The Best Campfire Nachos (Over a Fire or Grill): Easy Recipes and Tips

By: Sofia Burley Updated:

Campfire nachos are the ultimate snack for any camping trip. They’re quick to prepare, packed with your favorite ingredients, and so delicious that everyone will love them! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends.

But why settle for basic nachos when you can elevate your camping experience with something new and exciting?

In the following, we’ll explore the essential equipment, a basic recipe, creative variations, pro tips, and recommended products to help you make the best campfire nachos ever.

Table of Contents show

Equipment Needed for Campfire Nachos

To make the best campfire nachos, you’ll need the following equipment:

  • Cast Iron Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for even heat distribution and durability.
  • Lid or Foil: To cover the pan and trap heat.
  • Foil or Parchment Paper: To line the pan for easy cleanup.
  • Spatula or Large Spoon: For serving the delicious finished product.

Recommended Products for Campfire Nachos

To enhance your campfire nachos experience, consider these top-rated products from Amazon:

  1. Lodge 5 Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven with Lid
    • This versatile and durable Dutch oven is perfect for cooking a variety of campfire meals, including nachos. It features dual handles for easy handling and can be used in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over the campfire.
    • Check it out on Amazon
  2. CampLiner Parchment Dutch Oven Liners
    • These disposable paper liners are 50% thicker and make cleanup a breeze. They fit perfectly in a 20” Dutch oven, ensuring that your nachos don’t stick and your oven stays clean.
    • Check it out on Amazon
  3. Large Wooden Spoon – 18-inch Heavy Duty Cajun Stir Paddle
    • This heavy-duty wooden spoon is ideal for stirring and serving your campfire nachos. Made from solid natural hardwood, it’s durable and perfect for big pots and campfire cooking.
    • Check it out on Amazon

The Basic Campfire Nachos Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
  • ½ lb bag of tortilla chips
  • Pre-seasoned taco meat
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 can of black beans
  • Fresh ingredients to taste: diced tomatoes, green onion, black olives, cilantro, avocado, jalapeno peppers, etc.
  • 4 lime wedges

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pan: Lightly oil the bottom of a large Dutch oven or foil to prevent the nachos from sticking.
  2. Layer the Ingredients: Put a layer of chips in the bottom of the pan, followed by a sprinkling of meat, a quarter cup of black beans, and a generous amount of cheese. Top with tomato, avocado, green onions, and/or cilantro.
  3. Repeat Layers: Repeat this process for the second, third, and final layers until all ingredients are used.
  4. Cook: Place the pan over your campfire on a metal grill for about 10 minutes, until the cheese melts.
  5. Serve: Serve with a few lime wedges (optional).

Variations and Substitutions

Our collection features the best campfire nachos recipe ideas to add a special touch of flavor and texture to your next camping trip.

From classic flavors like roasted tomatoes and guacamole to creative combinations like queso fresco and black beans, these easy recipes will make your campfire grill meal an unforgettable outdoor night.

With layers of crunchy chips, melted cheese, spicy meats, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauces, each bite will be packed with flavor and texture that will surely please everyone around the fire. So gather some friends, break out the ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Easy Campfire Nachos In The Dutch Oven

1. Easy Campfire Nachos In The Dutch Oven

  • Ingredients: Avocado, black beans, turkey, tortilla chips, shredded cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a Dutch oven and cook over the campfire.
  • Pro Tip: Keeping a little water inside your oven will steam your tortilla chips and melt the cheese perfectly!
GET THE RECIPE

2. One Pan Campfire Nachos Recipe

  • Ingredients: Ground beef, jalapenos, green onions, sour cream, tortilla chips, shredded cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a large cast iron skillet and cook over the campfire.
  • Review: This recipe is a family favorite due to its simplicity! We give it a solid 5 stars!
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3. Layered Dutch Oven Camp Nachos

  • Ingredients: Black beans, green onions, fresh cilantro, lime, tortilla chips, shredded cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a Dutch oven and cook over the campfire.
  • Source: This recipe from Escape Adventures Style is perfect for the Dutch oven!
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4. Simple Campfire Nachos

  • Ingredients: Pre-cooked taco meat, Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla chips, your favorite toppings.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a pan and cook over the campfire.
  • Pro Tip: Prep taco meat and grate your favorite cheese at home to avoid extra work at the campsite.
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5. Camp Dutch Oven Nachos

  • Ingredients: Black olives, cilantro, tomatoes, green onion, tortilla chips, shredded cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a Dutch oven and cook over the campfire for about 15 minutes.
  • Serving: This appetizer can feed up to four people or serve as a full meal for two!
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6. Vegetarian-Mexican Campfire Nachos

  • Ingredients: Canned corn, olives, refried beans, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, fresh vegetables.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a cast iron skillet and cook over the campfire.
  • Pro Tip: Keep your cast iron skillet loosely covered with aluminum foil to trap the heat and cook your nachos faster!
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7. Must-Try Campfire Nachos

  • Ingredients: Black olives, green onion, jalapenos, fresh cilantro, sour cream, tortilla chips, shredded cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven and cook over the campfire.
  • Review: This robust recipe will have you dipping into the cast iron pan again and again! Add some green chilis for an even stronger kick!
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8. Campfire Potato Chip Nachos

