Summer is the time for camping. It’s for being outside, enjoying fresh air, beautiful views, family, friends, exercise, or just reading a book from a hammock at your favorite camp spot. I do enjoy cooking outside, but sometimes you really just want an easy meal that isn’t so elaborate it takes 2 hours to prepare outside on your limited camp stove top. Here’s 5 reasons to try this on your next camp trip.

1.     They require few dishes to prepare.  You can make this meal in one pot!  That makes clean up easy.  This makes everyone happy – especially the cook.

2.     Dump and cook method.  You can literally dump and cook, no slicing or prep is actually required for the main meat dish since most of the ingredients are from a can. Plus, if you don’t really want to cook at all you can make this ahead of time put it in a ziplock in your cooler and just re-heat it in a pot.  If you want to have toppings, slice them ahead of time, or just bring shredded cheese.  Easy.

3.     You don’t need plates, which means no washing plates!  This is a big reason to use this recipe outdoors- you don’t need plates as you can just dump some of the meat topping in on top of the Fritos in the chip bag!  Want a second helping – just open another chip bag   

4.     The meat can be used in more than one easy recipe once prepared.   This is a delicious but versatile taco meat filling.  You can use left over meat in breakfast burritos, super nachos, chili, stew, casserole.  Pretty much in anything you think hamburger would be good.  

5.     They are delicious!  You really can’t go wrong with fritos and taco meat.  They are just souped up mini taco shells that taste better.  Add a delicious taco meat and toppings and you’re set for a winner.  Plus EVERYTHING tastes better outside.  A warm, delicious, and filling meal is always a winner on a cool summer evening in the mountains or wherever you are camping.  

Don’t for get to enjoy the view while you eat it!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 envelope reduced-sodium chili seasoning mix

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles

1 can (15 ounces) Ranch Style beans (pinto beans in seasoned tomato sauce)

5 packages (1 ounce each) corn chips

Directions

1. In a large skillet, brown hamburger over medium heat until no longer pink. drain.

2. Stir in chili seasoning mix, pepper, tomatoes and beans; bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Just before serving, cut open corn chip bags. Add beef mixture and preferred toppings.

Toppings

Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh chopped tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, olives