Camping is a fun and adventurous way to spend time in nature, and having the right meals can enhance the experience significantly. One pot camping meals are an ideal choice for campers seeking tasty, convenient options that require minimal cleanup.
These meals consolidate all ingredients into a single pot, streamlining the cooking and cleaning process and making it easier to enjoy delicious, satisfying dishes during your outdoor adventure.
Keep reading for 12 new one pot camping meal ideas to try on your next camping trip!
Essential One Pot Camping Meals
When it comes to camping, practicality and efficiency are crucial. One pot camping meals are perfect for campers looking to satisfy their hunger while saving time on cooking and cleaning. In this section, we will explore three delicious one pot camping recipes that can be cooked over a campfire or in a Dutch oven.
1. Campfire Stew
A piping hot bowl of campfire stew is a comforting and filling option for any mealtime while camping. This hearty dish can be prepared and cooked using a single pot over a campfire.
Simply combine your favorite protein, such as diced beef or chicken, along with vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes. Add broth and your preferred seasonings, then bring to a boil before reducing the heat and allowing the stew to simmer until the ingredients are cooked through.
A Campfire stew is a customizable and adaptable dish, making it perfect for satisfying your entire camping group’s tastes.
2. One Pot Chili Mac
For a spicy twist on a classic camping favorite, opt for the One Pot Chili Mac. This dish combines the best of chili and macaroni and cheese into a satisfying meal that will keep you energized for your outdoor adventures.
Start by cooking ground beef or turkey, onions, and garlic in your pot on medium heat. Add canned tomatoes, beans, chili seasoning, and water, then allow the mixture to simmer. Once the flavors have melded together, cook your preferred pasta directly in the chili mixture. Finally, stir in shredded cheese until melted for a delicious and easy one pot meal perfect for camping.
3. Dutch Oven Blueberry Cobbler
Don’t forget about dessert when thinking about your one pot camping meals. A Dutch oven is an incredibly versatile piece of camping cookware that allows for easy preparation of a tasty Blueberry Cobbler.
Start by combining blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch in the Dutch oven. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk to create your cobbler topping. Pour this mixture onto the blueberries, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Place the lid on the Dutch oven and place it over hot coals.
Cook for approximately 30 minutes or until the topping is cooked through and golden brown. This delicious dessert is bound to impress fellow campers and satisfy those sweet cravings.
Easy Breakfast Options
4. Breakfast Skillet
A breakfast skillet is a simple and delicious one-pot camping meal. It starts with a classic combination of ham and eggs and then jazzes things up by adding potatoes, cheese, and green onions.
This hearty meal can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, ensuring you have a satisfying breakfast to fuel your day. The use of fresh ingredients makes the dish even more enjoyable, creating a memorable camping experience.
5. Mountain Man Breakfast
The Mountain Man Breakfast is another fantastic one-pot option for campers. It usually includes ingredients such as eggs, sausage, and potatoes, all cooked together in one pan.
This warm, hearty, and filling meal is perfect for starting a cold day outdoors. One may choose to involve their favorite fresh vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, to add a touch of personalization. The versatility and simplicity of a Mountain Man Breakfast make it an excellent choice for campsite cooking.
6. Oatmeal
For a quick, healthy, and easily customizable breakfast, oatmeal is an outdoor enthusiast’s favorite. It can be prepared in a single pot and tailored to individual taste preferences.
There are several ways to spice up your oatmeal, such as adding nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or even a drizzle of honey. Moreover, oatmeal is a nutritious option high in fiber and minerals, making it an ideal meal for sustaining energy levels while camping.
Versatile One Pot Entrees
7. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern and North African dish consisting of poached eggs in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.
To make Shakshuka, simply sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a skillet, then add tomatoes, spices, and eggs. Cook until the eggs are just set, and serve this satisfying dish with a crusty bread or pita on the side. For added flavor, you may sprinkle some feta cheese and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top.
8. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food dish with Russian origins, traditionally made with tender strips of beef, mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce.
This versatile one-pot meal can be easily adapted for camping by using a simple combination of ingredients, like canned cream of mushroom soup, dried egg noodles, and pre-cooked, packaged beef.
Start by browning the beef in a skillet with onions, and then add the mushrooms, soup, and other seasonings to make a rich, flavorful sauce. Stir in the noodles and cook until tender, resulting in a satisfying, warm, and filling entree.
9. Lentil Sloppy Joes
For a hearty plant-based option, Lentil Sloppy Joes provide a delicious and nutritious alternative to the classic beef version. Lentils are a great protein source, helping to keep you energized during your outdoor adventures.
To prepare this dish, begin by cooking lentils in a pot with water or broth until tender. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers, and then add the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, and spices. Simmer the mixture until thick and saucy, and serve with hamburger buns or bread.
Campfire Favorites
10. Campfire Nachos
Campfire nachos are a popular one pot camping meal, perfect for sharing around the fire. Simply layer tortilla chips, cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings in a cast iron skillet, then cover with foil and cook over the campfire until the cheese melts. Customize your nachos with additions like spinach or grilled chicken to make them even more satisfying.
11. American Goulash
Warm up on a cool night with a comforting pot of American goulash. This simple and hearty dish combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce, all cooked in a single pot over the campfire. For a delicious twist, you can also try adding chili mac or chilaquiles to the mix.
12. Dutch Oven French Toast
For a sweet and satisfying breakfast, prepare Dutch oven French toast. Pre-make a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, then pour it over thick slices of bread arranged in your Dutch oven. Cook the dish over the campfire until the bread is slightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Tips & Tricks for One Pot Camping Meals
Make Sure You Have the Right Equipment
The best cookware for making one-pot meals while camping is lightweight, durable, and versatile. Cast iron skillets or Dutch ovens are popular choices due to their even heat distribution and ability to be used over an open flame or on a portable camp stove. Alternatively, camping-specific cookware sets made of stainless steel or aluminum are also excellent options.
Meals with Unique Flavors
One pot camping meals don’t have to be boring. Add variety to your campsite menu by exploring dishes with unique flavors like sweet potato peanut stew or cheesy asparagus one pot orzo. Also, be sure to bring a variety of condiments and spices to add a little extra pizazz to your one pot meals.
Camping by the Sea
Camping near the sea grants access to fresh seafood, perfect for creating one pot meals. Grilled fish flavored with simple spices and herbs can become the star of your campsite dish. Be sure to check out your local seafood market for proteins that will make your seaside one pot dishes a hit!
Planning for Stress-Free Campsite Meals
Reduce stress and make campsite cooking easier by planning in advance. Pre-chop ingredients, pre-mix sauces or marinades, or even partially cook some items at home. Enjoy fewer dishes and more relaxation by sticking to one pot meals during your trip.
You’re Ready to Make a Delicious One Pot Meal
The variety of versatile, flavor-packed, and hearty one pot camping meals available cater to various dietary preferences and budgets. From savory breakfast options like shakshuka to comforting dinners such as beef and vegetable stew, these simple, satisfying dishes are perfect for fueling up and making the most of your outdoor experience.
So grab your Dutch oven and your favorite protein and vegetables and get started making your own delicious one pot camping meal!
For more recipes and meal ideas for your next outdoor adventure, check out our camping food page!
- About the Author
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Hey there, I’m Ryan, the face behind Beyond The Tent.
With decades of camping experiences, my journey into the wilderness began on the rustic trails of a farm in southern Minnesota, where my childhood was filled with explorations and camping by a picturesque river.
My family’s adventures across the United States, from the majestic Colorado mountains to the serene national parks and the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern Minnesota have given me a broad perspective. With each journey, whether in state parks or private encampments, and through the homely comfort of our camping trailers, we’ve amassed a trove of stories, experiences, and invaluable camping wisdom.