There are a few very key things that hold parents back from jumping onto the camping bandwagon and one of them is definitely figuring out what to feed a family three meals a day, plus snacks with limited supplies and equipment. Because no matter what they say, the kids will get tired of hot dogs on a stick and s'mores (well, maybe not the s'mores). Campfire nachos have become one of my family's top requested camping meals and the recipe is so easy! If you cook your ground beef before heading out to the woods, this meal is more like assembly than actual cooking and clean up is a breeze!
My number one Campfire Nachos tip is to cook the ground beef and veggies with taco seasoning at home. If you want to keep the nachos as a day three or four lunch or dinner option, just freeze your beef mixture in a in a freezer bag or plastic container and when you're ready to leave, toss it into the cooler. This way the beef will slowly defrost and should be ready to go by day three.
Also, feel free to use whatever veggies your kids will actually eat - mine just happen to like (or at least not be bothered by) sautéed celery and peppers in their nacho beef.
Simply spray your foil with non-stick cooking spray.
Add your nacho chips and top with cooked ground beef mixture, salsa and shredded cheese.
Wrap into foil pack making sure all the seams are sealed.
Cook on campfire grate or on grill set to low heat for approx. 10-15 minutes. Remove from grill, carefully open and serve.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
1/2 red pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 package of taco seasoning
1 bag of yur favourite nacho chips
1 cup (or small jar) of salsa + more for serving (if desired)
2 cups, shredded cheddar cheese (buy the pre-shredded packages and just toss in the cooler)
1 tbsp. cooking oil
Non-stick cooking spray
Directions
Heat oil in sauté pan over medium-high heat then sauté celery and red peppers until soft (approx. 2-3 minutes).
Add ground beef and taco seasoning package and cook according to package directions, ensuring beef is full cooked (approx 6-8 minutes).
Cool beef mixture completely and store in refrigerator or freezer until ready to pack camping cooler (see note above for when I recommend freezing).
When ready to assemble nachos, tear off a piece of tinfoil approx 2-feet long.
Spray one side with non-stick cooking spray.
Add two to three handfuls of nacho chips and top with desired amount of cooked ground beef mixture, salsa and cheese.
Fold tin foil into package, ensuring all sides and the top are sealed so no steam can escape (see my technique here).
Repeat until you're out of ingredients (usually makes 3 "kid" sized portions and 2 "adult" sized portions).
Cook on campfire grill (ensuring flames are not coming above foil packs) or over grill set to low heat for approx. 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat and carefully slit foil pack open - careful it's HOT!
Enjoy with your favourite nacho toppings.
PS: Looking for some of my other favourite camping meals? Try my Bannock in a Bag, my kids' absolute favourite Camping Chicken, my Easiest Homemade Hamburgers (that freeze and pack really well!) and my Dad's Camping Potatoes.
Happy Camping!
RELATED: Easy Camping Dessert - All Aboard Banana Boats! 
Printer-friendly version