Home Camping
Lisa KaminskiUpdated: Jan. 30, 2024
Camping out? Try these easy Dutch oven camping recipes. They're super satisfying and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
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Hot dogs, gorp and s’mores are great, but if you’re looking for stuff that’ll stick to your ribs, put these recipes on your camping meal plan and a Dutch oven on your camping checklist.
All you need to make these recipes are some easy-to-tote ingredients and a roaring fire (and your camping Dutch oven, of course). Then get ready for compliments—these soups, stews and one-pot dinners for groups are bound to become everybody’s favorite camping meals. (Be sure to save room for campsite desserts!)
Ham and Lentil Soup
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This tasty Dutch oven soup recipe is a combination of two soup recipes I came across and adapted. It will keep your family filled up on a cool night of camping. —Andi Haug, Hendrum, Minnesota
Quicker Chicken and Dumplings
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Ready in 30 minutes, this easy chicken and dumplings recipe takes advantage of convenience items and uses time-saving, drop-style dumplings. —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, Iowa
Still hungry? Try our favorite quick Dutch oven recipes.
Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst
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Cook these bratwurst in your Dutch oven first. Then you can quickly brown them on the grill. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner
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Mamma mia! What’s the secret to this one-pot spaghetti? A homemade jar sauce and a one-pot cooking method makes this an easy camping recipe. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington
Beef Noodle Soup
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This delicious soup only takes minutes—but tastes as if it simmers all day! —Margery Bryan, Moses Lake, Washington
Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup
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It doesn’t take long to put bowls of this comforting cheesy potato soup recipe on the table. Convenience items, such as canned soup and processed cheese, simplify the prep and make it easy to cook at a campsite. —Tammy Condit, League City, Texas
Easy Moroccan Chickpea Stew
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Before you leave for your camping trip, prep the veggies and make the spice blend. Then this hearty Moroccan chickpea stew is basically a dump Dutch oven dinner! —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
Sausage and Kale Soup
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This is my family’s absolute favorite soup, and I can have it on the table in less than 45 minutes. —Dawn Rohn, Riverton, Wyoming
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
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My whole family enjoys this sweet potato black bean chili, but my daughter especially loves it. I like to make it because it's so easy and very flavorful. —Joy Pendley, Ortonville, Michigan
For more meat-free meals, check out these vegetarian Dutch oven recipes.
Italian Beef and Shells
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A veggie and pasta combo makes a hearty entree that comes together easily. Pack a carton of wine, rather than a bottle, to make the ingredients even more camping friendly. —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio
Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup
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This is my favorite soup recipe. It's quick to fix on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just as good. —Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania
Italian Sausage and Bean Soup
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Made in a Dutch oven, the surprising blend of sausage, beans and coleslaw warms your soul, making this the perfect camping comfort food. —Stacey Bennett, Locust Grove, Virginia
Spiced-Up Healthy Soup
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This Dutch oven dinner has been a hit with family and friends. It’s spicy, low-fat and filled with good-for-you ingredients. —Diane Tayman, Dixon, Illinois
Hearty Penne Beef
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This hearty penne beef recipe is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it’s tasty, easy and a smart way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Italian Chicken Stew
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My husband enjoys preparing this satisfying stew because it’s so easy to make. With warm Italian bread, it’s a winner on a cooler day. —Jo Calizzi, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania
Sloppy Joe Stew
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This old-fashioned stew has a slightly sweet taste from the addition of canned corn. Your camping neighbors will smell this simmering and come over to check it out! —Clair Long, Destrehan, Louisiana
Cashew Rice Pilaf
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On a camping trip, this hearty Dutch oven dinner will be a nice change of pace from beef jerky and trail mix. —Tina Coburn, Tucson, Arizona
Spicy Potato Soup
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This easy family recipe is a cinch to make at a campground. Feel free to increase the hot pepper sauce or add your favorite herbs if you want more kick. — Audrey Wall, Industry, Pennsylvania
Friendship Soup Mix
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Pack a jar of soup fixin’s plus ground beef and a can of tomatoes, and you’ll have an easy and delicious camping dinner ready to go. —Wendy Taylor, Mason City, Iowa
Pumpkin Chili
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This uniquely spiced chili is loaded with pantry ingredients, making it a terrific camping recipe. —Betty Butler, Greencastle, Indiana
Green Pepper Casserole
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I always prepare this family favorite when peppers and onions are in season.—Ellen Lloyd, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Venison Stew
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I had no choice but to learn to cook many years ago while my wife recuperated from surgery. But I found I really enjoyed trying different recipes and adapting them to my own taste—that's how my now-famous venison stew recipe came to be! —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama
Originally Published: January 08, 2020
Lisa Kaminski
Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.
