These recipes are designed for a BBQ, camp hotplate or portable gas cooker, with minimal preparation and washing up. Costs are approximate and assume basic pantry items such as oil, salt, pepper and sauces are already on hand.

Feeds: 4–6
Approx. cost: $12–$15
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 8–10 beef or pork sausages
• 6 bread rolls
• 2 onions, sliced
• Tomato sauce
• Optional mustard

Method

1. Heat the BBQ or hotplate to medium.
2. Cook sausages, turning regularly.
3. Add sliced onion to the hotplate and cook until soft and browned.
4. Warm the rolls briefly on the BBQ.
5. Add a sausage and onion to each roll.
6. Finish with tomato sauce or mustard.

Best drink: Cold lager
Non-alcoholic: Cola or lemonade

Feeds: 4–6
Approx. cost: $12–$16
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 30–40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.2–1.5kg chicken drumsticks
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 4 corn cobs
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Season chicken and coat lightly with BBQ sauce.
2. Cook over medium-low heat, turning frequently.
3. Brush with additional sauce during the final 10 minutes.
4. Cook corn beside the chicken until lightly charred.
5. Ensure chicken is cooked completely through before serving.

Best drink: Pale ale
Non-alcoholic: Lemon iced tea

Feeds: 4–6
Approx. cost: $16–$20
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 500g beef mince
• 6 burger buns
• 6 cheese slices
• 1 onion
• Tomato sauce or burger sauce

Method

1. Divide mince into six loose balls.
2. Place on a very hot BBQ plate.
3. Smash each ball flat with a spatula.
4. Season and cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Flip and place cheese on top.
6. Toast buns and add sliced or fried onion.
7. Assemble.

Best drink: Lager
Non-alcoholic: Cola

Feeds: 4
Approx. cost: $16–$20
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes

Ingredients

• 600g chicken thigh or breast
• 8 wraps
• 1 capsicum
• 1 large onion
• Taco seasoning
• Salsa

Method

1. Slice chicken, capsicum and onion.
2. Toss chicken with taco seasoning.
3. Cook chicken on hotplate.
4. Add vegetables and cook until softened.
5. Warm wraps.
6. Spoon mixture into wraps and add salsa.

Best drink: Mexican-style lager
Non-alcoholic: Lime soda

Feeds: 4–6
Approx. cost: $14–$18
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 eggs
• 250g bacon
• 6 rolls
• BBQ or tomato sauce

Method

1. Fry bacon until browned.
2. Crack eggs onto the hotplate.
3. Toast rolls lightly.
4. Add bacon and egg to each roll.
5. Finish with sauce.

Best drink: Fresh coffee
Alternative: Orange juice

Feeds: 4–6
Approx. cost: $10–$15
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35–50 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes
• 1 tin baked beans
• 150g grated cheese
• Sour cream, optional

Method

1. Wrap potatoes individually in foil.
2. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally.
3. Heat baked beans separately.
4. Cut cooked potatoes open.
5. Fill with beans and cheese.
6. Allow cheese to melt before serving.

Best drink: Amber ale
Non-alcoholic: Ginger beer

Feeds: 4
Approx. cost: $12–$16
Prep: 8 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 tortillas
• 1 tin kidney or black beans
• 200g grated cheese
• Salsa

Method

1. Drain beans.
2. Place beans and cheese over half of each tortilla.
3. Fold tortillas in half.
4. Cook on BBQ plate until crisp.
5. Flip carefully.
6. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.

Best drink: Light lager
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lime

Feeds: 4–5
Approx. cost: $11–$15
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 sausages
• 1kg potatoes
• 1 onion
• Oil
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Dice potatoes into small pieces.
2. Slice sausages and onion.
3. Cook potatoes first with a little oil.
4. Add sausage and onion.
5. Cook until everything is browned and potatoes are tender.

Best drink: Australian pale ale
Non-alcoholic: Ginger beer

Feeds: 4
Approx. cost: $11–$15
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 slices bread or 4 large rolls
• Sliced ham
• 1 tin pineapple
• Cheese
• Butter

Method

1. Butter the outside of the bread.
2. Add ham, pineapple and cheese.
3. Cook sandwiches on medium heat.
4. Flip when golden.
5. Cook until cheese has melted.

