Camping Done Right: 10 Easy Pre-Made Camping Meals

Introduction

Camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, bonding with friends and family, and creating lasting memories. One of the best ways to enhance your camping experience is by bringing along delicious and easy pre-made meals. These easy pre-made camping meals not only save you time and effort but also ensure that you have nourishing food to fuel your adventures. In this article, we'll explore 10 easy pre-made camping meals that will make your camping trip a breeze.

Source credit: Ella Olsson

1. Overnight Oats

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Why It's Great:
Overnight oats are a healthy and convenient breakfast option that requires no cooking. Simply prepare them the night before, and they're ready to eat in the morning. What a great, easy pre-made meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Fresh fruit and nuts for topping

Preparation:

1. Combine oats, milk, and chia seeds in a mason jar.
2. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, top with your favorite fruit and nuts.

2. Chili

Source Credit: Artur Kornakov

Why It's Great:
Chili is a hearty and warming meal that's perfect for cool camping evenings. It can be made ahead of time and reheated over the campfire. This is a great pre made camping meal when you know you have activities throughout the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 packet chili seasoning

Preparation:

1. Brown the ground meat and onions in a skillet.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes, then let cool and store in a container.
4. Reheat over the campfire or camp stove.

3. Pasta Salad

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Why It's Great:
Pasta salad is a versatile and refreshing, easy pre-made camping meal that can be enjoyed cold. It's easy to prepare and customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing

Preparation:

1. Mix cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta in a large bowl.
2. Add Italian dressing and toss to coat.
3. Store in an airtight container in the cooler.

4. Foil Packet Meals

Source credit: Megan Thomas

Why It's Great:
Foil packet meals are perfect for camping as they require minimal cleanup and can be cooked over the campfire or on a grill.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Place chicken and vegetables on a large piece of aluminum foil.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
4. Cook over the campfire for 20-25 minutes.

5. Breakfast Burritos

Source credit: Mikey Frost

Why It's Great:
Breakfast burritos are a filling and delicious way to start your day. They can be made ahead and reheated over the campfire or on a camp stove.

Ingredients:

• 6 large tortillas
• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salsa for serving

Preparation:

1. Cook and crumble the sausage in a skillet.
2. Scramble the eggs and mix with the sausage.
3. Spoon the mixture onto tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and roll up.
4. Wrap in foil and store in the cooler.
5. Reheat over the campfire or on a camp stove.

6. Hummus and Veggie Wraps

Source credit: Ludovic Avice

Why It's Great:
These wraps are a healthy and refreshing lunch option that requires no cooking. They are easy to prepare and pack.

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup hummus
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded

Preparation:

1. Spread hummus on each tortilla.
2. Layer with bell pepper, cucumber, and carrot.
3. Roll up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap.
4. Store in the cooler until ready to eat.

7. Quinoa Salad

Source credit: Jo Sonn

Why It's Great:
Quinoa salad is a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. It's easy to prepare and packed with protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup lime vinaigrette

Preparation:

1. Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and corn in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with lime vinaigrette and toss to coat.
3. Store in an airtight container in the cooler.

8. Marinated Chicken Skewers

Source credit: Mario Verduzco

Why It's Great:
Chicken skewers are a fun and easy meal that can be prepped ahead and grilled at the campsite. They're perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 bell pepper, cut into pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Skewers

Preparation:

1. Marinate chicken, bell pepper, and onion in olive oil, soy sauce, and honey for at least 2 hours.
2. Thread onto skewers.
3. Store in the cooler until ready to grill.

9. Couscous Salad

Source credit: Jennifer Burk

Why It's Great:
Couscous salad is a quick and easy side dish that can be made ahead of time. It's light, flavorful, and pairs well with a variety of main dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked couscous
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette

Preparation:

1. Combine couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss to coat.
3. Store in an airtight container in the cooler.

10. Mason Jar Salads

Source credit: Mariana Medvedeva

Why It's Great:
Mason jar salads are portable and customizable. They keep ingredients fresh and crisp until you're ready to eat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or pasta
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup dressing of your choice

Preparation:

1. Layer ingredients in a mason jar, starting with the dressing.
2. Add quinoa or pasta, followed by vegetables and greens.
3. Seal the jar and store in the cooler.
4. Shake to mix before eating.

Conclusion

Pre-made camping meals can significantly enhance your camping experience by saving time and reducing stress. With these 10 easy and delicious recipes, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy nutritious and satisfying meals while exploring the great outdoors. So pack your cooler, gather your supplies, and get ready to make your next camping trip a culinary success. Happy camping! 

For more camping recipes, click this link!