The best camping recipes for winter soups are those that keep you warm and full.
Soups are great for winter camping since they help keep you hydrated, replace electrolytes, keep you warm, and be a great source of calories. When you go in the cold, your body will burn more calories and thus you need to eat more compared to when it’s hot out.
This post is jam-packed with winter soup recipes that you can take camping. There are 10 recipes shown on this page and then another 16 from other sites. Below the recipes, there are tips and tricks to make your cooking experience better while on your adventure.
The soups below can all be made at home and then brought with you. Or you can make simple adjustments to be able to cook everything at the campsite over the campfire. Using a cast iron dutch oven would be my preferred method of cooking the soups over the fire.
Creamy Pumpkin Cauliflower Soup
This would be a great one to make at home before going camping. It will surely keep you warm while getting in veggies.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup roasted pumpkin
- 2 cup cauliflower pieces
- 4 pearl onions
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Sprinkles of Cinnamon, clove, and ginger (optional)
Instructions
- See recipe notes for the roasted pumpkin.
- Bring everything to a heavy boil.
- Simmer for 20min-1hr.
- Purée and serve.
Notes
To roast the pumpkin, cut it in half and place it on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil on top. Bake it at 300 until tender enough to scope out.
Recipe created by Dori.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 73Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 1002mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 4g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
Easy Camping Tomato Soup
This recipe is really easy to prepare over the fire since all you are doing is mixing two main ingredients. Make this as thick or as thin as you like.
Ingredients
- 3-4 Cups Water (to desired consistency)
- 6 oz Tomato Paste (1 can)
- Sprinkle in seasons of choice (roasted garlic, poco picante)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a pot to put on the fire.
- A dutch oven would work great.
- Heat in the pot on the fire.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 35Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 54mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
Kahlua Chili
This alcoholic chili will surely keep you warm at night while camping with some Kahlua in there.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb andouille sausage
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can (1 lb 12 oz) tomatoes, semi drained
- 1 can (1 lb 12 oz) red kidney beans, semi drained
- 1/2 cup green peppers, chopped
- 3/4 cup carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup Kahlua
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 3 T chili powder
- 1 T tomato paste
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp red cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried marjoram leaves, crushed
- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp Emeril's Seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- In at least a 4-quart pot heat the oil.
- Add onions and garlic. Saute until transparent.
- Add the various meats and brown.
- Add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil and reduce the heat.
- Simmer covered for 1 hour.
- Serve with cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 488Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 923mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 35g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Make this taco soup at home or at an electric campsite. If you need, this also freezes well.
Ingredients
- 1 small can black beans (27.5 oz), drained
- 1 small can corn (27.5 oz), drained
- 22 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 package taco mix (dry)
- 1 package Hidden Valley Orignal Ranch dressing mix (dry)
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken, cooked
- 1 small onion, chopped
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 625Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 1652mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 13gSugar: 12gProtein: 50g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
Beef and Barley Soup
This meal seems to have it all, meat, veggies, and whole grains. A great balance of healthy ingredients. It also will freeze well. Make it at home and reheat it in your cast iron pot over the fire.
Ingredients
- 1-2 beef soup bones
- 1 lb chuck roast (or soup meat)
- 1.5 cups onion, chopped
- 1.75 cup carrots, sliced
- 1.75 cups celery, sliced
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4 springs parsley
- 2 T salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 9 cups water
- 1-2 16 oz canned tomatoes
- 1 cup uncooked pearled barley
- 1 T chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Cut meat into 1" cubes.
- In a heavy 4-6 quart pot, put in the bones, meat, onions, 1 cup of carrots, 1 cup of celery, the bay leaves, parsley springs, salt, pepper, and water.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 2.5 hours.
- Remove the bones.
- Add remaining carrots, celery, tomatoes, and barley.
- Partly cook and cover for 45 minutes to an hour until vegetables and barley are tender.
- Just before serving stir in the chopped 3 tablespoons of parsley.
- Add in more water at the end if needed.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
11Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 1466mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 7gSugar: 7gProtein: 19g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
Veggie & Chicken Soup
This is a great campfire soup to enjoy with some added protein from the chicken. Make it at home or make it over the hot fire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 2 cups green beans,
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 2 cups turnips, chopped
- 1/2 cabbage, chopped
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cups zuchinni, chopped
- 1 small bag sugar snap peas, chopped
- 15 oz can stewed tomatoes
- 3 cups veggie or chicken broth
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley or 1 T dried
- 1 cup frozen edamame (optional)
- 3 chicken breast halves, boneless, chopped or 1 lb ground turkey
- Spice blend of your choice and or seasoning salt
Instructions
- Using a large soup pot, put the broth and tomatoes in first, then all the other ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for an hour or more.
