There’s nothing quite like cooking over an open flame after a long day outdoors. Whether you’ve been hiking the mountains, paddling down a quiet river, or just setting up camp with friends, food always seems to taste better by the fire. One of my absolute favourites? Campfire nachos.
This easy recipe is perfect for camping because it uses minimal gear, cooks quickly, and is endlessly adaptable. At its core, it’s simply tortilla chips layered with cheese, peppers, salsa, and your choice of toppings – but over the fire, it becomes something extra special. These nachos are vegetarian by default, with simple swaps to make them fully vegan, or heartier with beef or turkey mince if you prefer meat.
Whether you’re new to outdoor cooking or a seasoned camper looking for something fun to share, this skillet nacho recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Cheesy, crunchy, and smoky from the fire, it’s perfect sharing… or not.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or fire-safe pan/pot with a lid
- Campfire grate (or a way to balance your pan over the fire)
- Tongs or heatproof gloves
- Spoon for serving
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 1 bag salted tortilla/corn chips
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1–2 jalapeños, sliced (optional, for spice)
- ½ cup salsa (plus more for dipping)
- 1 cup plant-based mince
- Guacamole (to serve)
- Sour cream (to serve)
Dietary Options
- Vegetarian (default): As written.
- Vegan: Swap cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream for plant-based alternatives. Keep the vegan mince.
- Meat eaters: Replace vegan mince with beef or turkey mince (make sure it’s pre-cooked before adding).
Method
- Prep the fire
Get your campfire going and let it burn down until you have a nice bed of hot coals. Place your grate or cooking surface securely over the fire. - Cook the mince
Add the plant-based mince straight into your skillet and cook it briefly over the fire until it begins to brown. (If you’re using beef or turkey mince, make sure it’s cooked through!) - Layer it up
Spread a layer of tortilla chips in the skillet. Top with cheese, bell pepper, jalapeños, salsa, and a spoonful of mince. Repeat the layers until the skillet is full. 👉 Pro tip: Build in layers so every chip gets toppings – no sad, bare ones hiding underneath. - Melt and crisp
Cover with a lid or foil to trap heat. Place the skillet over the fire for 5–10 minutes, checking occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the chips are slightly crisp. - Serve
Remove carefully from the fire. Top with extra salsa and serve with guacamole and sour cream on the side.
Campfire Tips
- Chop veggies at home to save on camp prep.
- If your fire’s too fierce, move the skillet to the edge of the coals.
- Want to bulk it up? Add black beans, sweetcorn, or extra veggies into the mix.
🔥 Campfire nachos: adaptable, cheesy (or “cheesy”), and guaranteed to vanish quickly.
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