In preparation for our next camping trip, I scoured the web for the best camping meals that we can make in our Dutch oven. I found 40 delicious Dutch oven recipes that we are adding to our camping cook list.
What Can You Make in a Dutch Oven?
You can turn almost any recipe into a Dutch oven recipe. A Dutch oven can replace a grill, oven, or stovetop. The meals you can make range from desserts like cakes and cobblers to dinners like braised short ribs and soups.
Check out our favorite features and Dutch ovens in this post. Then keep reading for the best Dutch oven recipes.
Can You Cook for a Large Group in a Dutch Oven?
It is really easy to cook for a large group of people with a Dutch oven. They range from 1/4-quart to 15-quart sizes. Dutch ovens are commonly bought in a 5-7 quart range. A 7-quart Dutch oven can serve 21 8-ounce portions. If you need even more servings, you can use multiple Dutch ovens to cook at the same time.
Dutch Oven Cooking for Camping Meals
Dutch ovens are great for camping because you can cook with them by using hot coals or even placing them directly over your campfire.
You might think clean up would be a challenge. However, you can purchase liners that make meal clean up a breeze.
Dutch ovens allow you to make virtually any meal right at your camp site. You can make a range of healthy, hearty meals and sweet desserts in the outdoors.
You can even make your kid friendly Dutch oven recipes with a few simple modifications. Or, take a look at these easy camping breakfast ideas.
Tips for Cooking Camping Meals in a Dutch Oven
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time by chopping, measuring, and combining things like veggies and spices before you leave to go camping.
- Use Dutch oven liners to make cleaning while camping easier.
- Print the recipes you’ll be making and take them to camp with you.
- Invest in a quality Dutch oven.
- Invest in Dutch oven accessories such as a stand, lid lifter, and heat-resistant gloves.
1. Dutch Oven Beef Stew
This recipe combines savory ingredients to make the perfect beef stew. Healthy, whole foods do not have to be left behind when you go camping. This recipe is easy to make in your Dutch oven while camping. The recipe makes 8 servings which is great for a group or leftovers for the next day.
2. Dutch Oven Chicken Breast and Vegetables
Here is another healthy meal that is easy to make, delicious, and also budget friendly. You’ll get 4 servings of chicken at less than $2 per serving! The Dutch oven cooks the chicken evenly and keeps it juicy while combining the flavors of the vegetables and herbs. This recipe is a must for your next campout.
3. 5-Layer Dutch Oven Country Breakfast
This simple recipe only has 5 main ingredients and makes a hearty breakfast option. Sausage, potatoes, cheese, eggs, and biscuits are combined to make this meal.
4. Braised Pork Osso Bucco
Dennis calls this recipe “soul-warming” and we agree! The pork shanks turn out tender and full of flavor.
5. Ground Turkey and Broccoli Pasta
When you are finished making this recipe, you will have 6 servings of this yummy pasta. Olena offers tips on prepping ingredients ahead of time and storing the recipe once it’s finished. You can prep ingredients or even make this dish ahead of time to make it an easy camping meal.
6. Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
Roasting a whole chicken in your Dutch oven results in juicy chicken with a crispy skin. Celery, carrots, potatoes, and onions are added in creating a delicious flavor. This is a perfect comfort meal to eat around the campfire. Leftover chicken can be saved up for sandwiches and other meals as well.
7. Beef Enchiladas
Enchiladas are amazing anytime and anywhere. Now you can have them while you are camping too. The recipe offers tips on prepping ingredients ahead of time as well as storing the meal after cooking. This one will definitely make our dinner rotation.
8. Pesto Penne
This Dutch oven pasta combines some of our favorite things! Pesto, pasta, and optionally, smoked salmon. You don’t have to skimp on the quality of your meals when cooking outdoors.
9. Chicken Curry
Branch out from traditional camp food with this chicken curry recipe. Chicken and veggies are cooked with curry paste and served over rice. This recipe will warm you up on a cold camp night.
10. Yankee Pot Roast
Sara had us sold on this recipe at “the beef gets browned (in bacon fat!) and then baked to perfection for hours in a low temperature oven”. How amazing does that sound?! This recipe serves 8-10 and can be made ahead of time and reheated.
11. Puerto Rican Macaroni Salad
This pasta salad recipe serves 10 people and can be prepped in advance of your camping trip. Macaroni salad is a unique Dutch oven recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
12. Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is one of our favorite budget options to feed a large group. This recipe has you slowly cook the pork until it is tender and juicy. Use this recipe to make pulled pork sandwiches or add it into your other favorite pork dishes.
13. Campfire Enchiladas with Crab Meat
Sarah gives us detailed instructions on how to make these amazing enchiladas fireside in a Dutch oven. There are many substitutions you can make to tweak the recipe including using other meats or omitting meat altogether. Enchiladas are a great meal choice for feeding a group while camping.
14. Dutch Oven Pizza
Make this easy Dutch oven pizza that will be sure to please your campers! This is a video recipe that will walk you through making the perfect pizza every time.
15. Dutch Oven Braised Short Ribs
Serve 6 with this delicious camping-friendly recipe. Protein is essential when you’re being active outdoors all day long. These short ribs have over 50 grams of protein per serving!
16. 3-Bean Chili
Chili is one of our favorite meals to eat for lunches and dinner while camping. It’s full of nutrients that will keep you fueled to do all of the fun camping activities. You can pre-measure and pack up the spices to make this easier to cook at camp.
