Garbage Can Dinner
Garbage Can Dinner is a hearty outdoor feast featuring a variety of meats and vegetables cooked together in a makeshift outdoor oven. Its smoky flavors and communal style make it perfect for backyard gatherings, camping trips, or rustic celebrations with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dig a hole in the ground and place two concrete blocks on each side.
- Set the garbage can over the hole with a wood fire burning underneath.
- Put the top on the can and cook for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a successful Garbage Can Dinner, ensure your concrete blocks are sturdy to hold the can securely. You can substitute the smoked sausage with kielbasa for a different flavor. If you prefer less cooking time, consider using pre-cooked ham or smaller potatoes. Make sure the fire is consistent but not overwhelming, as it can cause uneven cooking. Check the doneness of the vegetables before the time is up.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Garbage Can Dinner family-style right from the can for a fun and interactive meal. Pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread to balance the hearty flavors. This dish goes well with sides like Better Baked Beans or a light coleslaw to add a refreshing crunch. Don’t forget to have your favorite dipping sauces on hand for the corn!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the food in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave; cover the dish with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garbage Can Dinner contains roughly 1451 calories, with 18g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (262% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (205% of the Daily Value), and potassium (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 578mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook this recipe indoors?
This recipe is traditionally cooked outdoors due to the nature of the setup. However, you could replicate a similar dish using a large pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop. Just adjust the cooking times and ensure you have enough liquid to steam the ingredients effectively.
What if I don’t have a garbage can?
If a garbage can isn’t available, you can use a large stockpot with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the pot is heavy-duty to withstand the heat. This alternative method will allow you to achieve similar results without the need for digging a hole.
What variations can I make to the ingredients?
You can customize this dish by adding different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. For a spicier kick, consider including hot sausage or jalapeños. This flexibility allows you to cater to your taste preferences and seasonal produce availability.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).