At Hank’s Ranch, we don’t just live the Wild West—we cook it. Whether you’re glamping on the fenlands of Norfolk or camping in your own backyard, these easy campfire recipes will transport you straight to the heart of ranch country. All you need is a fire, a cast iron skillet, and a hunger for bold, rustic flavour.
Here are five cowboy-approved recipes perfect for your next outdoor adventure.
1. Cowboy Coffee Pot Chili
Nothing warms the soul after a long day on the ranch like a big pot of chilli. This one’s rich, smoky, and hearty—just like we serve it at Hank’s Ranch.
Ingredients:
• Ground beef
• Onion & garlic
• Tinned tomatoes & kidney beans
• Smoked paprika & chili powder
Instructions: Brown the beef and onions in a pot, toss in the rest, and let it simmer over hot coals. For extra flavour, try adding a splash of cowboy coffee—brewed the old-fashioned way.
2. Campfire Cornbread Skillet
This ranch-style cornbread is easy to whip up and tastes incredible beside chili or just on its own.
Tips for success:
• Use a preheated cast iron pan
• Add jalapeños or cheddar for a kick
• Cook over steady coals, not direct flame
Learn more about essential cast iron cookware for ranch-style cooking.
3. Tin Foil Cowboy Packets
A ranch favourite when we’ve got a hungry crew and a roaring fire. Customise with what you’ve got on hand.
Ingredients:
• Potatoes, bell peppers, onions
• Steak strips or sausage
• Olive oil & ranch seasoning
Wrap it up tight in foil, toss it in the fire, and enjoy with a bottle of hot sauce.
4. Stick-Fire Sourdough Bannock
A true frontier classic. Bannock is easy to make and even easier to love.
Instructions:
Mix flour, salt, and water into a dough, wrap around a stick, and roast it like a marshmallow until golden and cooked through. Add sugar and cinnamon for a sweet treat.
5. Campfire Peach Whiskey Crumble
Because even cowboys have a sweet tooth. This warm, boozy dessert is the perfect way to end a long day.
Ingredients:
• Sliced peaches or take a look around https://hanksranch.co.uk/ Hank’s Ranch orchard and pick your self some apples or plums or quince!
• Brown sugar & cinnamon
• A splash of Hank’s Honey Whiskey
• Crumble topping (oats, flour, butter, sugar)
Cook in a covered skillet until bubbling. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or a dollop of cream if you’re feelin’ fancy.
Wrapping Up by the Fire
These campfire recipes are just a small taste of life at Hank’s Ranch—where we keep the flames hot and the stories even hotter. Whether you’re joining us for a weekend escape or takin’ the ranch life home with you, we hope these dishes bring a little Wild West magic to your next meal.
Planning your next outdoor getaway? Check out our Ranch Stays and see what it’s like to live like a real cowboy or cowgirl.