Notes
This is great on its own but add some instant rice to bulk it up more, as you want more calories when camping in the cold. Feel free to use frozen vegetables. If you do use frozen, you can bring them along with camping with you and use them as ice packs before making this.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 371Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 466mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 10gSugar: 13gProtein: 37g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
Pizza Soup
This is one of my favorite soups to make when it's cold. Great if you need a low-carb option and you are craving pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 Jar 12 oz of Di Salvo’s Pizza Sauce
- 2 Jars of the pizza sauce of water & 1 Cup Water
- 3 oz Pepperoni diced to your liking
- 16 oz sausage
- 1 1/4 Cup 87 grams Sliced Mushrooms
- 1 Cup 120 grams diced Onion
- 1 T olive or avocado oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Pizza Spice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp basil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp pizza spice cook w/ meat
- 1/2 tsp pizza spice cook w/ onion
Instructions
- Cook the sausage with 1/2 tsp of the pizza spice.
- When the sausage is done, transfer to a large pot.
- Cook the chopped onions on the saucepan with another 1/2 tsp pizza seasoning, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and the oil.
- Transfer onions to the large pot after translucent.
- Pour in the pizza sauce along with the water.
- Add everything else in the pot and mix.
- Bring to boil and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
7Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 373Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 1023mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 17g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
Southwest Turkey Soup
When it gets cold out this will warm you right up. Prepare it over the fire or reheat it in a dutch oven and let it get a tiny bit burnt on the bottom to make it slightly smokey.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Serrano chili, minced
- 1 lbs turkey tenderloin, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 T tomato paste
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 15 oz can diced tomotoes, drained
- 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 11 oz can corn, drained
- 2 T fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a dutch oven over medium high heat.
- Add onions, bell pepper, garlic, and serrano chili and saute until tender.
- Add turkey to a sauce pan and saute until brown on all sides
- Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, pepper and salt. Then mix to coat.
- Add broth, bay leaves, tomatoes, beans, and corn. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in cilantro.
- Add chips on top of each bowl.
Notes
If you are making the soup ahead of time, wait to stir in the cilantro just before serving.
Feel free to use any meat in this recipe as well.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 359Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 1079mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 8gSugar: 7gProtein: 29g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
Keto Curry Chili
This easy chili recipe is easy to make at home and kept warm at the campsite. Keep it hot in a crockpot or warm it up in a pot like a dutch oven over the fire.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Ground Beef 80/20
- 1 T Avocado Oil
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce
- 70 grams Small Onion, diced
- 1.5 T Curry Powder
- 1.5 T + 1 t Chili Powder
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 8 oz mushrooms, diced
Instructions
- Cook beef in saucepan with oil.
- Combine cooked beef and everything else in in the crockpot.
- Simmer in slow cooker for a few hours or until it become the consistency that you want. The thicker it gets, the more intense the flavor will be.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 565Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 623mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 53g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
Browned Butter Egg Drop Soup
This may not be your typical camping soup recipe but it sure would be perfect if someone isn't feeling good. The brown butter really brings out a new flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 T browned butter
Instructions
- Add chicken stock and browned butter in pot and bring to a simmer.
- Scramble the egg in another bowl.
- With a fork start to make a whirlpool by swirling the fork in a circular motion in the pot.
- While you are swirling the fork still, slowly pour the scrambled egg into the pot.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
If you are not able to buy browned buttered ghee, you can also just make browned butter at home.
Recipe created by Dori.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 209Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 208mgSodium: 460mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 12g
Nutrition is calculated using a third-party plug-in. It's best to calculate yourself for the best results.
More Winter Soup Recipes for Camping
Below you will find campfire vegetable soups, vegan options, stews, and other soups with meat and veggies. Any would-be perfect around the fire.
One Pot Vegan Minestrone Soup
This cold-weather soup is easy to make on-site in a dutch oven over the fire if you didn't want to make it ahead of time.
Dutch Oven Vegetable Stew
This stew is loaded with vegetables and perfect for a vegan diet to keep you warm.
Instant Pot Quinoa Vegetable Soup
This only takes 30 minutes to cook at home and will be easy to take with you. Remember to take a fire-safe pot to warm it up for dinner.
Campfire Red Lentil Stew (Vegan)
If you love lentils and need an easy vegan stew to make onsite, this is for you.
Red Lentil and Dill Soup
This is another great option if you don't eat meat but need a hearty meal. You also won't need any broth, the other ingredients help bring out the flavor.
Easy Bean Soup
This bean soup provides a great Cajun flavor along with some other veggies. There are instructions for over the stove top or in a slow cooker.
Dutch Oven Beef Stew
This is cooked in red wine which is perfect to keep you warm through a cold winter night.
Dump and Start Instant Pot Irish Chicken Stew
If you are looking for a chicken stew this is a great one with lots of veggies and protein.
Campfire Stew - 4 Ways {Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Oven, Campfire}
You get to choose how to make this stew that's full of beans, beef and other veggies. You can make it at home or at your site the night you want it for dinner.
Winter Minestrone Soup
If you love minestrone soup but also want some added meat, this is a great meal to make.
One-Pot Lasagna Soup
Craving lasagna but not the extra work with layers? If yes, make this. It's as simple as tossing everything into the pot and letting it cook.
Instant Pot Alabama Camp Stew
If you can't decide between beef or chicken for your stew, give this meal a try. Along with the meat, there's also veggies and beans.
Easy Low Carb and Keto Chili without Beans
This is a perfect chili if you can't tolerate carbs well but want a hearty meal when the temperature drops at night.
One Pot Spicy Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup
Warm up at night with this meaty and veggie soup. It's easy to make as it only needs one pot, which makes it easy to cook over the fire.
Easy Cheeseburger Soup
Instead of making cheeseburgers over the fire, why not make it in soup form? This will defantily be a crowd pleaser.
Keto White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot
Prepare this ahead of time and just heat it up when it's time to eat. This meal is also gluten free.
Soups that Freeze Well
The soups that freeze well are those with beans/lentils, rice, meat, rice, or broth-based or puréed varieties and do not contain dairy or potatoes. You can still freeze dairy-based soups but add in the dairy after it’s thawed out.
Soups That Won’t Freeze Well
The kinds of soups that you can not freeze are dairy-based, such as those that use cream or milk. Often these are chowders or cream of chicken or mushroom. If you do freeze them, once thawed and warmed the base will separate and take on a gritty texture.
Tips to Make Cooking Soups Easy on Location
- Dice all of your vegetables ahead of time before you leave. This will help you save on time and unneeded dishes.
- In addition to pre-dicing the veggies, you could also pre-cook all of the meat. Using store-bought precooked meats is another great idea. Such meats would be tuna or chicken in a can.
- If you like rice or noodles in your soups, use instant rice and thinner noodles. This will help speed up the cooking process. For example, Ramen noodles cook pretty fast.
- To save on space use bouillon paste or cubes instead of bringing the broth. All you will have to do is add water then.
- Another thing that you can pre-measure are all the spices that are going to be needed. This way you can keep the larger spice bottles and measuring spoons at home.
- You could also use any non-dairy liquids as an ice pack. Fill the broth or other liquids in Tupperware, a ziplock bag, or a glass container and put it in your freezer. When you are ready to go, put it in your cooler as an ice pack. Over time, this will melt, to just leave it out to liquify it.
What are good meals to make while camping?
Other great foods to have when you are camping are hamburgers, hot dogs, pudgy pies, toast, and many others. Check out this post on 14 of the best kinds of foods to enjoy to get recipes and other ideas.
How do you make soup over a campfire?
- Get a fire started and then put a fire grate over it to put your pot or dutch oven on it. Use a pot that is made of aluminum or stainless steel if you don’t have a dutch oven.
- Heat a dutch oven over medium heat over the fire.
- Then you would start adding the ingredients according to the recipe you are following.
- Make sure to stir often to avoid the bottom from burning just in case it’s too hot and you can’t adjust the heat.
- Think of the fire like your stovetop. If you need to lower the heat, break up the fire some, or if you can raize your grate do that.
Sources
- www.allrecipes.com/article/make-and-freeze-soups/
- www.thekitchn.com/the-5-best-types-of-soups-to-freeze-tips-from-the-kitchn-214854
- https://www.barbeqa.com/blogs/post/5-easy-camping-soup-recipes-you-will-absolutely-love