Camping is a great opportunity for the true foodie to bond with nature and enjoy delicious meals outdoors. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can turn your camping trip into a culinary adventure. Using a camping food list, you can determine the best options for non-perishable food and shelf-stable foods for easy camping meals. One way to do this is by using canned food recipes for camping trips and having freeze-dried meals on hand. Some people opt to have fresh fruits, peanut butter, dried fruit, fresh meat, trail mix, and fresh vegetables to incorporate with their canned foods for a full camping experience. Not only does this provide the convenience of having a mixture of pre-prepared and fresh food on hand that’s easy to transport and store, but it also helps you get creative with creating delicious meals out in the wilderness. This is great for short trips and long trips. You can have a good meal on your next trip with a little planning. Just because you are outdoors won’t mean you won’t be able to have great meals. Let’s explore some of the best-canned foods you can use on your next outdoor excursion! Just make sure you have a can opener handy.
Canned Chili Macaroni & Cheese
This dish combines two all-time favorites – chili macaroni and cheese – into one convenient meal. It is a great source of protein (from the cheese and chili) and carbs (from the pasta). Start by combining a can of chili with cooked macaroni noodles in a pot over medium heat. Heat until the chili is hot, then stir in a can of evaporated milk and shredded cheese until everything is combined evenly. At this point, you can add spices or herbs you like for an extra kick. Finally, turn off the heat and warmly serve your chili macaroni & cheese.
Canned Tomato Rice Casserole
This casserole dish is an excellent option for feeding large groups without having to spend too much time campfire cooking or using a stovetop. A hot meal on a cold night is one of the best things; just ask any veteran campers! Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in oil over medium heat before adding diced tomatoes from a can, uncooked rice, chicken broth, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil leaves. Once everything has been combined evenly, transfer it to an oven-safe baking dish before topping it off with grated cheese and breadcrumbs (optional). Bake your casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown on top – about 25 minutes – then serve warm!
Creamy Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Bites
Nothing is more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup – except an added bonus like grilled cheese bites! To make this meal extra special, why not combine the two? Start by heating up one can of your favorite tomato soup on the campfire or camp stove while whipping up homemade grilled cheese bites. You only need bread, butter, cheese slices, and a griddle! Serve your tomato soup with grilled cheese bites for dipping—the perfect combination of savory and cheesy.
Breakfast Burrito Bowls
Start your day off right with this easy breakfast burrito bowl recipe. You only need some canned chili beans, tomatoes, frozen hashbrowns, and cheddar cheese. Heat the chili beans and tomatoes over medium heat until warm. Then add in the frozen hashbrowns and cook until they are warmed through. Serve up the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese on top in individual bowls. This recipe is sure to keep everyone full until lunchtime!
Campfire Chili Mac n Cheese
This creamy macaroni and cheese dish is made even better with the addition of chili beans from a can. Start by cooking macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside. Combine diced canned tomatoes and chili beans in a separate pot over low heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes until everything is heated, then add the cooked noodles and mix them together thoroughly. Finally, stir in some shredded cheese of your choice until melted throughout the mixture. Serve hot in individual bowls or plates around the campfire!
Coconut Curry Lentils
This one-pot vegan curry dish packs a major flavor punch without any fuss. Simply sauté onions, garlic, and ginger before adding 1 can of coconut milk-based curry sauce along with one can of lentils (drained and rinsed) to the pot. Simmer until everything is cooked through, then enjoy as-is or over rice with fresh cilantro leaves sprinkled on top. It’s an easy way to get your protein fix in nature!
Taco Rice Bowls
These taco rice bowls are sure to please even picky eaters! Start by heating up one can of black beans (drained) and corn (drained) in a pan over medium heat before adding 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp onion powder to the mixture. Cook until everything is evenly combined, then serve over cooked white or brown rice with diced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado slices (if possible!), shredded cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), jalapeños or hot sauce – whatever sounds good to you! These taco rice bowls will have everyone asking for seconds – they’re that good!
Canned Green Bean Salad
For those looking for an easy side dish that will complement any meal perfectly, this green bean salad is sure to please! Start by draining one can of green beans into a bowl before adding halved cherry tomatoes from another can, crumbled feta cheese, diced red onion, and olives (optional). To complete the salad dressing, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey before pouring it over the salad mixture in the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined, then garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil leaves before serving!
Easy Meals for Camping
Whether planning an overnight stay at your favorite campsite or heading out on a multi-day hiking expedition through remote backcountry trails, canned food recipes are a great way to ensure that you have tasty meals available throughout your journey! From hearty dishes like chili macaroni & cheese to light salads like green bean salad, these recipes use ingredients from cans so they are easy to transport and don’t require refrigeration during storage or transit. So what are you waiting for? Get creative with these canned food recipes next time you go camping – bon appetit!
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