Ultimate Overlanding Meal Guide: Top Simple Recipes for Your Adventure

Introduction

Overlanding is an exciting way to explore the great outdoors, and having delicious, simple, and easy-to-prepare meals can make your adventure even more enjoyable. In this article, we'll share some of the best recipes and meal ideas for overlanding, focusing on simplicity, nutrition, and taste. No matter your culinary skills or experience, these recipes will keep you energized and satisfied during your journey.

1. One-Pot Hearty Chili

A warm and filling chili is perfect for those chilly evenings around the campfire. This one-pot recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup.

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground meat, onion, and bell pepper over medium heat until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili seasoning, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.

2. Foil-Wrapped Campfire Potatoes

Foil-wrapped potatoes are a classic overlanding meal that's easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Cook these directly on the campfire coals for a delicious and satisfying side dish.

• 4 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup butter, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Place a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a flat surface. Layer the potato and onion slices in the center of the foil, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.
2. Dot the top of the potatoes with butter slices, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
3. Fold the foil around the potatoes to create a sealed packet. Make sure the packet is tightly sealed to prevent any leaks.
4. Place the foil packet directly onto hot campfire coals and cook for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
5. Carefully open the foil packet, avoiding any steam. Top with your favorite toppings and serve.
3. Campfire Skillet Frittata

This campfire skillet frittata is a versatile and protein-packed breakfast option that you can easily customize with your favorite ingredients. Cook it in a cast-iron skillet for a delicious and filling start to your day.

• 8 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms)
• 1 cup cooked protein (such as diced ham, bacon, or sausage)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat on a camp stove or grill. Add the olive oil and sauté the vegetables until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the cooked protein to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from heat and let the frittata rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

4. No-Cook Veggie Wraps

When you need a quick and easy meal without any cooking, these no-cook veggie wraps are the perfect solution. They're light, refreshing, and perfect for a satisfying lunch on the go.

• 4 large tortillas or wraps
• 8 slices of deli meat (such as turkey or ham)
• 4 slices of cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
• 1/4 cup hummus or your favorite spread
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread a thin layer of hummus or your favorite spread onto each tortilla.
2. Layer the deli meat, cheese, avocado, bell pepper, cucumber, and baby spinach onto the center of each tortilla. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll up tightly to create a wrap. Cut in half and enjoy!

5. Easy Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of your trip and enjoying as a satisfying lunch or dinner while overlanding. It's packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

• 8 oz pasta (such as rotini, penne, or farfalle)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell pepper, red onion, fresh basil, and feta cheese. Toss to combine.
3. Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill the pasta salad in a cooler for at least 1 hour before serving.

6. Foil Packet Potatoes and Sausage

Foil packet meals are a staple of overlanding cuisine, and these potatoes and sausage packets are no exception. They're easy to prepare, cook, and clean up, making them perfect for a hassle-free dinner around the campfire.

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your campfire or grill to medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced sausage, diced potatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Divide the mixture evenly among the four sheets of aluminum foil. Fold the foil over the mixture and seal the edges to create a packet.
4. Place the foil packets on the campfire or grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is cooked through.
5. Allow the packets to cool for a few minutes before opening and serving.

7. Campfire Nachos

These campfire nachos are perfect for a fun and interactive group meal. Cook them in a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, and let everyone dig in and enjoy this cheesy, delicious dish.

• 1 bag of tortilla chips
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked protein (such as shredded chicken, ground beef, or diced sausage)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your campfire or grill to medium heat.
2. Place a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.
3. Top the chips with a layer of black beans, cooked protein, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and shredded cheese.
4. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
5. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or foil and place it on the campfire or grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove the nachos from the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side, if desired.

8. Campfire Quesadillas

These easy campfire quesadillas can be customized with your favorite fillings and are a delicious, satisfying meal after a long day of overlanding adventures.

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
• 1 cup cooked protein (such as shredded chicken, ground beef, or diced sausage)
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled, optional)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil or cooking spray, for grilling

Instructions:

1. Preheat your campfire or grill to medium heat.
2. Assemble the quesadillas by placing a layer of shredded cheese on one half of each tortilla. Top the cheese with the cooked protein, bell pepper, onion, black beans, corn, cilantro, and jalapeños (if using). Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
3. Lightly oil or spray the grill grate. Place the quesadillas on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
4. Allow the quesadillas to cool slightly before cutting into wedges and serving.

9. Banana Boat S'mores

For a sweet twist on the classic campfire dessert, try these banana boat s'mores. They're a fun and interactive treat that everyone will love!

• 4 ripe bananas
1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your campfire or grill to medium heat.
2. Leaving the peels on, slice the bananas lengthwise down the center, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
3. Stuff the banana slices with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers. Gently press the banana halves together to hold the filling in place.
4. Wrap each banana in aluminum foil, making sure the seam is on top to prevent leaks.
5. Place the foil-wrapped bananas on the campfire or grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows and chocolate are melted and the bananas are soft.
6. Allow the banana boats to cool slightly before carefully opening the foil and serving with spoons. Enjoy!

Conclusion

These simple recipes and meals for overlanding are sure to satisfy your cravings while on the road. By planning ahead and packing the right ingredients, you can create delicious, wholesome meals that will fuel your adventures and bring your group together around the campfire. Remember, overlanding is as much about the journey as it is the destination, so make the most of your time outdoors by enjoying these tasty meals with friends and family.

Happy overlanding and bon appétit!