17. Austrian Beef Stew- Rindsgulasch
This Austrian goulash recipe is known for its thick gravy that is loaded with paprika. Take a step away from your boring camping meals and try this bold and hearty stew.
18. Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese
This easy Dutch oven mac and cheese is a dream. Cheesy noodles and crispy potato chips are a perfect pair. Comfort food next to the fire is a dream scenario. This meal is surprisingly simple to put together and will quickly become a favorite.
19. Salisbury Steak
Another comfort food camping option is this delicious Salisbury steak. There is a little more prep work to this recipe but, we think the result is definitely worth it. Ground beef, gravy, and vegetables make this a hearty, savory dish.
20. Mountain Man Breakfast
There are only 4 ingredients in this easy-to-make breakfast dish. Sausage, eggs, potatoes, and cheese are combined to make a healthy, hearty breakfast. Sweet potatoes are used in the example and make this meal surprisingly low-carb.
21. Jambalaya
This is a video recipe that walks you through making jambalaya in a Dutch oven over a campfire. Chicken, sausage, and shrimp are the stars of this easy camp recipe.
22. Dutch Oven Ribs
This easy recipe results in super tender and delicious ribs that you’ll want to make again and again. We love this option for camping when you don’t have access to a grill or want a low-maintenance meal.
23. Tomato and Avocado Frittata
Here is a healthy breakfast option that you can make easily outdoors. This recipe combines some breakfast favorites including tomatoes, avocado, and eggs along with some flavorful herbs. The recipe is easily changed to cook for a few people or a large crowd.
24. Pot Roast
You can’t ever go wrong with a meal of pot roast. This roast is complimented by potatoes, carrots, and garlic for an amazing flavor. Crawl into your sleeping bag with a full, happy belly after making this meal.
25. Camping Dutch Oven Nachos
Don’t miss out on these amazing camping nachos! All of your nacho favorites are combined in this recipe that can easily feed a large group while camping. Use these as an appetizer, side, or main dish.
26. Dutch Oven Chili
You can make this cozy chili recipe with or without kidney beans. Lauren combines beef with all the right spices for a slightly spicy camping meal. We love that she uses fresh peppers in this recipe as it can add so much to the flavor and texture. The spices can be measured and packed up together to make it easier to make fireside.
27. Chicken Pot Pie
So, Kim uses refrigerated biscuits for this easy Dutch oven recipe. But, you can easily make your own if you prefer.
Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food that you can enjoy outdoors with this recipe. This is a hearty meal that will keep your campers full and happy.
28. Meatless Dutch Oven Chili
We couldn’t pass up bringing you one more chili recipe. This one is a meatless recipe which makes it vegetarian-friendly and even easier to make while camping. The recipe makes 6 servings, but you can easily multiply it to serve more people or enjoy leftovers the next day.
29. Corned Beef and Cabbage
You don’t have to wait for St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy corned beef and cabbage. Cook up this holiday favorite any time in your Dutch oven.
30. Dutch Oven Chicken
This chicken is easy-to-make and super tender. Caramelized onions are added, and the recipe is topped with poppy seeds and a crunchy cracker topping.
31. Australian Damper Bread
So, Damper is a soda bread that is popular in Australia that has traditionally been cooked on a campfire. Therefore, we think this is a perfect camp food to make. You can make the recipe into something savory or sweet with optional add-ins or stick to the original recipe.
32. Biscuits and Gravy
Make this simple favorite with the help of this recipe tutorial. These biscuits and gravy are cooked in a Dutch oven with hot coals. This is a filling breakfast that will start your day of camping off just right.
33. Loaded Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese
Step up your camping meals with this delectable dish loaded mac and cheese. Gouda, gruyere, cheddar, cream cheese, crispy bacon bits, and caramelized onions make this recipe irresistible. We’re sure you’ll want to make this recipe while camping and at home in your Dutch oven.
34. Cabbage Soup
This cabbage soup is full of flavor and veggies making it a healthy and delicious camping meal option. What better way to warm up than eating some soup and sitting by the campfire?
35. Easy Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is one of our favorite recipes. The onion and mushroom flavors paired with egg noodles are SO tasty. The recipe makes 8 servings which means you’ll have 8 happy campers.
36. Rustic Chicken Cacciatore
We can’t wait for you to try this amazing recipe. Full of healthy ingredients, this dish is sure to please your campers. Do your prep work at home to make this recipe even easier to make while camping.
37. Chicken Noodle Soup
This is a cozy classic that will keep you warm by the fire. Make this easy chicken noodle soup that feeds 8 people. Chop your veggies at home for a quicker prep at camp.
38. Dutch Oven Ribs and BBQ
So, this video shows you how to make ribs and pork roast BBQ in your Dutch oven. Barbeque is always a winning choice for camping.
39. Dublin Coddle
This recipe is an Irish classic that is easy to make. Bacon, sausage, and potatoes are combined with other ingredients to make this delicious Dutch oven recipe. Finally, chop your veggies in advance to make this even easier to make at camp.
40. Vegetable Stew | Kerala Ishtew | Vegan Stew
This is an Indian vegan stew that you can make in your Dutch oven. Cinnamon and cardamom set this flavor profile apart from your typical campfire meals. This healthy option is loaded with veggies and might become an addition to your go-to recipes.
Dutch Ovens for Meals While Camping
So, as you can see, there are so many different things you can make with a Dutch oven, even while camping. We hope you found a few new recipes to try!
Finally, if you are looking for a dessert list, check out our post on Dutch oven dessert ideas, too.
Leave a Reply