5 Simple Boy Scout Cowboy Hamburger Recipes for Camping

Discovering the joys of campfire cooking can transform any camping trip into an unforgettable culinary adventure. Boy Scout troops often embrace this tradition, grilling up everything from hot dogs to the iconic cowboy hamburger. These hearty meals not only provide the fuel needed for outdoor exploration but also foster teamwork and skill-building among young Scouts. Here, we share five simple recipes for cowboy hamburgers that are perfect for your next Boy Scout camping trip.

The Classic Cowboy Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, onion

Preparation:

1. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions.
2. Shape each portion into a patty, ensuring they are slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage.
3. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
4. Place patties on a grill or over campfire coals, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness.
5. In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty to melt.
6. Serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and onion.

🔔 Note: When cooking over an open fire, ensure embers are glowing but not flaming for even cooking and minimal flare-ups.

The Cowboy Chili Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ lbs ground beef
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 4 slices of pepper jack cheese
• 4 hamburger buns

Preparation:

1. Mix the ground beef with the chili seasoning until well combined.
2. Form patties as described for the Classic Cowboy Burger.
3. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side.
4. While grilling, heat the beans and tomatoes in a small pot until warm.
5. Add cheese to patties to melt. Spoon the chili mixture over each burger, and serve on buns.

BBQ Bacon Cowboy Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder
• 8 strips of bacon
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• BBQ sauce
• 4 hamburger buns

Preparation:

1. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Shape into patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat.
3. While patties cook, crisp the bacon in a skillet over the campfire or grill.
4. Layer the cheese on the burgers, then place cooked bacon on top.
5. Brush buns with BBQ sauce and serve with additional sauce if desired.

Southwestern Avocado Smash Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 avocado, smashed
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
• Lime juice
• 4 hamburger buns

Preparation:

1. Form beef into patties and cook until done, about 4-5 minutes each side.
2. Mix avocado, onion, jalapeño, and a splash of lime juice for the topping.
3. Spread avocado mixture on buns, place patties on top, and serve.

Cheese Stuffed Cowboy Burger

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced pickles or jalapeños
• Salt and pepper
• 4 hamburger buns

Preparation:

1. Divide the beef into 8 thin patties.
2. Place cheese and pickles or jalapeños in the center of four patties.
3. Top each with the remaining patties, sealing the edges to encase the filling.
4. Grill or cook over coals, being careful not to press down on the burgers to keep the cheese from leaking out.
5. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

In summary, these cowboy hamburger recipes offer a delightful range of flavors, suitable for all skill levels among young Scouts. They emphasize the importance of teamwork in camping trips and provide a fun, interactive way to learn cooking over open fire. By following these recipes, not only will the Scouts enjoy delicious meals, but they'll also gain valuable outdoor cooking experience, enhancing their camping skills and memories for years to come.

Can these recipes be adapted for vegetarian diets?

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Yes, you can substitute meat with a variety of vegetarian patties like black bean or lentil burgers. The same seasonings can be applied, and all the toppings and fillings can be kept as they are.

What is the best way to manage food safety when camping?

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Use insulated coolers with ice packs to keep meat cold, cook foods thoroughly, and avoid cross-contamination with utensils. Also, clean up promptly and store leftovers safely if applicable.

How do you properly store ingredients for cooking on a camping trip?

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Organize ingredients in sealed bags or containers. Keep perishable items in a cooler with ice or ice packs, separate raw meats from other foods, and pack durable, non-perishable items like seasonings and condiments separately for easy access.