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Loaded Dutch Oven Campfire Nachos

loaded dutch oven campfire nachos - featured image

A comforting and easy campfire recipe featuring layered tortilla chips, melty cheese, and flavorful toppings cooked in a Dutch oven over campfire coals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (85 g) thick, sturdy tortilla chips
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or turkey, cooked and seasoned with taco spices (optional for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • Fresh sliced jalapeños, to taste
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, fresh or canned, drained
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon (8 g) taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat filling (if using): Heat olive oil or butter in the Dutch oven over the campfire. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in taco seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from the Dutch oven and set aside.
  2. Clean the Dutch oven if needed. Start with a single layer of tortilla chips covering the bottom.
  3. Sprinkle a third of the cooked meat (or beans for vegetarian), 1/2 cup shredded cheese, a handful of diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, black olives, and green onions over the chips.
  4. Repeat layering two more times, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  5. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it over medium coals (about 350°F/175°C). Cook for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to avoid burning. The cheese should be fully melted and bubbling.
  6. Carefully lift the lid and check for gooey, golden cheese. If needed, cook a few more minutes but avoid burning the chips.
  7. Remove from heat and top with dollops of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and extra green onions. Serve immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Layer ingredients evenly for uniform cheese melting. Manage campfire heat by using medium coals and rotating the Dutch oven occasionally. Pre-cook and drain wet toppings to avoid soggy nachos. Vegan and gluten-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: campfire nachos, Dutch oven recipe, camping food, loaded nachos, easy campfire meals, cheese nachos, outdoor cooking