Easy and Tasty Recipes for Winter Camping in Canada


When embarking on a winter camping journey in the beautiful landscapes of Canada, keeping yourself warm and well-fed is crucial to an enjoyable experience. Winter camping, especially in Canada, offers unique challenges and joys.

To ensure you have the energy to explore the snowy wonderland, we've put together some easy-to-prepare camping recipes to warm your heart and fill your belly during your winter camping adventure.

1. Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

Warm, comforting, and easy to make, this hearty stew is the perfect meal to refuel after a day of winter exploration.


Ingredients:


  • 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into small chunks

  • 2 cups potatoes, diced

  • 1 cup carrots, sliced

  • 1 cup celery, chopped

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Olive oil for cooking


Instructions:


  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over your winter camping stove.

  2. Add the beef chunks and brown them evenly on all sides.

  3. Add the onions and garlic, then cook until the onions are translucent.

  4. Stir in potatoes, carrots, and celery.

  5. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.

  6. Season with salt and pepper.

  7. Allow the stew to simmer until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

  8. Serve and enjoy this hearty winter meal!


Essential Tips:


  • Chop the vegetables and marinate the beef before your trip to save time and effort at the campsite.

  • Opt for a durable, portable pot that can handle a variety of dishes and is easy to clean.

  • Freeze stew ingredients in a sealed bag before the trip for easy defrosting and cook at the campsite.

2. Warm and Nutty Oatmeal

Starting your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal is essential to fuel your winter adventure.


Ingredients:


  • 1 cup oats

  • 2 cups water

  • A pinch of salt

  • Toppings of your choice: nuts, dried fruits, honey


Instructions:


  1. Bring water to a boil in a pot on your winter camping stove.

  2. Stir in oats with a pinch of salt.

  3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal thickens to your desired consistency.

  4. Serve in bowls and top with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or a drizzle of honey.


Essential Tips:


  • Use insulated containers to keep your oatmeal warm for longer on a chilly morning.

  • Opt for quick cook oats to save time and fuel.

  • Pre-mix oats with your favorite toppings at home for a quick and easy breakfast at the campsite.

3. Easy Campfire Chili

A hearty and warm chili is a camping classic that's easy to prepare.


Ingredients:


  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:


  1. In a pot, cook ground beef, onions, and garlic over a fire or camping stove until the meat is browned.

  2. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili powder. Stir well.

  3. Allow the chili to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors meld.

  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious chili to keep you warm.


Essential Tips:


  • Pre-chop and measure ingredients at home for easy cooking at the campsite.

  • Opt for canned ingredients to minimize prep and cleanup time.

  • Bring extra spices to adjust the heat level according to your taste.

4. Campfire Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

There's nothing quite like a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of tomato soup to warm you up during a cold winter campout.


Ingredients for Grilled Cheese:


  • Bread slices

  • Cheese slices

  • Butter


Ingredients for Tomato Soup:


  • 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato soup

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:


  1. Place a skillet on your camping stove over medium heat.

  2. Butter one side of each bread slice.

  3. Place cheese between two slices, buttered side out.

  4. Grill the sandwiches on the skillet until both sides are golden brown, and the cheese is melted.

  5. Warm the tomato soup over a low flame, stirring in milk, salt, and pepper.

  6. Serve the grilled cheese with a cup of warm tomato soup.


Essential Tips:


  • Experiment with different cheese varieties for your grilled cheese to find your favorite combination.

  • Opt for pre-packaged tomato soup for a quick and easy meal.

  • Consider using a cast-iron skillet for a crispy grilled cheese.

5. Maple-Glazed Sausage and Sweet Potato Foil Packets

For a flavorful and hassle-free camping meal, try these delicious maple-glazed sausage and sweet potato foil packets.


Ingredients:


  • 4 sausages (pre-cooked or smoked), sliced

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)


Instructions:


  1. Prepare a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil for each packet.

  2. Mix the sausages, sweet potatoes, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

  3. Divide the mixture evenly among the foil packets.

  4. Fold and seal the packets securely, ensuring no openings for the steam to escape.

  5. Place the foil packets on a preheated grill or on the grate over your winter camping stove.

  6. Cook for about 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until sweet potatoes are tender and sausages are glazed and heated.

  7. Carefully open the packets, sprinkle with fresh herbs (if using), and serve.


Essential Tips:


  • Pre-cut sweet potatoes and slice sausages before your trip to simplify campsite preparation.

  • For added durability, double-wrap the foil to prevent any leaks during cooking.

Portable Water Filters: Ensuring Safe Hydration in Winter Camping

Staying hydrated is crucial during winter camping, and having access to safe drinking water is paramount. Portable water filters are essential to ensure a clean and safe water source wherever your winter camping adventure takes you.


Why Use Portable Water Filters:


  • Safety: Filtering water helps remove harmful bacteria, protozoa, and other contaminants that could cause waterborne illnesses.

  • Convenience: Easily filter water from streams, rivers, or other natural sources to have a clean drinking supply without carrying excessive water weight.

  • Cost-Effective: Investing in a portable water filter eliminates the need to constantly buy bottled water, saving money and reducing plastic waste.


Gear Up, Cook Up, and Explore

In the magical winter wonderland of Canada, good food is essential for a memorable camping experience. These easy-to-prepare camping recipes are tailored for winter camping, ensuring you stay warm and well-fed during your adventure.


With the right winter camping equipment and a simple camping stove in your tent, you can create tasty, heartwarming meals that will energize you for all your winter explorations.


Always follow safety guidelines, check weather forecasts, and inform someone about your camping plans. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy your winter camping journey in Canada!