Cozy Campfire Hot Dog Stew Recipe: A Hearty Outdoor Feast

Steaming and hearty, this campfire hot dog stew recipe brings rustic comfort to outdoor cooking adventures.

Campers and weekend warriors adore the simple yet satisfying blend of classic ingredients.

Chunks of savory hot dogs mingle with tender vegetables in a rich, warming broth.

The one-pot meal combines convenience with robust flavor that fills hungry bellies after a long day of hiking.

Packed with protein and easy to prepare over an open flame, this stew becomes an instant campsite favorite.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of smoky and hearty flavors that spark joy around the flickering campfire.

Grab your cast-iron pot and prepare for a delicious wilderness dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Save and Warm Up Leftover Stew

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the stew stays fresh and flavorful.
• Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour stew into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Stir occasionally and heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Easy Pairings for This Rustic Campfire Meal

• Campfire Comfort Companions: Perfect Pairings
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Grab a thick slice of crusty sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, savory stew broth. The bread's crispy edges and soft center will complement the hot dog stew's robust flavors.
• Zesty Beer Buddy: Crack open a cold amber ale or medium-bodied lager that matches the stew's rustic campfire essence. The beer's malty undertones will cut through the stew's richness and enhance its smoky hot dog profile.
• Fresh Crunch Partner: Whip up a quick side salad with crisp mixed greens, tangy vinaigrette, and crunchy cucumber slices. This light, refreshing accompaniment will balance the stew's hearty warmth and add a bright, clean contrast to the dense meal.
• Cozy Dessert Finale: End your meal with a simple apple crisp or warm berry cobbler. The sweet, slightly tart dessert will provide a delightful counterpoint to the savory stew and complete your campfire-inspired dining experience.

Creative Ways to Tweak Your Stew Game

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. Use gluten-free hot dogs and verify all broth ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Campfire Stew: Swap hot dogs with plant-based sausages or firm tofu cubes. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add extra protein-rich beans like kidney or cannellini.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium hot dogs and broth. Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of salt. Reduce overall sodium content while maintaining robust taste.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace pasta and potatoes with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Choose high-fat hot dogs or sausages with minimal carbohydrates. Add extra butter or olive oil for increased fat content.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of hot dogs in this stew?

Yes, you can use any variety of hot dogs like beef, turkey, or even vegetarian hot dogs. Just make sure they’re sliced into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

• Do I need a Dutch oven specifically for this recipe?

While a Dutch oven works best, you can use any large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. The key is having a pot that distributes heat evenly and can handle stovetop and simmering.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The stew is packed with vegetables, protein, and familiar ingredients that kids typically enjoy. The mild seasonings make it appealing to younger palates, and it’s easy to eat.

• Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew reheats well. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a little broth if it seems too thick.

Why Campfire Stew With Hot Dogs Feels Like Nostalgia

• A hearty one-pot meal that brings warmth and nostalgia, perfect for outdoor adventures or cozy nights at home.
• Super simple recipe requiring minimal prep and basic ingredients, ideal for novice cooks or busy families seeking a delicious meal.
• Packed with familiar ingredients like hot dogs and pasta that children love, making mealtime fun and stress-free for parents.
• Easily adaptable recipe that works for camping trips, weeknight dinners, or potluck gatherings, offering flexibility for various dining scenarios.

What Goes Into This Hearty Outdoor Stew

• Hot Dogs: Classic campfire protein with a smoky flavor profile.
• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat component for extra depth.

• Onions, Carrots, Potatoes: Fresh vegetables that provide texture and nutritional balance.
• Corn: Sweet kernel addition for extra vegetable variety.

• Beef Broth: Savory liquid base that adds rich flavor to the stew.
• Diced Tomatoes: Tangy ingredient that creates a robust sauce.
• Bay Leaves: Aromatic herb that enhances overall stew complexity.

• Pasta: Starch element that makes the stew more substantial.
• Butter, Oil: Cooking fats that help develop flavors and prevent sticking.
• Cheese: Optional creamy topping that adds richness to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning agents that enhance the overall taste profile.

How to Make Campfire Hot Dog Stew Step by Step

Step 1: Sizzle Hot Dogs

Heat your Dutch oven over medium flame.

Add butter and oil, then toss in sliced hot dogs.

Cook until edges turn golden brown, releasing their smoky goodness.

Once perfectly seared, transfer hot dogs to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Medley

• Chopped onions
• Sliced carrots
• Diced potatoes

Stir and cook for 7-8 minutes until vegetables start to soften and develop slight caramelization.

If mixture begins sticking, splash some broth or drizzle additional oil.

Step 3: Combine Delicious Ingredients

Return seared hot dogs to the pot.

• Pasta
• Diced tomatoes
• Corn kernels
• Beef broth
• Bay leaves
• Preferred seasonings

Stir everything thoroughly and bring mixture to a gentle bubbling state.

Step 4: Slow Cooking Magic

Cover pot partially with lid.

Allow stew to simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Occasionally stir to prevent pasta from clinging to bottom.

Check that potatoes and pasta reach perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Flavor Refinement

Sample the stew and adjust seasonings as needed.

Remember the contents will be piping hot.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top or stir directly into stew for extra creamy texture.

Serve immediately and enjoy your campfire culinary creation.

Pro Tips for Cooking Over a Fire or Grill

• Brown hot dogs thoroughly to unlock their smoky essence and create a deeper taste profile for the stew.
• Use a wooden spoon to stir vegetables frequently and add extra broth or oil if the pot becomes dry during cooking.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to ensure pasta cooks evenly and doesn't clump or stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella to personalize the stew's final taste and texture.
• Clean-up is a breeze since everything cooks in a single Dutch oven, making this recipe ideal for camping or quick weeknight meals.

Campfire Hot Dog Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty campfire hot dog stew brings wilderness comfort to hungry campers with its simple, rustic charm. Campers savor rich flavors blending smoky hot dogs, tender vegetables, and robust broth that warms souls around flickering flames.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 package of hot dogs, sliced (about 12 ounces / 340 grams)
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) of beef broth

Vegetables and Pasta:

• 1 small or 1/2 large onion, diced
• 2 large cloves of garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 extra large or 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) short pasta like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) of fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels
• 1 (14.5-ounce / 411 grams) can of diced tomatoes

Fats, Seasonings, and Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cooking oil (avocado oil)
• 12 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 8 ounces (226 grams) of shredded cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by searing sliced hot dogs in a Dutch oven with butter and oil over medium heat until golden brown, developing a rich smoky essence. Transfer browned hot dogs to a separate plate.
2. Utilize the same pot to sauté chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes in remaining fat, stirring periodically for 7-8 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add small amounts of broth if mixture starts to stick.
3. Reintroduce seared hot dogs to the vegetable mixture, then incorporate pasta, diced tomatoes, corn, beef broth, bay leaves, and selected seasonings. Thoroughly blend ingredients and initiate a gentle boiling process.
4. Reduce heat and simmer the stew with lid slightly ajar for 20-25 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from clumping. Confirm potato and pasta tenderness as primary doneness indicator.
5. Evaluate flavor profile and modulate seasonings as needed, maintaining caution due to high temperature of the stew.
6. Enhance serving presentation by either melting cheese directly into the stew for creamy consistency or garnishing individual portions with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Notes

• Swap hot dogs with any sausage, ground beef, or plant-based protein for diverse flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Use seasonal or frozen vegetables to adapt the stew based on availability and personal preference.
• Add extra broth if the stew becomes too thick during cooking, maintaining a soupy consistency.
• Enhance the flavor with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like thyme for a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg