Customize Campfire Grilled Nachos

This campfire grilled nachos recipe transforms an everyday snack into an outdoor adventure experience. The magic happens when layers of tortilla chips, savory toppings, and melted cheese come together over the dancing flames of a campfire or grill, creating a communal dish that brings everyone together in the great outdoors.

These nachos have become our family's camping tradition ever since our first wilderness weekend three years ago. What started as a simple solution to feed hungry hikers has evolved into the most requested meal whenever we plan an outdoor adventure.

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips serves as the foundation for your nachos though sweet potato slices offer a delicious alternative
• Ground meat provides protein and hearty flavor that holds up well outdoors
• Taco seasoning transforms ordinary meat into a flavor packed topping
• Beans of choice add protein fiber and substance to your nachos
• Cheese preferably a good melting variety like cheddar or monterey jack that creates the perfect gooey texture
• Tomatoes bring fresh acidity and color to balance the richness
• Onion adds sharp flavor and crunch for texture contrast
• Avocado contributes creamy richness and healthy fats
• Chilis or peppers introduce customizable heat levels for spice lovers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the protein

Cook your ground meat thoroughly with taco seasoning until no pink remains and flavors have fully developed. This seasoned base provides the savory foundation for your nachos.

Prep the toppings

Chop all vegetables and toppings into bite sized pieces ensuring even distribution throughout the nachos. Uniform pieces cook more evenly and make each bite balanced.

Create the first layer

Arrange tortilla chips or thinly sliced sweet potatoes in an even layer covering the bottom of your foil pan or cast iron skillet. Make sure there are no large gaps for toppings to fall through.

Add initial toppings

Distribute a portion of your prepared meat beans cheese and chopped vegetables evenly across the first chip layer. Be generous with the cheese as it helps bind everything together.

Build additional layers

Continue alternating layers of chips and toppings building upward until you reach the top of your pan. Each layer should contain a good balance of all ingredients.

Top with cheese

Finish with an extra thick layer of cheese across the entire surface. This creates a melted canopy that helps hold everything together and provides that satisfying cheese pull.

Seal the pan

Cover tightly with heavy duty aluminum foil crimping the edges securely to trap heat and promote even melting. Proper sealing prevents ash from getting into your food.

Position over heat

Place the covered pan on a grate over your campfire or grill keeping it away from direct flames. Indirect heat prevents burning the bottom while allowing everything to heat through.

Monitor cooking

Check occasionally after about 15 minutes looking for melted cheese and heated toppings. Total cooking time ranges from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your heat source.

Check for doneness

Carefully peel back a corner of the foil to verify cheese is completely melted and toppings are hot. The edges should show signs of becoming crispy and golden.

Serve and enjoy

Remove from heat serve directly from the cooking vessel while still hot. Let everyone dig in while the cheese is at its most gooey and delicious.

Bookmark

Sweet potatoes have become our secret ingredient for elevating campfire nachos. My daughter discovered this substitution during a rainy camping trip when we ran out of tortilla chips. The slight sweetness paired with the savory toppings created such a memorable contrast that we now bring sweet potatoes to every camping trip specifically for this recipe.

Make Ahead Options

While camping requires some improvisation many elements of this recipe can be prepared before you leave home. Brown your meat with seasoning and store in a cooler safe container. Chop vegetables and store them separately in sealed containers or bags. Pre shred cheese to save time and effort at the campsite. Having these components ready allows you to quickly assemble your nachos when hunger strikes after a day of outdoor activities.

Variations For Every Taste

The beauty of campfire nachos lies in their versatility. For a breakfast version add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage. Create a Mediterranean inspired dish with olives feta cheese and tzatziki sauce. Try a barbecue theme with pulled pork corn and barbecue sauce drizzle. The customizable nature of this recipe means it never gets boring even if you make it on consecutive camping nights. Simply bring different topping options and let everyone create their perfect combination.

Equipment Considerations

While a cast iron skillet produces the crispiest results disposable aluminum pans work wonderfully for camping convenience. For larger groups consider using multiple smaller pans rather than one large one this allows for different topping combinations and ensures more even cooking. If cooking directly on coals rather than a grate double or triple wrap your pan in foil to prevent burning. Always pack heat resistant gloves or tools for safely handling hot pans around the campfire.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make these nachos without a campfire?

Yes! These nachos work beautifully on a regular grill or even in an oven at home. Just maintain a medium heat and check regularly for cheese melting.

→ How can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground meat and double up on beans or add plant-based protein alternatives. Load up on additional vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and extra avocado for a satisfying meat-free version.

→ Why use a foil pan instead of just aluminum foil?

A foil pan provides structure that prevents toppings from falling through and makes serving easier. It also allows for better heat distribution and prevents direct flame contact that could burn the bottom layer.

→ How do I prevent the bottom of my nachos from burning?

Place your pan on a grate over indirect heat rather than directly over flames. If using a campfire, position the pan over embers rather than active flames, and check occasionally by lifting a corner of the foil.

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook the taco meat and chop all vegetables in advance. Store them in separate containers in your cooler. When ready to eat, simply assemble the layers and grill for a quick meal.

→ What's the best cheese to use for melting?

A combination of cheeses works best. Try a mix of cheddar for flavor and Monterey Jack or queso quesadilla for superior melting properties. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient for camping, but freshly grated cheese melts more evenly.