How to Cook Campfire Nachos

By Sheniece Chappell
Photographs by Michael Roytek

Campfire nachos are a fun, easy and delicious meal to enjoy outdoors.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE CAMPFIRE NACHOS

Cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven. If you don’t have cast-iron cookware, and aluminum pan will also work.
Bowl
Cooking utensils
Aluminum foil
Plates
Paper towels
Grill mitts or barbecue gloves
Protein like ground beef or chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option. To save time, you can precook the protein at home and skip steps 2 and 3.
Shredded cheese
Cooking oil
Taco seasoning
Tortilla chips
Black beans
Cilantro
Diced onions
Diced tomatoes
Guacamole
Salsa
Sliced jalapeños
Sour cream

WHAT YOU’LL DO TO MAKE CAMPFIRE NACHOS

Step 1. Build a campfire and let it burn down to hot coals. You want a nice, even heat to cook your campfire nachos without burning them. Here are instructions on how to build a campfire.

Step 2. Grease the bottom of your skillet or Dutch oven with the cooking oil. While it’s heating, season your choice of protein. Cook meat until it’s done.

Step 3. Next, use grill mitts or barbecue gloves to remove the skillet or oven from the fire. This step should be performed by an adult or an older Scout (Webelos or higher rank) under adult supervision. Let it cool before using a spoon to place the protein in a bowl. Set it aside, and wipe out any excess meat or juice from the skillet or oven.

Step 4. Line your skillet or Dutch oven with foil. Place a layer of tortilla chips inside. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the chips. Add your protein and any other toppings you want cooked. Repeat this step if you want multiple layers. Cover with aluminum foil or lid.

Step 5. Have an adult or an older Scout (Webelos or higher rank) under adult supervision carefully place the skillet or oven over the campfire directly on the hot coals. Make sure you’re wearing your mitts! Cook for 10-15 minutes, occasionally checking to ensure the cheese is melting and the chips aren’t burning.

Step 6. Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated, have an adult or an older Scout (Webelos or higher rank) under adult supervision remove the skillet or oven from the fire using their mitts or gloves. Let the campfire nachos cool for about 2 minutes before serving. Heap them with toppings of your choice and eat up!