Tanya Rivers
Golden tortilla chips loaded with savory seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and a rainbow of fresh toppings—Easy Campfire Nachos are the ultimate outdoor meal. This simple, satisfying recipe turns your campfire into a gourmet kitchen, perfect for sharing with friends and family under the stars.
Imagine gathering around the fire, hearing the gentle crackle of wood, and pulling a skillet of cheesy nachos right from the flames. Every bite delivers a combination of smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors that feel like a little taste of home in the great outdoors.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Campfire Nachos Recipe
These nachos are a camping favorite because they’re quick, fun, and incredibly customizable. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that doubles as a shareable snack. Plus, cleanup is minimal if you use a cast iron skillet or disposable foil pan.
What Kind of Chips Work Best for Campfire Nachos?
Thicker, restaurant-style tortilla chips are your best choice. They hold up to the weight of melted cheese and hearty toppings without getting soggy. Avoid thin chips—they break too easily when loaded with all that deliciousness.
Ingredients for Easy Campfire Nachos
Before you start cooking, gather all your essentials. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these nachos irresistibly delicious.
- Tortilla Chips – Sturdy chips provide the base and hold up under the heat and toppings.
- Ground Beef or Turkey – Adds a hearty, savory layer to the nachos.
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese – Melts perfectly to bind everything together.
- Tomatoes and Red Onion – Bring fresh, juicy contrast to the warm, cheesy base.
- Cilantro – Adds a pop of color and bright flavor.
- Sour Cream – Creamy and tangy topping that balances the spices.
- Optional Jalapeños – For a kick of heat if you like it spicy.
How To Make the Easy Campfire Nachos
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the ultimate skillet nachos.
Step 1: Prepare Your Campfire and Skillet
Heat your campfire or grill to medium heat. Place a cast iron skillet over the flames to preheat.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Brown the ground beef or turkey in the skillet. Season with taco seasoning or your favorite spices. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Layer the Nachos
Start with a layer of tortilla chips, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, then the cooked meat. Repeat layers until the skillet is full.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Cover the skillet loosely with foil and let it sit over the campfire for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
Remove from the heat and add diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and sour cream. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Serving and Storing Easy Campfire Nachos
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for small camping groups or family outdoor nights. Serve the nachos directly from the warm skillet to keep the cheese melty and gooey. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in a cooler and reheat over the campfire or a grill within 24 hours for best taste.
What to Serve With Easy Campfire Nachos?
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet and smoky corn pairs perfectly with cheesy nachos.
2. Fresh Guacamole
A creamy, cool dip that balances the heat of any spicy toppings.
3. Salsa Verde
Adds a tangy, zesty flavor that complements the savory beef.
4. Coleslaw
Crunchy and refreshing to contrast the rich, cheesy nachos.
5. Grilled Veggies
Zucchini, bell peppers, or onions roasted over the fire add color and nutrition.
6. Campfire Chili
A hearty side dish for extra-hungry campers.
7. Iced Lemonade or Sweet Tea
Refreshing drinks that cut through the richness of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these nachos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans or grilled vegetables for a hearty meat-free version.
2. What’s the best cheese for melting over a campfire?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics, but pepper jack adds a great spicy kick and melts beautifully.
3. How do I prevent the nachos from burning?
Keep the skillet slightly above direct flames and cover with foil. Rotate occasionally for even heat.
4. Can I make these in advance?
You can pre-cook the meat and prep your toppings at home, then assemble and heat at the campsite.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add jalapeños, hot salsa, or a sprinkle of chili powder to kick up the heat.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest camping or snack board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add jalapeños or try it vegetarian? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting and fun camping food ideas on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next outdoor favorite!
Easy Campfire Nachos
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Foil Cover
Ingredients
- 2 cups tortilla chips
- 0.5 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
- 0.25 cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 jalapeño sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your campfire or grill to medium heat and place a cast iron skillet over the flame.
- Cook the ground beef or turkey in the skillet until browned, seasoning with taco seasoning. Remove and set aside.
- Layer tortilla chips, cheese, and cooked meat in the skillet. Repeat until full.
- Cover with foil and heat over the fire for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.
- Top with tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, sour cream, and optional jalapeños. Serve hot.