21 One Pot Camping Meals That Are Easy To Cook And Taste Great

One-pot camping meals are one of the RVing hacks every traveler needs in their back pocket. They are easy to prepare, making them perfect for campers limited by time, space, and budget. If you’re searching for mouth-watering recipes that require just a single pot to prepare, you’re in luck.

This post will discuss 21 of our all-time favorite clever one-pot camping recipes that are healthy, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. We’ve been making these delights for years and have wowed our family and friends with our culinary arts.

In addition to meal planning for your next road trip, be sure to have an RVers packing checklist in order to avoid rookie RVing mistakes.

What’s a One Pot Camping Meal?

It’s a dish whose ingredients are combined and cooked in a single vessel. The cookware can be a stock pot, skillet, pan, wok, Dutch oven, or skottle. Most one-pot recipes provide a nutritious balance of protein, vegetables, and starch, all rolled into one happy dish. These meals are popular in a camping setup because they require less time to prepare, fewer cooking equipment, and cleanup is a breeze.

Benefits of One Pot Meals for RV Campers

If you’re wondering what are the advantages of one pot camping meals, here are a few conveniences:

Save Time and Energy 

After a long road trip or tough hike, you’ll probably be too exhausted to prepare three different dishes—starch, protein, and vegetables. A one pot meal requires minimal hands-on work to prepare, saving you time and energy.

Everything is Ready at Once

When cooking in one vessel, you don’t have to worry about the other dishes getting cold while your main dish slowly simmers. This is super convenient if you don’t have an oven or enough burners to reheat the side dishes. 

Less Time to Clean Up 

Another of the biggest benefits of one-pot camping meals is that you won’t have a pile of pots and pans to scrub at the end of the meal. Just clean the single pot and chopping board and get outside to enjoy other camping activities.

Spur Creativity 

One skillet camping dishes can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Many times, they push you to be creative based on the ingredients you have. This option also encourages you to adopt new ingredients, customize recipes, and find ways to make everything blend together to achieve the best flavor.

Great for Picky Eaters 

One pot meals create an opportunity to sneak a healthy but less favorable vegetable into the pot. And the picky tummies in your group might not notice it when you serve.

Perfect for Batch Cooking 

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a small family, or a big crew, you can easily scale one-pot meals. You only need a bigger pot and then multiply the ingredients. Don’t want to cook every day? Make enough for several meals and freeze a portion for a later date. 

Conserve Water and Fuel When Camping Off-Grid 

When boondocking, one-pot meals can help you conserve water. That’s because you’ll have fewer messy dishes to clean. You’ll also save propane since you don’t have to cook multiple dishes and reheat them often. Plus, you can cook over the campfire and conserve fuel.

Save Space and Weight 

If your teardrop or pop-up has limited storage space or very low cargo-carrying capacity, one-pot dishes will come in handy. You don’t need to bring multiple pots, pans, and kitchen supplies. Just pack a single pot, and you’ll have healthy, finger-licking meals.  

There are Plenty of One-Pot Food Ideas That Need No Refrigeration 

Considering one pot camping meals no fridge? There are an infinite number of camping food ingredients that don’t require refrigeration or a cooler. They include canned meats, grains and soups, eggs, cheese, evaporated milk, breads, vegetables, and fruit. Of course, you’ll want to know the shelf life, keep them in the shade, and use them up soon after opening.

21 Greatest One-Pot Camping Recipes of All-Time

Whether you want a hearty breakfast to fuel your day or your taste buds are craving a savory dinner to help you recharge, here are the top one pot RV cooking recipes.

One Pot Camping Meals for Breakfast

Looking for delicious and nutritious morning recipes to fuel your adventures? These 5 one pot camping breakfasts are perfect for jumpstarting your day. 

Blueberry Banana Pancakes

Add a twist to your regular pancakes by adding some ripe bananas and bright, juicy blueberries. Spice them lightly with cinnamon and nutmeg. To make the edges extra crispy, preheat the skillet, use coconut oil, and cook on medium-low heat. To make your work easier, mix all the dry ingredients together in a resealable container before the trip. 

Chickpea Hash

This protein-packed breakfast is absolutely delicious and has the staying power active campers need. Stir-fry diced red onions, peppers, and summer squash. Add the canned chickpeas and allow them to brown. Next, carve out several wells in the hash where you’ll add some oil and crack eggs. Let the eggs cook for a few extra minutes if you prefer hard-set eggs. 

Mountain Breakfast Skillet

The perfect early meal before a tough outdoor adventure, the mountain breakfast is full of lean protein to fill you up. The main ingredients are sausages, hash brown potatoes, and scrambled eggs. To get the flavors and aromas flowing, whip it up with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and Cheddar cheese. Top it with sliced scallions, coriander, hot sauce, and more cheese. Definitely, it’s among the best one pot camping meals that we’ve ever had for breakfast.