Best drink: Apple cider
Non-alcoholic: Pineapple juice

Feeds: 4–6
Approx. cost: $16–$20
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 500g beef mince
• 6 rolls
• 1 jar or tin tomato pasta sauce
• Grated cheese

Method

1. Roll mince into small balls.
2. Cook meatballs on BBQ plate.
3. Pour sauce over cooked meatballs.
4. Warm rolls.
5. Fill with meatballs and sauce.
6. Sprinkle with cheese.

Best drink: Lager
Non-alcoholic: Cola

Feeds: 4
Approx. cost: $16–$20
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 500g beef mince
• 8 tortillas
• Taco seasoning
• Lettuce
• Salsa

Method

1. Brown mince on hotplate.
2. Add taco seasoning and a small splash of water.
3. Warm tortillas.
4. Fill with mince.
5. Add lettuce and salsa.

Best drink: Mexican lager
Non-alcoholic: Lime lemonade

Feeds: 4
Approx. cost: $15–$19
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 650g chicken
• 1 tin pineapple pieces
• 1 capsicum
• 1 onion
• BBQ sauce

Method

1. Cut chicken and vegetables into chunks.
2. Thread chicken, pineapple, onion and capsicum onto skewers.
3. Brush with BBQ sauce.
4. Cook over medium heat.
5. Turn frequently until chicken is completely cooked.

Best drink: Cider
Non-alcoholic: Pineapple soda

Feeds: 4–6
Approx. cost: $13–$17
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 sausages
• 8 hot dog rolls
• 1 tin baked beans
• 1 onion
• Tomato sauce

Method

1. BBQ sausages.
2. Cook sliced onion.
3. Heat baked beans.
4. Put sausages into rolls.
5. Top with onion and a spoonful of beans.
6. Add sauce.

Best drink: Lager
Non-alcoholic: Cola

Feeds: 4–5
Approx. cost: $10–$15
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• About 4 cups cooked rice
• 6 eggs
• 500g frozen mixed vegetables
• Soy sauce
• Oil

Method

1. Heat oil on hotplate.
2. Cook vegetables.
3. Add rice.
4. Move rice aside and scramble eggs.
5. Mix everything together.
6. Add soy sauce to taste.

Best drink: Light lager
Non-alcoholic: Iced tea

Feeds: 4
Approx. cost: $14–$18
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 tortillas
• Pizza sauce
• 200g grated cheese
• Sliced ham or salami
• Optional pineapple

Method

1. Place tortillas on a lightly heated BBQ plate.
2. Spread with pizza sauce.
3. Add cheese and toppings.
4. Close BBQ lid if available.
5. Cook until base is crisp and cheese melts.

Best drink: Pale ale
Non-alcoholic: Lemonade

Feeds: 4
Approx. cost: $13–$18
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 large flat mushrooms
• 4 burger buns
• 4 cheese slices
• 1 onion
• BBQ sauce

Method

1. Cook mushrooms on BBQ.
2. Grill sliced onion.
3. Place cheese onto mushrooms during final minute.
4. Toast buns.
5. Assemble with onion and BBQ sauce.

Best drink: Brown or dark ale
Non-alcoholic: Ginger beer

Feeds: 4
Approx. cost: $13–$17
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large bag corn chips
• 1 tin beans
• 1 tin corn
• 200g cheese
• Salsa

Method

1. Make four large foil parcels.
2. Place corn chips inside.
3. Add beans, corn and cheese.
4. Fold foil loosely.
5. Heat on BBQ until cheese melts.
6. Open carefully and add salsa.

Best drink: Lager
Non-alcoholic: Lime soda

Feeds: 4–6
Approx. cost: $16–$20
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 600g chicken thighs
• 6 burger buns
• 1 bag prepared coleslaw
• BBQ sauce

Method

1. Flatten chicken slightly for even cooking.
2. BBQ until browned and completely cooked.
3. Brush with BBQ sauce.
4. Toast buns.
5. Add chicken and a generous serving of coleslaw.

