Dutch Oven Sloppy Joes
There’s something about a hearty, messy, flavor-packed sloppy joe that just screams camping food! Whether you’re feeding a hungry group of campers after a long day of hiking or just enjoying a weekend outdoors, these Dutch Oven Sloppy Joes are a must-try.
This easy recipe is packed with sweet and tangy flavors, and the best part? You can prep most of it at home, making campsite cooking a breeze.
Whether you’re cooking over a campfire or a portable stove, this recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a warm, hearty meal in the wilderness.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Dutch oven sloppy joe recipe is the ultimate camping comfort food! Not only is it easy to make with minimal ingredients, but it also brings big flavor with very little effort. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is a hit with both kids and adults.
Camping Dutch Oven Sloppy Joes
Plus, since you can prep the beef at home, this becomes a quick, fuss-free meal that lets you spend more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Pro tip: cook the beef at home and add it and the remaining sauce ingredients to a large freezer bag for easy storing. Then when ready to prepare, just dump everything into the dutch oven. This helps to eliminate packing different ingredients and measuring them when all you want to do is quickly feed the hungry crew of kids!
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef – I like to cook this at home and pack for camping to make meal prep easier.
- Ketchup – Brings the perfect balance of sweetness and tang to the sloppy joes.
- Brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to complement the savory flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce – Gives the sauce a deep, rich umami flavor.
- Mustard – Adds a little zing and enhances the overall taste.
- Pinch onion powder, garlic powder, salt – The perfect blend of seasoning for extra flavor.
- Hamburger buns – Soft buns are ideal for holding all that delicious sloppy joe filling.
Instructions
1. Cook beef (if needed) in the Dutch oven until no longer pink. Drain grease if needed.
2. Add remaining sauce ingredients to the pot and stir.
3. Bring to a boil over a grate on the fire or a camping stovetop.
4. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve on buns and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Prep ahead for easy cooking – Cooking and freezing the ground beef at home means all you have to do is heat it up at camp, saving time and effort.
- Use a cast iron Dutch oven – Cast iron holds heat well and gives the sloppy joes an even, slow simmer, making the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Make it spicier – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like your sloppy joes with a kick.
- Toast the buns – Lightly toasting the hamburger buns over the fire adds an extra layer of flavor and prevents them from getting too soggy.
- Double the batch – This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger group or to have leftovers for another meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work well in this recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have a cooler or fridge, store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in the Dutch oven the next day.
Can I cook this over an open fire?
Yes! Just place the Dutch oven over a grate and adjust the fire to keep a steady simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
These Dutch oven sloppy joes are a camping favorite for good reason—simple ingredients, easy cooking, and delicious results every time. Whether you’re gathered around the fire or cooking on a camp stove, this meal will bring smiles all around. Enjoy your next outdoor adventure with this classic comfort food!
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Dutch Oven Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp mustard
- Pinch onion powder garlic powder, salt
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Cook beef (if needed) in the Dutch oven until no longer pink. Drain grease if needed.
- Add remaining ingredients to the pot and stir.
- Bring to a boil over a grate on the fire or a camping stovetop.
- Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve on buns and enjoy!
Notes
- Prep ahead for easy cooking – Cooking and freezing the ground beef at home means all you have to do is heat it up at camp, saving time and effort.
- Use a cast iron Dutch oven – Cast iron holds heat well and gives the sloppy joes an even, slow simmer, making the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Make it spicier – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like your sloppy joes with a kick.
- Toast the buns – Lightly toasting the hamburger buns over the fire adds an extra layer of flavor and prevents them from getting too soggy.
- Double the batch – This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger group or to have leftovers for another meal.