Corned Beef Hash and Eggs  

Simmering with spicy flavor, this easy campfire breakfast is a great choice for any outdoor enthusiast. Fry some onions in butter until they wilt, then add chopped-up corned beef into your cast iron. Allow it to brown before dumping some boiled potatoes and carrots. When it’s almost done, scramble in however many eggs seem appropriate for your group.

Breakfast Scrambler

While scrambled eggs alone are enough to fuel your morning, elevate their taste and nutrition by throwing in veggies and meat. Saute onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms in hot oil or butter. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan, season, then scramble everything together. Finally, throw in bacon bits, stir, and top off with a sprinkle of cheese. 

Best One Pot Camping Meals for Lunch 

The following one pot camping lunch ideas will help you spend less time cooking and more time having fun outside. And all the ingredients cook together in the same pan.

One Pan Protein Pasta

One pan pasta comes together so quickly with minimal ingredients, making it one of the best cheap one pot camping meals for lunch. Add high-protein pasta, tomato sauce, sliced onion, minced garlic, fresh basil, oil, salt, pepper, and water in a high-sided skillet. Increase the heat and stir as it boils until the pasta is cooked and water has nearly evaporated. You can even mix in some kale and sausage to beef it up.

Chili Mac

Cheesy, filling, and spicy, chili mac is an easy one pot camping meal your crew will love. In a Dutch oven, heat the oil, add onions, and saute until translucent. Now throw in the ground beef, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Use your spatula to break up the meat as you stir, then add garlic when everything browns up. Add the macaroni, kidney beans, and water, then mix and cover. Whisk in some cheese and let it simmer before serving. 

Cast Iron Frittata 

This versatile camping lunch is bursting with summer flavors. Put simply, it’s an egg-bake mixed with veggies, herbs, and cheese. Start by whisking eggs, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Saute your veggies in a hot pan until they wilt. Pour the egg mix on the spread vegetables and gently distribute it among the veggies. Sprinkle your frittata with melty cheese, then cover with a lid or aluminum foil and let it bake for 15 minutes. 

Campfire Nachos

Campfire Nachos is one of the best one pot camping meals vegetarians will love. It’s easy to make, customizable, and flavorful. Start by sauting canned corn on a cast iron until it’s crisp and tender. Transfer it to one side of the pan. Spread the tortilla chips, then top with diced green chilies, bell pepper, corn, beans, and cheese. Next, cover loosely until the cheese is melted. When you remove it from the heat, make it extra hearty by adding sliced avocado. You can also top it with salsa, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, and lettuce.

Tuna Mac

Warm and appetizing, tuna macaroni is a yummy standby for even the pickiest eaters. To make this easy one-pot camping recipe, add water to a cast iron and toss in your favorite mac n cheese. Stir as it boils till it’s tender, then drain and rinse it. Now, add the cheese sauce mixture from the packet, margarine, and milk, then stir until everything is coated evenly. Drain a can of tuna, mix it in, and season to taste. Also, you can throw in mushrooms, peas, or vegetables.

Malaysian Shrimp Fried Rice

Malaysian Shrimp Fried Rice is certainly among the best RV one pot food ideas for lunch. It’s delicious and only takes 20 minutes to prepare. Use a mortar or blender to grind a mix of green onion, garlic, chilies, lemongrass, and ginger. In a large pan or wok, saute the ground chili paste, then stir in cabbage until it wilts. Add the pre-shelled shrimp and continue to stir, then set the shrimp mixture aside. Pour more oil to the pan, scramble some eggs, and add some pre-cooked rice. Next, throw in the shrimp and stir fry. Finally, pour in a sauce mixture and continue to saute.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Another of the simple camping meals for lunch is chicken tortilla soup. This party-pleaser is perfect for a slow mid-day when you’re just relaxing at the campsite. Even the pickiest tummies will love it. Start by pan-frying onions and garlic, then adding chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, bone broth, shredded chicken, beans, sweet corn, tortilla strips, and chunky veggies. Garnish it with sliced fresh avocado, cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and green onion. If you’re in a hurry to go outside, save time by using canned corn and beans and leftover chicken.

Best One Pot Camping Meals for Dinner

Whether you want an easy-to-make evening meal or you prefer to slowly cook your dinner as you enjoy the sunset, here are some drool-worthy one pot camping dinner recipes.

Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup 

Made with tender chicken breast or thighs, egg noodles, and an abundance of veggies, chicken noodle soup will warm up your family on a cold evening. In a large skillet, saute garlic, chopped sage, and rosemary until fragrant. Next, throw in onion, celery, carrot, pepper, seasoning, and your favorite condiments. Deglaze with white wine, place the chicken breasts on top of the veggies and pour chicken stock over them. Once the chicken is tender (45 minutes), shred it and place it back in. Lastly, add the egg noodles, bring to a boil, and cover for 5 minutes.

Dutch Oven Roast Chicken

For a one-pot camping recipe that delivers an authentic campfire gourmet experience, try the whole roasted chicken. Start by drying your fryer chicken with paper towels, then sprinkle the bird generously with seasoning and your favorite spices. Drizzle olive oil on top and inside. Sear the chicken in bubbling butter for 5 minutes. Next, set the browned bird aside and add potatoes and veggies like green beans, Brussels sprouts, and carrots. Place the chicken over the veggies. Arrange coals on the cast iron lid and let the bird bake until its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Dutch Oven Pizza

Don’t want to skip pizza when you are in the wild? This is another of the best one pot Dutch oven camping meals that the whole family will enjoy. It takes less than an hour from fire to table. Bring refrigerated pizza dough in your RV. Roll out the dough and press it into the bottom of the Dutch oven. Smear it with tomato sauce, then cover with pizza cheese. Finally, add your favorite toppings, place the lid, and let it bake over a low fire. Remove after 30-40 minutes when the crust is crispy and the cheese melty.

American Goulash

This classic goodness consists of ground beef and macaroni noodles in a tomato-based sauce. It’s one of the easy camping dinners perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget. Stir fry the beef, onion, and garlic in a large pot until it browns. Add bell pepper, diced celery, and chili flakes, then stir in your zesty tomato sauce. Cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Add the pasta and cover till it’s tender. 

Campfire Stew

Campfire Stew is among the simple camping meals you can make as you kick back in the evening. It’s hearty, flavorful, and meaty. Start by stir-frying onions, carrots, and celery until they soften. Next, add peppers, garlic, tomato puree, paprika, and condiments. Season and mix in the Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and bay leaves. Put your gammon in the pan, cover, and let it simmer slowly for up to 3 hours till it gets to fall-apart tenderness. Add baked beans, let them heat for 10 minutes, then shred the ham and serve.

Cowboy Stew 

Cowboy Stew recipe merges heavy proteins and veggies in a one-pot wonder. In a large pot, cook bacon until brown and crispy, then transfer it to a plate. Add sausage to the pot drippings and let it brown before placing it with the bacon. Now brown the ground beef with garlic and condiments. Lastly, add diced tomatoes, green chilies, sweet corn, baked beans, plus the bacon and sausage, then let it simmer for an hour. Certainly, it’s amongst the best one pot dinner meals for RV camping. 

Pork Chops With Vinegar Peppers And Potatoes

This classic Italian comfort food is a favorite for many campers. On a wide cast iron with hot oil, saute onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Now, carefully place sliced potatoes in a single layer with the cut side down. When tender, transfer the potatoes to a plate. Place the dry and seasoned pork chops in the pan, increase the heat, and add more oil. Sear the chops until golden brown, then set them aside with the potatoes. Now cook your favorite veggies until soft and fragrant, stir in vinegar brine, and put the chops and potatoes back into the pan for 2 minutes.

One Pot Camping Desserts

If you’re looking for creative yet simple snacks to enjoy at the campsite, try out the following one pot camping snacks.

Campfire S’mores Nachos

How many of you go camping just for the S’mores? Toothsome, crunchy, and gooey, Campfire S’mores Nachos is one of the best camping desserts. All you need is graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars or chips. Break the crackers into smaller pieces, then layer them on a heavy skillet. Sprinkle marshmallows on top, scatter chocolate chips, cover the pan, then place it on a grill over your campfire. Remove after 10 minutes when the chocolate is melted.

Apple Crisp

After a trip to the apple orchard or farmers’ market, why not make this tasty campground snack? Toss some thin slices of apple in a hot cast iron and let them soften and start to release juices. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, then mix with a shot of bourbon. Once things start to thicken, remove from the fire and top it with crunchy crumble or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can substitute apple for blueberry, blackberry, cherry, peach or any other fruit for that matter, for the apple.

Cook Faster and Eat Healthier With One Pot Camping Recipes

No need to spend hours preparing multi-course meals the next time you go on an RV trip. These one pot camping meals recipes are quick, fuss-free, and will have everyone in your family begging for a second serving. They don’t sacrifice flavor, even those requiring only a handful of inexpensive ingredients. Adopt them so you can have more time to focus on other fun outdoor activities.