Name: Easy Campfire Nachos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups tortilla chips; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup diced red onions; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 packet taco seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

When it comes to outdoor cooking, nothing beats the irresistible charm of Easy Campfire Nachos. This dish combines crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheese, savory ground beef, and fresh toppings into a colorful, crowd-pleasing platter. Whether you’re camping in the woods or just grilling in your backyard, these nachos turn any gathering into a fiesta.

Imagine the smoky aroma of seasoned beef sizzling over the fire, layered with gooey cheddar and mozzarella, then topped with juicy diced tomatoes, red onions, and a drizzle of sour cream. It’s comfort food at its best, with just the right touch of campfire magic.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these nachos successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. A large cast-iron skillet is key — it holds heat evenly and can handle the high temperatures of a campfire. Heat-resistant tongs are indispensable for arranging and removing the skillet from the flames. Aluminum foil can help cover the skillet to melt cheese faster. Finally, a sturdy cutting board and sharp knife make prepping toppings like tomatoes and onions a breeze.

Each tool plays a role in ensuring you achieve crispy chips, perfectly melted cheese, and vibrant, fresh toppings without a hitch.

Ingredients for the Easy Campfire Nachos

Tortilla Chips: The crispy base that holds all the toppings and gives the nachos their signature crunch.
Ground Beef: Adds savory richness and makes the nachos hearty enough for a meal.

Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy layer over the chips.
Diced Tomatoes: Brings freshness and juiciness, balancing the melted cheese and meat.
Red Onions: Adds sharpness and a mild bite to cut through the richness.

Sour Cream: Provides a creamy, tangy drizzle that cools down the spices.
Cilantro: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes.
Seasonings (like taco seasoning, salt, pepper): Essential for flavoring the beef.

How To Make the Easy Campfire Nachos

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

In a skillet over the campfire or stove, cook the ground beef with taco seasoning until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 2: Layer the Nachos

In the cast-iron skillet, create layers starting with tortilla chips, followed by seasoned beef, then a generous sprinkle of cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Cover the skillet loosely with foil and place it over the campfire. Heat for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Add Fresh Toppings

Remove from the heat and immediately top with diced tomatoes, red onions, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle sour cream over the top just before serving.

Serving and Storing Easy Campfire Nachos

These nachos are best served straight from the skillet while the cheese is still melty and the chips are crisp. Pair them with lime wedges, extra sour cream, or your favorite salsa for an extra kick. If you have leftovers (rare, but possible!), transfer them to an airtight container and store in a cooler or fridge. Reheat over the campfire or in a pan for a slightly crispier second round.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?

Layer ingredients carefully and only add fresh toppings right before serving to keep chips crisp.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based crumbles.

What cheese works best?

A blend of cheddar and mozzarella offers the perfect combo of flavor and meltability, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack are great too.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can pre-cook the beef and chop toppings at home, then assemble and heat at the campsite.

How spicy are these?

They’re mild as written, but you can add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.

Want More Camping Recipe Ideas?

If you love these Easy Campfire Nachos, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a cheesy, hearty dinner.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells when you crave comfort pasta.
Taco Ranch Bites for a fun, snackable twist.
Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for handheld pizza goodness.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a creamy, layered bake.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest camping board so you can come back to it anytime: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add jalapeños or maybe a drizzle of hot sauce? Did you try vegetarian toppings?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter outdoors.

Easy Campfire Nachos

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4-6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Easy Campfire Nachos bring the ultimate outdoor feast to your campsite or backyard. With crispy tortilla chips, flavorful ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, it’s a fuss-free recipe that delights a crowd and satisfies every craving.