  • Ingredients: Kettle-cooked potato chips, ham, Mexican-style shredded cheese, your favorite toppings.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a pan and cook over the campfire.
  • Review: This unique twist is ideal for kids who may not like traditional chips.
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9. Grilled Nachos

  • Ingredients: Tortilla chips, cheese, beans, avocado, tomatoes, mango, sour cream, red pepper, guacamole, cilantro.
  • Instructions: Put your tortilla crisps, cheese, and beans in a pan with medium heat and grill.
  • Review: If you’re cooking over an open flame, grilled nachos are the way to go. Make this recipe and try it on the whole family!
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10. Campfire Nachos With Beans

  • Ingredients: Refried beans, pinto beans, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, green onions, corn, diced green chiles, black olives.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a pan and cook over the campfire.
  • Review: This recipe is full of protein, nutrition, and flavor!
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11. Foil Packet Campfire Nachos

  • Ingredients: Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, ground beef (optional), diced green onions, sour cream.
  • Instructions: Create a packet out of aluminum foil or use a foil pan, layer the ingredients, and cook over the campfire.
  • Pro Tip: Prepare this meal at home before your outdoor trek for easy prep and storage.
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12. Loaded Campground Nachos On The Grill Recipe

  • Ingredients: Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, your favorite veggies and meat, sour cream, chives, red pepper flakes.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a pan or cast iron skillet and cook over the campfire.
  • Pro Tip: Use nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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13. Simple Beef Nachos With Doritos

  • Ingredients: Cool Ranch Dorito chips, ground beef, your favorite toppings (feta cheese, bell peppers, sliced pickles).
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a cast iron skillet and cook over the campfire.
  • Review: This fun twist ensures you won’t have any leftover chips with this dish!
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14. Vegan Campfire Nachos

  • Ingredients: Tortilla chips, canned veggies (beans, sweet corn), chopped onion, guacamole, sliced jalapenos, vegan cheddar cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a cast iron skillet and cook over the campfire.
  • Review: This vegan version is satisfying and delicious!
get the recipe

15. Australian Campfire Nachos

  • Ingredients: Tortilla chips, bolognese sauce, your favorite toppings (diced tomatoes, guacamole), grated cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a disposable foil tray and cook over the campfire.
  • Review: This delightful twist infuses your nachos with bolognese sauce!
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16. Campfire Pizza Nachos

  • Ingredients: Tortilla chips, garlic cream sauce, your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, banana peppers), shredded cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a skillet and cook over the campfire for about 20 minutes.
  • Review: Combine a love of Italian food with camping for a unique twist!
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17. Beefy Campfire Nachos

  • Ingredients: Leftover ground beef, tortilla chips, your favorite toppings.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a pan and cook over the campfire.
  • Pro Tip: Slice all your ingredients at home and transport in small containers for less work at the campsite.
get the recipe

18. Pulled Pork Campfire Nachos

  • Ingredients: Pulled pork with BBQ rub, apple juice, Doritos, shredded cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a pan and cook over the campfire.
  • Review: This variation is great for backyard cookouts and family reunions.
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19. Campfire Moose Nachos

  • Ingredients: Moose meat, enchilada sauce, chili powder, tortilla chips, shredded cheese.
  • Instructions: Layer the ingredients in a pan and cook over the campfire.
  • Review: Mix things up with exotic meats like moose, elk, bison, wild boar, or duck for a memorable camping experience.
get the recipe

Pro Tips

To ensure your campfire nachos turn out perfectly every time, follow these pro tips:

  1. Prep at Home: Prep ingredients at home to minimize campwork. Cook taco meat, grate cheese, and chop fresh ingredients ahead of time.
  2. Steam for Perfection: Keep a little water inside your Dutch oven to steam your tortilla chips and melt the cheese perfectly.
  3. Cover for Heat: Loosely cover your cast iron skillet with aluminum foil to trap the heat and cook your nachos faster.
  4. Nonstick Spray: Use nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, especially when using foil or parchment paper.
  5. Canned Goods: Try different combinations of canned goods for vegetarian options. Canned corn, olives, and refried beans are great choices.
  6. Layering: Create multiple layers of chips, cheese, and toppings for a fully-loaded campfire nacho dish.
  7. Storage: Prepare foil packet meals at home and freeze them for easy storage and transport.
  8. Versatility: Use different types of chips, like Doritos or potato chips, for a unique twist on traditional nachos.
  9. Exotic Meats: Experiment with exotic meats like moose, elk, bison, wild boar, or duck for a memorable camping experience.
  10. Grilling: If you have a grill grate, try grilling your nachos for a smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Campfire nachos are the ultimate snack for any camping adventure. With a variety of recipes and tips, you can elevate your camping experience and impress your fellow campers.

Whether you prefer classic flavors or creative combinations, there’s a campfire nacho recipe for everyone. So gather your friends, break out the ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Don’t forget to check out our recommended products to enhance your campfire nachos experience.

Happy camping and enjoy your delicious campfire nachos!

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Hi, I'm Sofia Burley, a seasoned camper who loves helping women experience the great outdoors. I'll share tips and recommendations based on my 10 years of experience to make camping fun and memorable for everyone.
Join me on this journey!