Every summer millions of people flock to campgrounds for what they consider a relaxing vacation of “roughing it.” I am not one of those people. I would, in fact, rather have a double root canal sans Novocain. I recognize, however, that the Quick Cooking site is “not all about me,” so I’ve talked to family and friends to get ideas for good, easy recipes that can be successfully prepared in a camping environment without the need for electricity, time-saving appliances, or fancy gadgets. Dutch ovens, cast iron cookware, long roasting sticks and foil packets are well-suited for camp cooking. The easiest of course, is just threading food on a stick and holding it over the campfire. Foil dinners are probably the second easiest, and can be nestled in a hot part of the campfire away from the flames to cook by themselves. Campfire Barbecue Beans and Burgers are a great change from the usual foil dinners, and they are quick and easy. In fact, the patties can be formed ahead, and the bean mixture can be mixed and refrigerated before making the packets.

If you don’t have a good campfire handy, these foil packets can be cooked on a gas grill; heat the grill on high and turn off one side. Pile the packets on the side without the heat, shut the lid, and let cook about 30 minutes. You can even bake these packets in a 350° oven. Make sure you serve the beans and burgers with crispy garlic bread or hamburger buns brushed with garlic butter and grilled or broiled until crisp.

6 Servings

Barbecue Beans:
1 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 16 oz. can pork and beans , fat removed and about half of the sauce drained
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
2 to 3 large fresh jalapeno peppers, seeds removed and chopped or 1/2 green bell pepper chopped
4 medium Roma tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, your favorite - homemade or store bought
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 1/2 pounds ground beef, formed into 6 patties
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 pieces heavy duty aluminum foil, (about 18" x 12" each)

6 hamburger buns
6 tablespoons soft butter
Garlic bread sprinkle, your favorite brand

1. Mix all of the bean ingredients together; you'll have approximately 6 cups.
2. Sprinkle the patties with salt and pepper.
3. Place about 1 cup of the bean mixture in the center of each piece of foil.
4. Top with a hamburger patty.
Bring the sides together and fold down; bring up the other sides and seal.
5. Place the packets seam side up near the coals (but not directly on them) in the campfire.
6. Let cook 20-30 minutes.
7. Just before serving, spread the hamburger buns with a tablespoon of butter each; sprinkle with the garlic bread sprinkle.
8. Grill or hold over the file until crisp and serve with the beans and burgers.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 687 Calories from Fat 281
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 41% Protein 23% Carb. 36%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 31 g
Saturated Fat 14 g
Cholesterol 134 mg
Sodium 1192 mg
Total Carbohydrate 62 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 40 g

Vitamin A 61% Vitamin C 111% Calcium 0% Iron 40%