Camping shouldn't mean sacrificing delicious, home-cooked meals. With a slow cooker, you can enjoy hearty and flavorful dishes even while roughing it in the great outdoors. This guide provides easy slow cooker recipes perfect for your next camping adventure, ensuring you'll have satisfying meals without spending hours cooking over a campfire.
What Kind of Slow Cooker is Best for Camping?
Before diving into the recipes, let's address a crucial question: What type of slow cooker is best suited for camping? While your standard countertop slow cooker works, a 12V slow cooker designed for car use or a propane-powered slow cooker will offer more versatility and reliability while camping. These options avoid reliance on unreliable power sources at campsites. Consider the power source availability at your chosen campsite before packing your slow cooker.
Easy Slow Cooker Chili
This classic camping meal is easily adaptable and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the browned beef, onion, and garlic to your slow cooker.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This crowd-pleasing recipe is surprisingly simple to make in a slow cooker and perfect for sandwiches or tacos.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the pork shoulder.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded.
- Shred the pork with two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Veggie Stew
A hearty and healthy option perfect for a chilly camping night.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to Keep Food Safe in a Slow Cooker While Camping?
Maintaining food safety is paramount. Ensure your slow cooker is clean before use. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your food regularly to guarantee it reaches a safe temperature (165°F for poultry and 160°F for ground meats). Keep your slow cooker away from direct sunlight and other heat sources, especially when not in use.
Can I Use a Slow Cooker in My Tent?
While convenient, it's generally not recommended to use a slow cooker inside your tent. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning (with propane-powered models) or overheating is significant. Opt for using your slow cooker outside, preferably under a sheltered area.
What are some good sides for slow cooker camping meals?
Simple sides pair perfectly with slow cooker meals, like:
- Corn on the cob: Grill it over the campfire.
- Campfire foil packets: Load with potatoes, vegetables, and seasoning.
- Pre-made salads: Pack salads that travel well.
Enjoy your camping trip and your delicious slow cooker meals! Remember to always prioritize food safety and have fun!
