Camping Cuisine: Simple and Delicious Outdoor Meals

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans
  • 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag tortilla chips
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Salsa (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onion is tender.
  2. Drain the cans of kidney beans, black beans, and sweet corn. Add these to the skillet along with the can of diced tomatoes, green chilies, and taco seasoning.
  3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
  4. While the mixture is simmering, prepare your optional toppings: slice the avocado, shred the cheddar cheese, and have the sour cream and salsa ready.
  5. After the mixture has simmered, turn off the heat. Top with the shredded cheese and cover again to let the cheese melt.
  6. Serve the skillet meal in bowls. Top each serving with tortilla chips and your choice of avocado, sour cream, and salsa.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef and other ingredients.
  • Chopping knife - A sharp knife is necessary to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Can opener - A can opener is required to open the cans of kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be useful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Cover or lid - A cover or lid for the skillet is needed to simmer the mixture and melt the cheese.
  • Cheese grater - A cheese grater is necessary to shred the cheddar cheese.
  • Bowls - Bowls are needed to serve the skillet meal.
  • Tortilla chips - Tortilla chips are used as a topping and for scooping the skillet meal.
  • Avocado slicer (optional) - An avocado slicer is useful if you choose to add sliced avocado as a topping.
  • Sour cream and salsa bowls (optional) - Small bowls are needed to serve the optional sour cream and salsa as toppings.

Recipe variations

  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Use different types of beans such as pinto beans or navy beans.
  • Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • Spice it up with additional seasonings like chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra beans or tofu.
  • For a healthier option, serve the skillet meal over cooked quinoa or brown rice instead of tortilla chips.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for more freshness.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
  • If you prefer spicier flavors, add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
  • For a creamy twist, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream before serving.

Recipe overview

Get ready for an easy, delicious, and satisfying camping meal that's sure to be a hit with everyone. This Mexican-inspired skillet dish is packed full of hearty ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and cheddar cheese. It's perfect for those outdoor cooking experiences, simple to prepare, and sure to fill you up after a day of hiking or exploring. The ingredients are straightforward, easy to pack, and won't take up a lot of space in your camping gear. You’ll just need a single skillet to whip up this meal, making clean-up a breeze. Beyond its simplicity and convenience, this dish is also incredibly customizable. You can top it with sour cream, salsa, or sliced avocado, or even add some heat with a dash of your favorite hot sauce. It's the perfect no-fuss recipe to enjoy under the stars.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes. Simply chop the fresh tomatoes and use them in place of the canned ones.
  3. Can I use different types of beans? Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of beans you prefer or have on hand. You can even mix and match different varieties to add more variety to the dish.
  4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth or water instead of beef broth. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor and texture.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the skillet meal ahead of time and reheat it when needed. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to add a little extra liquid when reheating to prevent it from drying out.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is essential for cooking the ground beef and vegetables.
  • Cutting Board - You'll need a cutting board to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Can Opener - You'll need a can opener to open the cans of kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.
  • Stirring Spoon - A stirring spoon or spatula will be used to mix the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Cover or Lid - A cover or lid is needed to cover the skillet while the mixture simmers.
  • Grater - A grater is useful for shredding the cheddar cheese.
  • Bowls - You'll need bowls for serving the skillet meal.
  • Tortilla Chips - Tortilla chips are used as a topping and for dipping.
  • Avocado Slicer - If using avocado as a topping, an avocado slicer can be helpful for slicing it evenly.
  • Optional Toppings Dish - A small dish or bowls can be used to serve the optional toppings like sour cream and salsa.

Origin stories

This hearty one-skillet meal is reminiscent of meals made over an open fire during cattle drives in the American West. Cowboys, known as vaqueros, would work for hours tending to their herd, and at the end of the day, they’d gather around a campfire for a communal meal. The cook, lovingly referred to as the "cookie," would whip up a hot and filling meal using staple ingredients that were readily available and easy to transport. These ingredients often included beans, canned goods, and ground beef, which are the core components of this recipe. This dish is a nod to those simpler times and brings a taste of the wild west to the comfort of your campsite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.