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Grandpa Nielson’s Camping Beans

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Four ingredient meal that is easy, hearty and delicious!

Hunting has been a tradition in our family for decades.

Ok, well, as long as I can remember.

It’s “the guys” weekend.

I can just picture it. All the guys sitting and standing around a blazing fire, drinks in one hand, the other hand in their pocket, laughing, bonding, and having a blast.

When the weekend is over they come home a little smelly from no shower but, totally rejuvenized and ready for a new week. Some stories are shared, but we all know what happens at deer camp,

…. stays at deer camp!

Cooking the beans

This recipe has been in our family for as long as I can remember. It is “Grandpa Nielson’s Special” It can be cooked in a dutch oven, paella pan, any pan or pot at home for that matter!

It might not look super tasty, but I promise, not only is it EASY…it is filling and super yummy!

During one of our summer camping trips, we packed all the ingredients for this yumminess, but we forgot one important thing… the propane for the camp chef!

For a second we were stressing a little bit, but then we were like, duh!?!? We had a fire to cook with!

It was my first time doing this over a campfire, but, I could totally imagine Grandpa doing it this way,

the ingredients

  • Potatoes
  • Onion
  • Van Camp Pork and Beans (They have to be Van Camp)
  • 1 lb. Hamburger
  • Oil

You start with oil, enough to cover the pan. Diced up your potatoes. The smaller and thinner they are the faster they will cook.

Cook them until slightly softened and then…

Move the potatoes to one side and add the burger.

Then one diced onion to the top of the burger.

Mix the onion and burger together.

When the meat is browned then mix it all together.

When the potatoes are done are slightly crispy, and meat is cooked through, add in your Van Camp Beans.

Mix it all together.

Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Continuing to stir it. ( I rotated the pan 4 times so it cooked evenly.) Look at that bubbly goodness!

When it is thickened, it’s done!

I didn’t get a picture of it served on our cute enamel camp plates. UGH!

But let me tell you…it was so good!

Grandpa Nielson’s Camping Beans

Kirsten Giles
A family favorite recipe. Four ingredients. Browned hamburger, onion, potatoes, and onions, Easy and beyond delish!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 10 yellow potatoes diced
  • 1 lb. hamburger browned
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 cans VAN CAMP pork and beans juice and all
  • canola oil

Instructions
 

  • 1. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
    2. Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces.
    3. Fry potatoes until slightly tender.
    4. Add hamburger to half of the pan.
    5. Add diced onion and brown hamburger
    6. Mix Burger and onion mixture to the potatoes, cook until potatoes are slightly crisp, or to your liking.
    7. Add the Van Camp beans.
    8. Mix until thickened.
    9. ENJOY!!!