1. Campfire Skillet Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 can premade pizza dough (like Pillsbury)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sliced pepperoni
- (Optional: pizza sauce or tomato paste)
Instructions:
- Lightly oil the cast iron pan and heat it over the fire or stove.
- Press out the dough to fit the skillet (you may need to use only half the can for one pizza).
- Cook dough for 2–3 minutes until the bottom starts to brown, then flip.
- Add cheese and pepperoni (plus a little sauce if using) on the browned side.
- Cover loosely with foil or lid and cook for another 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden.
2. Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb shredded cooked beef or beef strips (pre-cooked or vacuum-packed)
- 2 cups pre-packaged chopped fresh veggies (like stir-fry mix or fajita mix)
- 1 tbsp oil (olive or sesame)
- Soy sauce or teriyaki packet (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add veggies and cook 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add beef and stir until heated through (another 3–4 minutes).
- Drizzle with soy or teriyaki sauce, mix well, and serve hot.
3. Grilled Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup cooked grilled chicken (sliced or shredded)
- Salsa or hot sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Heat cast iron pan and lightly oil it.
- Lay one tortilla in the skillet. Add cheese and chicken on top.
- Place the second tortilla over the filling and press gently.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until golden, then flip and cook the other side.
- Slice and serve with salsa.
4. Skillet Sweet Potato & Black Bean Hash
Nourishing, fiber-rich, and energizing—great for post-hike recovery!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (helpful hint: pre cooked saves fuel)
- 1/2 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion or bell pepper (optional)
- Olive oil + seasoning (salt, pepper, cumin, or taco spice)
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in your cast iron skillet.
- Add sweet potatoes and cook 8–10 minutes (bring precooked to save fuel), stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
- Add onion/pepper and cook 3 more minutes.
- Stir in black beans and seasonings. Heat through and serve warm—top with avocado or hot sauce if you brought some!
5. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
A light, low-carb dish packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1–2 zucchini, spiralized (or bring pre-spiralized zoodles)
- 1 tbsp garlic butter or mix of butter + minced garlic
- Lemon wedge or Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt garlic butter in the cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed and lightly browned.
- Toss in zoodles and sauté for another 2 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Squeeze lemon or sprinkle herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
