These campfire nachos are the ultimate outdoor comfort food! Packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and gooey cheese, these nachos are then topped with your favorite veggies and will be a new summertime favorite!
Whether you’re camping or simply looking to elevate your nacho game, these easy-to-make nachos are a crowd-pleasing treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Nachos are a staple around our house, and you must try these Air Fryer Nachos as a side for dinner, these Easy Carne Asada Nachos as an appetizer at a potluck or even these Dessert Nachos for after the party!
What is Campfire Nachos?
Campfire Nachos are a mouthwatering twist on the classic Mexican dish, perfect for outdoor gatherings and camping trips. This delicious recipe layers tortilla chips with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and a generous amount of melted cheese. My kids love making these because not only are they delicious but they get to make and eat them outside!
Anyone who loves flavorful and hearty comfort food should make Campfire Nachos. They are easy to assemble and customizable with your favorite toppings, making them the perfect option for feeding a group. So gather around the campfire, set up your backyard grill, and treat yourself and your family with this yummy recipe!
Ingredients in Campfire Nachos
The great thing about this recipe is you can make it as is (which is delicious!), or you can change things up to make sure that everyone in your family loves every bite. Change up the toppings with new veggies and different meat, and you will have new nachos every time! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.
- Ground Beef: Finely minced beef that adds meaty flavor and texture to the nachos.
- Taco Seasoning: I like making mine from scratch with this easy recipe.
- Water: This is used to cook the ground beef and taco seasoning together, creating a flavorful sauce.
- Refried Beans: Smooth and creamy beans that provide a rich and savory element to the nachos.
- Tortilla Chips: If you want nachos, tortilla chips are a must!
- Mexican-Style Cheese Blend: This combo of cheeses, typically cheddar, Monterey Jack, and/or queso fresco, melts into a gooey and cheesy topping.
- Black Beans: Cooked black beans add a hearty and earthy flavor to the nachos.
- Red Onion: This adds a pop of color and delicious flavor.
- Black Olives: I love adding olives to nachos but if you aren’t a fan, go ahead and leave them out.
- Jalapeño: For extra spice, leave in the seeds and the membranes.
- Roma Tomatoes: Firm and juicy tomatoes that are diced and used as a refreshing and tangy topping.
- Avocado: I love how the avocado adds in a creamy element to the nachos.
- Cilantro: This provides a fresh and vibrant flavor.
- Additional Toppings: Guacamole, sour cream, and salsa can be added if you like!
How to Make Campfire Nachos
This recipe is so easy! You just cook up the meat, add the ingredients to the Dutch oven pan and let them all cook together. The result is so delicious. Who says that you can’t eat well while you camp??
- Prep Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven onto the campfire to heat up.
- Cook Meat: Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef and cook until it is browned all the way through. Add in the taco seasoning and water, stir, and cook until the sauce has reduced.
- Layer with Chips: Remove the taco-seasoned meat from the skillet. Layer half your chips into the skilled or Dutch oven. Top the chips with half the cheese, half the refried beans, and half the cooked meat.
- Add Cheese and Cover with Foil: Add the rest of your chips in an even layer. Layer on the remaining cheese, refried beans, and meat. Cover with foil, taking care not to burn yourself.
- Cook: Cook for about 8-10 minutes until all the cheese is melted.
- Add Toppings: Top the nachos with the toppings or any additional toppings you desire, and enjoy!
No Campfire? No Problem!
You don’t have to be camping to enjoy these delicious campfire nachos. Make them in the oven, BBQ grill, or pellet grill. Follow my instructions below for more cooking options and enjoy them any way you like! Use caution and follow manufacturer instructions on your particular grill.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the nachos per the instructions cooking the meat over the stove. Cover the cast iron skillet or Dutch oven with foil and place in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil if needed in the last 2 minutes.
- BBQ Grill: Preheat the grill to high heat. Make sure the skillet will fit in the grill when the cover is closed. Prepare the nachos per the instructions cooking the meat over the stove. Place the cast iron skillet or Dutch oven on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Pellet Grill: Preheat the pellet oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the nachos per the instructions cooking the meat over the stove. Place the cast iron skillet or Dutch oven on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can easily cook the taco meat ahead of time and transport it in an airtight container in your cooler. Then, once you get to your campsite, all you have to do is assemble the campfire nachos, and they will be ready to eat in no time!
More Delicious Camping Recipes
Dinner
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Foil Packets
Snacks
Trail Mix
Dinner
Walking Tacos
Dressings, Sauces, and Dips
S’mores Dip
Campfire Nachos
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning, (or storebought)
- ⅓ cup water
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 8-10 ounces tortilla chips, about half a regular size bag
- 2 cups Mexican-style cheese blend, shredded
- 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup red onion, minced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded and sliced
- ½ cup Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, chopped
- cilantro, chopped
- Additional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, salsa
Instructions
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Place a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven onto the campfire to heat up.
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Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef and cook until it is browned all the way through. Add in the taco seasoning and water, stir, and cook until the sauce has reduced.
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Remove the taco-seasoned meat from the skillet. Layer half your chips into the skilled or Dutch oven. Top the chips with half the cheese, half the refried beans, and half the cooked meat.
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Add the rest of your chips in an even layer. Layer on the remaining cheese, refried beans, and meat. Cover with foil, taking care not to burn yourself.
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Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until all the cheese is melted.
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Top the nachos with the toppings or any additional toppings you desire, and enjoy!
Notes
**Make the taco meat ahead of time before you go camping! Transport it in a chilled container and reheat it over the campfire.
