February 17, 2025
Skip to content Camping is all about escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and there’s no better way to unwind than with a delicious meal cooked under the stars. But let’s face it – the last thing you want while camping is to spend hours cooking and cleaning up. That’s where one-pot meals come in! These simple and tasty recipes are perfect for reducing your stress and allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors while still savoring hearty, flavorful meals.
Here are 10 easy one-pot camping meals that will make your camping experience more enjoyable with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Ingredients: Ground beef (or turkey), kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and a dash of hot sauce.
Instructions:
Start by browning the ground meat in your campfire pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and spices, and cook until fragrant. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, and a little water or broth, then simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For an extra kick, add hot sauce or jalapeños. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for the perfect hearty meal.
Why it’s perfect for camping: This dish is warming, filling, and can easily be scaled up for large groups. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pot!
Ingredients: Chicken breasts or thighs, rice, chicken broth, onions, garlic, bell peppers, peas, and seasonings.
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the chicken in a bit of oil. Remove it from the pot and set aside. Add the onions, garlic, and peppers, cooking until softened. Stir in the rice, broth, and seasonings. Nestle the chicken back into the pot and cover it. Let it simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (about 25-30 minutes).
Why it’s perfect for camping: It’s a simple, one-pan meal that combines protein, carbs, and vegetables for a balanced dish. It’s easy to make and will fill you up after a long day of hiking.
Ingredients: Stew beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
Instructions:
Brown the stew beef in a pot over your campfire. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Toss in the carrots, potatoes, and herbs, and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1-2 hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why it’s perfect for camping: This meal is comforting and perfect for cooler weather. It can be made ahead and reheated on the fire for an even easier meal.
Ingredients: Pasta, olive oil, garlic, mixed vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes), Parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté the garlic in olive oil, then add your choice of fresh or frozen vegetables. Stir-fry for a few minutes before adding the pasta and enough water to cook the pasta. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the pasta is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.
Why it’s perfect for camping: Pasta primavera is light, fresh, and quick to make, making it an excellent option for a satisfying meal when you’re short on time.
Ingredients: Eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and spices.
Instructions:
In a cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon or sausage until crispy, then remove and set aside. Add the potatoes, onions, and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until the potatoes are soft and browned. Crack the eggs on top and cover the skillet. Cook until the eggs are set to your liking. Top with cheese, crumbled bacon, or sausage, and serve.
Why it’s perfect for camping: It’s a complete breakfast in one pan! This dish is filling, easy to make, and will fuel you for a day of adventure.
Ingredients: Lentils, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spinach.
Instructions:
Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in your pot until soft. Add lentils, celery, and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are tender. Add the tomatoes and spinach towards the end, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Why it’s perfect for camping: This hearty stew is packed with protein and fiber, and it’s vegan-friendly, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthy camping meal.
Ingredients: Chicken breasts, bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning, tortillas, and toppings (like sour cream and salsa).
Instructions:
Cut the chicken into strips and sauté in a large pot with onions, peppers, and fajita seasoning. Once the chicken is cooked, serve the mixture with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Why it’s perfect for camping: This meal is quick, flavorful, and customizable to your tastes. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and can be eaten straight from the pot.
Ingredients: Chicken, chorizo sausage, rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, peas, chicken broth, and saffron.
Instructions:
In a large Dutch oven, cook the chicken and chorizo until browned. Add onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes, sautéing until softened. Stir in the rice and saffron, then add the chicken broth. Simmer until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded together. Garnish with peas and fresh herbs before serving.
Why it’s perfect for camping: Paella is a fun and flavorful one-pot dish that brings a taste of Spain to your campsite. It’s great for larger groups and will impress your fellow campers.
Ingredients: Pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, onions, garlic, spices, and buns.
Instructions:
In a pot or Dutch oven, sear the pork shoulder on all sides. Add the onions, garlic, spices, and enough barbecue sauce to cover the meat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, until the pork is fall-apart tender. Shred the pork and serve on buns with extra BBQ sauce.
Why it’s perfect for camping: Pulled pork is ideal for large groups and can be made ahead and reheated. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to really develop, giving you a deliciously tender meal.
Ingredients: Chicken, beef, or tofu, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice or noodles.
Instructions:
Stir-fry your protein choice in a pot or skillet, then add the vegetables and stir-fry until they’re cooked but still crisp. Stir in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and your choice of rice or noodles, then cook until the grains are tender. Top with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime.
Why it’s perfect for camping: This meal is quick to prepare, versatile, and can be customized based on what ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
One-pot meals are a lifesaver when camping—allowing you to minimize your cooking time, reduce cleanup, and maximize your time enjoying nature. From hearty stews to fresh stir-fries, these 10 easy one-pot camping meals are perfect for any adventure, whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd.
With just a single pot, a few ingredients, and your trusty campfire, you can prepare a variety of delicious and satisfying meals that will keep everyone fueled and happy throughout your trip. So next time you’re planning a camping adventure, be sure to pack these recipes for a stress-free outdoor feast!
