How to Cook a Meatloaf Over a Campfire

Just about anything can be cooked over a campfire if you have the right equipment. The secret to cooking moist and juicy meatloaf outdoors is to use a cast iron Dutch oven. Also known as camp ovens, these heavy, lidded cooking vessels have a shape designed to be set directly into the hot coals of a fire for cooking food. The dense metal slowly transfers the heat of the fire and keeps the meatloaf from burning. Use your favorite meatloaf recipe when cooking over a campfire to bring the flavors of home to your campsite.

Things You'll Need

  • 35 charcoal briquettes
  • Prepared 2 to 3 lb. meatloaf
  • Cast iron, 12-inch, lidded Dutch oven
  • Tongs
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place 35 charcoal briquettes into the campfire to heat while you make the meatloaf.

    • 2

      Prepare the meat and shape it into two loaves.

    • 3

      Place the loaves in a 12-inch lidded Dutch oven; cover the oven with the lid.

    • 4

      Move 10 white-hot coals into a circle in the campfire. Separate 14 white-hot coals to put on the lid of the Dutch oven.

    • 5

      Set the covered Dutch oven on top of the 10 white-hot coals. Stack the 14 white-hot coals on top of the lid with tongs. The lip on the edge of the lid will prevent the coals from falling off.

    • 6

      Leave the meatloaf to cook for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the meatloaf is no longer pink inside. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound of meatloaf for larger or smaller recipes. Replace the coals on the lid with fresh hot coals from the fire as soon as the ones on top darken and cool.