Hey, campers! If you’re looking to boost your camping cooking fun, you’re in for a treat. Join me, Paula, in the beautiful wilderness of Island Park, celebrating Father’s Day on a three-acre property. Today, I’ve taken charge of dinner, and we’re diving into the world of Dutch oven cooking with a twist – Lasagna!
Highlights:
- Experience the joy of cooking a mouthwatering lasagna in a Camp Chef Dutch oven, adding a rustic twist to your camping menu.
- Blend wild-caught elk and store-bought Italian sausage for a unique, meaty flavor that pays homage to the camping surroundings.
- Embrace creativity with layers of oven-ready noodles, a rich ricotta-sour cream blend, meat sauce, and a generous sprinkling of mozzarella for a cheesy delight.
- Perfect the art of Dutch oven cooking over hot coals, transforming ordinary ingredients into a delectable feast with the essence of the outdoors.
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Dutch Oven Lasagna Camping
For a delightful camping experience, layer brown elk burger and Italian sausage in a Camp Chef Dutch oven with oven-ready lasagna noodles, ricotta-sour cream mix, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Cook over hot coals for 45-50 minutes, let it rest, then savor a wilderness-worthy lasagna feast!
Dutch Oven Lasagna Camping Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound elk burger
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large can of Prego sauce
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- Mozzarella cheese
Equipment
- Camp Chef Dutch Oven
- Cooking utensils (spoon, fork, knife, or piece of wood)
- Briquettes for outdoor cooking
- Mixing bowl for cheese mixture
- Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
Instructions
I'm excited to share this recipe with you, so let's dive in!
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Brown the elk burger and Italian sausage in your Camp Chef Dutch oven.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until aromatic.
- Pour in the can of Prego sauce and mix it all together. Let it simmer while preparing the other components.
Step 2: Cheese Mixture
- Combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, basil, and oregano in a separate bowl. Mix well to create a flavorful white layer for the lasagna.
Step 3: Layering
- Place a thin Prego sauce layer at the Dutch oven's bottom.
- Add the oven-ready lasagna noodles. Break them as needed to cover the bottom.
- Apply a layer of the ricotta-sour cream mixture over the noodles.
- Follow it up with a generous layer of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
Step 4: Repeat
- Continue layering, starting again with the noodles, until you fill the Dutch oven or run out of ingredients.
Step 5: Cooking
- Set up your briquettes, ensuring they are hot and ready.
- Place the Dutch oven over the hot coals and cook for about 45-50 minutes, or until the lasagna is perfectly
cooked.
Step 6: Let it Rest
- Once cooked, let the Dutch oven lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for the lasagna?
Feel free to experiment with your favorite meats. We used an elk burger and Italian sausage, but you can try ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives for a unique twist.
What if I don’t have a Camp Chef Dutch oven?
No worries! While Casey used a Camp Chef Dutch oven, you can adapt this recipe for other types of Dutch ovens or even regular campfire cooking. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
Substitute the elk burger and sausage with plant-based alternatives. For a hearty vegetarian version, you can also load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Can I customize the cheese mixture?
Yes, make it your own! Adjust the ratio of ricotta to sour cream or experiment with different herbs. The beauty of camping cooking is the freedom to tailor recipes to your taste.
How do I control the cooking temperature with briquettes?
Having the briquettes hot, you can control the temperature by adjusting their placement. More briquettes on top increase heat, while placing more underneath increases the heat from below. Experiment to find the right balance for your Dutch oven.
Can I make this in a regular oven at home?
If you’re not camping, you can cook the same recipe in a conventional oven at home. Adjust the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and watch it until it’s cooked to your liking.
Conclusion
Cooking in a Dutch oven brings a whole new dimension to camping meals. The melding of flavors, the rustic charm, and the satisfaction of crafting a delicious meal in the great outdoors make it worthwhile. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this recipe your own.
It might take a bit of trial and error, but that’s what makes camping cuisine an adventure! Try it out, share your experience, and let the Dutch oven lasagna become a highlight of your camping escapades. Happy camping and happy cooking!
Hello! I’m Paula Deen, a mother who loves to create memories in the kitchen. As a kitchen enthusiast, I love to do experiment with different kitchenware for daily recipes. This is my blog, where I’ll share my experience, knowledge, and reviews on various kitchenware and appliances.