mix: My Plastic Bag Hack

Next on the list is my Camping Pancake Mix, also known as my Plastic Bag Pancake Hack. At home, I prepare the dry mix in a plastic bag, and when I get to the campsite, I simply add the wet ingredients directly into the bag. After mixing everything together, I clip off a corner and pipe the batter right into my skillet or griddle.
This method saves time, eliminates the need for extra bowls, and ensures fluffy, delicious pancakes every single time.

8. Kettle Beef with Homemade Gravy: A Classic Family Favorite

If you’re craving something hearty, my Kettle Beef with Homemade Gravy is a must-try. This classic meat and potatoes dish is one of my family’s favorites, and it’s super easy to prepare.
All you need is a beef chuck roast and some simple ingredients for the gravy. Once everything is in the pot, you can just let it simmer away until the beef is fork-tender.

9. Grilled Dijon Chicken: Tangy and Flavorful

Another easy but flavorful option is Grilled Dijon Chicken. The secret to this dish is the homemade marinade, which features Dijon mustard, garlic, and just a hint of heat from jalapeño pepper.
You can make the marinade ahead of time and store the chicken in your fridge or cooler until you’re ready to grill.

10. Shredded Beef Burritos: Quick and Delicious

Last but not least are my Shredded Beef Burritos, which are so easy to make that they’ll be on your table in just 20 minutes.

The secret? I use precooked beef. You can prepare the shredded beef in a slow cooker before your trip and store it in your cooler.

At camp, just warm it up, add your favorite toppings like cheese, salsa, and sour cream, and roll it up in a tortilla.

Pro Tips for Camping Cooking

Before we wrap up, we wanted to share a few pro tips that have made our camping cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable:

– Pre-prep everything: The more you prep at home, the less hassle you’ll have at the campsite. Chop veggies, marinate meats, and crack eggs in advance so you can spend more time enjoying your surroundings and less time cooking.

– Pack smart: If you’re using a cooler, make sure to pack strategically. Keep raw meats sealed tight and on the bottom of the cooler, and store pre-prepped items like cracked eggs and chopped veggies in easy-to-reach spots.

– Cast iron is your best friend: Whether cooking over a fire or on a camp stove, a cast iron skillet is durable and versatile. It heats evenly and gives your food that delicious, smoky campfire flavor.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—ten simple, flavorful camping lunch meals that will take your outdoor cooking game to the next level.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, these recipes will help you enjoy delicious meals without the hassle. Don’t forget to give them a try on your next trip!

I’m excited to continue sharing our lunch adventures with you, and I hope you find some inspiration for your own meal-prepping!

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