Best drink: Pale ale
Non-alcoholic: Lemon iced tea

Feeds: 4
Approx. cost: $13–$17
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 sausages
• 2 capsicums
• 2 onions
• BBQ sauce

Method

1. Cut sausages into chunks.
2. Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
3. Thread onto skewers.
4. BBQ while turning regularly.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce during final few minutes.

Best drink: Cider
Non-alcoholic: Apple soda

Feeds: 4–6
Approx. cost: $13–$17
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tins tuna
• 1 tin corn
• 6 rolls
• 150–200g grated cheese
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Method

1. Drain tuna and corn.
2. Mix with mayonnaise.
3. Split rolls and fill with tuna mixture.
4. Add cheese.
5. Wrap loosely in foil.
6. Heat on BBQ until cheese melts.

Best drink: Crisp lager
Non-alcoholic: Lemon sparkling water

Keeping these inexpensive basics packed means you can make most of the recipes above without buying additional ingredients every trip:

• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper
• BBQ sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Mustard
• Soy sauce
• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Aluminium foil
• Wooden or metal skewers

Best overall: Sausage & Onion Rolls
Best value: Loaded BBQ Potatoes
Best chicken meal: Sticky BBQ Drumsticks
Best vegetarian option: Bean & Cheese Quesadillas
Least washing-up: Corn & Bean Nacho Foil Packs

Camping food-safety note: Keep meat, chicken and other perishable foods properly chilled. Keep raw meat utensils separate from cooked food, and cook chicken completely through before serving.

These recipes are designed for camping, caravanning or outdoor entertaining. They use relatively simple ingredients, minimal cookware and a BBQ, hotplate or portable grill.

Prices are approximate Australian supermarket food costs and will vary by location, season and specials.

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $48
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10–15 minutes

• 4 sirloin steaks
• 500g baby potatoes
• 1 bunch broccolini
• 60g butter
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

1. Mix butter, garlic and parsley together.
2. Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.
3. BBQ potatoes until tender, turning regularly. For faster cooking, parboil them before leaving home.
4. Grill broccolini with a little olive oil.
5. Cook steaks over high heat for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
6. Rest steaks for 5 minutes.
7. Place a spoonful of garlic herb butter over each steak before serving.

Best drink: Cabernet Sauvignon
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lime

Camping tip: Make the herb butter at home and keep it chilled in a small sealed container.

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $42
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 8–10 minutes

• 800g raw peeled prawns
• 2 lemons
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 4–6 skewers
• Green salad or crusty bread

1. Combine prawns with garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt and pepper.
2. Thread prawns onto skewers.
3. Cut lemons in half.
4. Grill prawns over medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes each side.
5. Place lemon halves cut-side down on the BBQ until caramelised.
6. Squeeze grilled lemon over prawns.
7. Finish with chopped parsley.

Best drink: Sauvignon Blanc
Non-alcoholic: Lemon spritz

Camping tip: Transport the prawns already marinated and skewered in a sealed container over ice.

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $28
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes

• 1kg boneless chicken thighs
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 4 corn cobs
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper

1. Mix BBQ sauce, honey and soy sauce.
2. Coat chicken thighs with half the sauce.
3. BBQ chicken over medium heat, turning regularly.
4. Brush with additional sauce during cooking.
5. Grill corn beside the chicken until lightly charred.
6. Rub hot corn with butter and season.
7. Serve chicken with remaining sauce.

Best drink: Pale Ale
Non-alcoholic: Iced tea

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $38
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes

• 700g lamb mince
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 4 flatbreads
• 200g Greek yoghurt
• 1 cucumber
• Mint
• Salt and pepper

1. Combine lamb, onion, garlic and spices.
2. Divide mixture into eight portions.
3. Shape around skewers.
4. BBQ over medium-high heat for approximately 8–10 minutes, turning regularly.
5. Mix yoghurt with chopped cucumber and mint.
6. Warm flatbreads on the BBQ.
7. Serve koftas in flatbread with yoghurt sauce.

