Camping is all about making memories, whether it’s the thrill of setting up the tent, the joy of exploring nature, or the laughter around the campfire. One of the best parts of camping is the food, and there’s no better way to enjoy a meal outdoors than with foil dinners. These easy-to-make, customizable meals are perfect for getting the kids involved and ensures everyone gets a delicious dinner. Here are four fantastic foil dinner recipes featuring different proteins, including a vegetarian option.

Classic Beef and Veggie Foil Dinner

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, cubed
2 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the campfire or grill.
Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and place each portion on their own piece of foil.
Add the potatoes, carrots, and onion to each foil piece.
Season with salt and pepper.
Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
Cook on the grill or over the campfire for 25-30 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Additional Ingredients:

Add minced garlic, rosemary, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.

Lemon Herb Chicken Foil Dinner

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 zucchinis, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the campfire or grill.
Place a chicken breast on each piece of foil.
Add zucchini and bell pepper slices.
Place lemon slices on top of the chicken.
Season with salt and pepper.
Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
Cook on the grill or over the campfire for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Additional Ingredients:

Add fresh thyme, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil for enhanced flavor.

BBQ Pork and Sweet Potato Foil Dinner

Ingredients:

1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into chunks
2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the campfire or grill.
Place pork chunks on each piece of foil.
Add sweet potato cubes.
Drizzle BBQ sauce over the pork and potatoes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
Cook on the grill or over the campfire for 25-30 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.

Additional Ingredients:

Add sliced red onion and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

Veggie Delight Foil Dinner (Vegetarian)

Ingredients:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 zucchinis, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the campfire or grill.
Divide the vegetables among four pieces of foil.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Season with salt and pepper.
Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
Cook on the grill or over the campfire for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Additional Ingredients:

Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil leaves for an Italian twist.

Local Meat Shops and Butchers

Grand Forks, ND:

L&M Meats: “In 1959, L&M Meats was created as a dream company for founders Laddie and Marie Novak. Laddie Novak (Sr.) brought his original recipes straight from Czechoslovakia, and they continue that tradition of flavor, quality, and excellence in their products today. In addition to their homemade sausages and specialty products that are processed and smoked right in their store, they carry a huge variety of popular items, including steaks, chops, weiners, and MORE!”

St. Cloud, MN:

Manea’s Meats: “Founded in May of 1975, Manea’s Meats is the #1 seller of meat products in the St Cloud, Sauk Rapids, and Sartell area. Family-owned and operated for over 40 years, they pride themselves in having the largest and most unique selection of brats, steaks, sausage, beef, pork, and poultry in Central Minnesota.”

Detroit Lakes and Perham, MN:

Lakes Processing: “Family-owned meat market since 1997, processing beef, pork, poultry, fish, and wild game. Call in, stop in, or use their drive-thru to place your order.”

Winona, MN:

Downtown Meat Market: “Serving the Winona area since 2019, the Downtown Meat Market has homemade sausages, deli meats and cheeses, fresh beef, chicken, and pork, as well as house-made brats. Check out their Facebook page for weekly specials, including their daily lunch special.”

Alexandria, MN:

Lake Country Meats: “Since 2013, Lake Country Meats has been serving the Lakes Area and Alexandria, MN, community with the best quality meats around. They take pride in bringing you the best quality cuts of meat. From their meat shop to your home, their meats are always fresh and healthy, with low sodium and no preservatives.”

Fergus Falls, MN:

Premier Meats & Seafood: “Locally owned and operated, Premier Meats & Seafood was founded in 2004 with the goal of providing high-quality meats and seafood to the Fergus Falls area and friendly, old-fashioned customer service. Premier Meats and Seafood is committed to offering only the finest in beef, pork, chicken, smoked sausage, and seafood.”

Foil dinners are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and easy camping meal. They’re perfect for involving the kids in the cooking process and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re preparing a classic beef dinner, a tangy lemon herb chicken meal, a sweet and savory pork dish, or a vegetarian delight, these recipes will make your camping trip memorable. Remember to visit your local meat shop or butcher to get the freshest ingredients for your next outdoor adventure!