Campfire Casserole Meal

When I was growing up I had many opportunities to go backpacking, hiking, and camping. We often brought our own food along, and while I didn't much enjoy hiking, I always enjoyed the campfire meals at the end of a long day.

One of the meals I remember most vividly is the casserole or stew that we would make. It wasn't anything fancy or difficult, but it was one of the best meals I've ever eaten, and I always looked forward to it on our trips.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can do whatever you want with it, and increase or decrease it according to the number of people you're feeding.

Following is the recipe I would use for 4 people.

2 lb beef, cut into small cubes
4 potatoes, cubed (no need to peel them)
2 sweet potatoes, cubed
6 carrots, sliced
1 large onion, diced
salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste.

You might also choose to add other root vegetables, or toss in some green beans or peas. Other options for flavoring might include Worchestershire sauce, and herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil. Add what tastes good to you, in quantities you'd use for a casserole cooked at home.

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.

Spread out four large squares of aluminum foil. If you're using thinner foil, you may want to double up the squares. Spread vegetable oil thinly over the foil squares. Distribute the casserole mix evenly into the squares. Drizzle with a little more oil and a few tablespoons of water or broth.

Fold the two sides up to the top so their edges meet, and fold them over twice. Fold the two remaining ends up and over and seal. You can do this differently, find a way that works for you. The object is simply to end up with a well sealed foil packet.

If you're making these ahead of time, store in a refrigerator or appropriate cooler.

When you're ready to cook, carefully clear an area of hot coals to set each packet into. Cover the packets completely with hot coals. Cook for around 40 minutes. Smaller meals will need less time, larger ones will need more time. When done, carefully remove packets from coals. Open them with great care as the steam from inside can burn you.

You can enjoy these hot out of the fire, straight from their foil packets. No plates necessary!