Best drink: Shiraz Rosé
Non-alcoholic: Mint lemonade

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $35
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

• 600g beef mince
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 cheese slices
• 2 onions
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Burger sauce
• Salt and pepper

1. Slice onions.
2. Cook onions slowly with butter until softened.
3. Add brown sugar and cook until caramelised.
4. Divide mince into four patties.
5. Season generously.
6. BBQ burgers for around 4 minutes each side.
7. Add cheese during the final minute.
8. Toast buns.
9. Assemble with lettuce, tomato, burger sauce and caramelised onion.

Best drink: Craft lager
Non-alcoholic: Cola

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $32
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes

• 800g chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
• 2 capsicums
• 1 zucchini
• 1 red onion
• Salt and pepper

1. Combine olive oil, lemon, garlic, paprika and chilli.
2. Coat chicken in marinade.
3. Slice vegetables into large pieces.
4. BBQ chicken over medium heat until completely cooked.
5. Grill vegetables until softened and lightly charred.
6. Season and serve together.

Best drink: Chardonnay
Non-alcoholic: Citrus soda

For extra heat: Add additional chilli flakes or peri-peri sauce.

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $49
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10–12 minutes

• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 spring onions
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cucumber

1. Combine soy sauce, honey, citrus juice and crushed garlic.
2. Brush over salmon.
3. Place salmon skin-side down on lightly oiled BBQ plate.
4. Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes.
5. Turn carefully and cook another 3–4 minutes.
6. Brush with additional marinade.
7. Serve with rice, sliced cucumber and spring onions.

Best drink: Pinot Gris
Non-alcoholic: Sparkling apple juice

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $45
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45–60 minutes

• 1.5kg pork ribs
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 300g prepared coleslaw
• 4 corn cobs or bread rolls

1. Combine brown sugar, paprika and garlic powder.
2. Rub over ribs.
3. Wrap ribs tightly in foil.
4. Cook on a covered BBQ over medium-low heat for approximately 40 minutes.
5. Remove foil.
6. Brush generously with BBQ sauce.
7. Grill for another 10–15 minutes until sticky and caramelised.
8. Serve with coleslaw.

Best drink: IPA
Non-alcoholic: Ginger beer

Camping tip: Slow-cook the ribs at home first, refrigerate them, then finish them over the campsite BBQ. This dramatically reduces cooking time.

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $34
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes

• 700g chicken thigh
• 1 tablespoon Moroccan seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 capsicum
• 1 red onion
• 1½ cups couscous
• 1½ cups boiling water
• Handful of parsley
• 1 lemon

1. Cut chicken into chunks.
2. Toss with Moroccan seasoning and olive oil.
3. Cut capsicum and onion into similar-sized pieces.
4. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
5. BBQ for approximately 10–12 minutes, turning regularly.
6. Put couscous into a bowl.
7. Pour over boiling water, cover and leave for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff with a fork.
9. Stir through parsley and lemon juice.
10. Serve skewers over couscous.

Best drink: Riesling
Non-alcoholic: Orange sparkling water

Serves: 4
Approx. cost: $30
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

• 400g halloumi
• 2 capsicums
• 2 zucchini
• 1 red onion
• 250g cherry tomatoes
• 4 flatbreads
• Olive oil
• 1 lemon
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

1. Cut halloumi into thick slices.
2. Cut vegetables into large BBQ-friendly pieces.
3. Toss vegetables with olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper.
4. Grill vegetables until tender and charred.
5. BBQ halloumi for 1–2 minutes each side.
6. Warm flatbreads.
7. Arrange everything on a large sharing platter.
8. Finish with fresh lemon juice.

Best drink: Rosé
Non-alcoholic: Pink lemonade

A small pantry box makes these meals considerably easier. Pack olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Moroccan seasoning, soy sauce, honey, BBQ sauce, mustard, dried oregano, chilli flakes and aluminium foil.

Best steak dinner: Herb Butter Sirloin
Best seafood: Garlic Prawn Skewers
Best value: Sticky BBQ Chicken Thighs
Best impressive meal for little work: Lamb Kofta
Best family meal: Gourmet Beef Burgers
Best around the campfire: Smoky Pork Ribs
Best vegetarian meal: Halloumi & Roast Vegetable Platter

Good protein + charred vegetables + simple sauce + one quality drink pairing = a restaurant-style dinner without restaurant complexity.