35 Easy and Delicious One-Pot Meals to Cook While Camping
Cooking outside has its own bit of magic.
The clean air, the crackling campfire and the simplicity of a meal shared under the stars make every bite even better.
But in terms of camping, simplicity isn’t just a perk — a necessity.
That’s why I love one-pot meals so much.
They’re simple to prepare, need little cleanup afterward, and can be immensely delicious.
Over the years I’ve tried and tested an enormous amount of camping recipes, and one-pot meals have become my go to.
Whether I’m on my own or camping with friends, these meals are easy to prepare and full of flavor, making them ideal for any camping trip.
So today I’m sharing 35 of my favorite one-pot recipes that are stress-free to cook and satisfying enough to eat.
From rugged stews to rich pastas, these meals will warm you up, fill you up and help you embrace the outdoors like a pro.
So, pull out your trusty pot, and let’s get cooking with some delicious recipes to up your next camping meal!
1. Campfire Chili
Chili is a camping meal mainstay, and for good reason.
This dish is comforting and hearty, and the ideal meal after a day of activity outdoors.
Use your pot to brown some ground beef or turkey to make campfire chili.
When the meat is finished cooking, add some chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers for a little extra taste.
Then add canned beans, crushed tomatoes, and your favorite chili spices — cumin, paprika and chili powder.
Now hold on all of that above, let it simmer over the campfire until the flavors are well mixed with each other.
The best part?
Feel free to dress it up with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Serve it with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side and you have a dinner likely to warm you on a cool fall night.
2. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
Who doesn’t love a hearty plate of spaghetti?
This one-pot spaghetti Bolognese brings a taste of home to your campsite when you’re out in the wilderness.
Begin by cooking some ground beef or Italian sausage in your pot until it is browned.
Onions, garlic and a hint of Italian seasoning join the fray for big flavor.
Add a can of diced tomatoes and some tomato paste, then the spaghetti. Here’s the trick: Snap the spaghetti in half to fit it into the pot.
Pour in enough water or broth to barely cover the pasta, and bring it to a simmer.
Because the pasta cooks in the sauce, it absorbs the flavor and you get a nice, rich and savory pasta dish.
Top with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if you have it.
It’s a warming, satisfying meal that’s ideal after a long day of hiking or sight-seeing.
3. Sausage and Veggie Skillet
This dish is a super versatile and delicious option and goes quick to whip up at a camp.
Use smoked, Italian or even chicken sausage, and start by slicing your favorite. Variable 4: Brown the sausage for flavor in your pot.
Then add in a medley of vegetables, from bell pepper to zucchini to onion to cherry tomatoes.
Let the sausage mix the flavors with the vegetables, it will color and give flavor to the vegetables.
Add a few pinches of salt, pepper, and a little smoked paprika for heat.
You can throw in some cooked rice or pasta in the pot if you are looking for something more filling.
The result is a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s both wholesome and flavorful.
4. Chicken and Rice
Nothing compares to the comforting mix of chicken and rice, especially not when cooked one-pot style over a campfire.
You start by browning chicken thighs or breasts in a little oil, until they’re golden on the outside.
Take out the chicken and set it aside while you’re sautéing onions, garlic and carrots in the same pot.
Add rice (long-grain or basmati works nicely here), then stir it around to toast it a little.
Add chicken broth, then slip the chicken back in the pot.
Cover and let all simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken cooked through.
This rice will infuse the rich flavor of the broth with each bite.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish, if you have some.
This dish is both easy and delicious, and it’s sure to be a hit at your campsite.
5. Beef Stroganoff
This robust, creamy dish is one of the best camping foods.
To begin, you sauté strips of beef in your pot until browned all over.
Take the beef out of the pot and set it aside as you saute some onions and mushrooms in the same pot.
Once the vegetables have softened, stir in some flour to help thicken the sauce, and then add beef broth and a spoonful of sour cream.
You return the browned beef to the pot, and simmer all together until the sauce is rich and creamy.
Serve it over egg noodles or rice for a hearty meal that’s ideal for a cool night on the trail.
It’s comfort food in its finest expression, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare at your campsite.
6. Lentil Stew
If there’s one vegetarian option that’s both nutrition-packed and flavor-packed, it’s lentils — and this lentil stew might just be the best one you can throw together.
Start by cooking onions, garlic and carrots in the pot until soft and fragrant.
Pour in a cup of lentils (green or brown are what you want), then add vegetable broth and whatever seasonings you like — cumin, coriander and bay leaves are nice.
Simmer the stew until the lentils are tender and onions are melting, and the flavors have melded.
You could also add greens, such as spinach or kale, during the last few minutes of cooking, for extra nutrition.
This stew will fill up even the most ravenous vacationers, and you won’t be filling up on garbage; it’s a healthy, warming meal, perfect for a fall camping trip.
7. Shrimp Boil
A shrimp boil is a festive, fun meal that’s easy to make while camping.
It takes one pot and a few basic ingredients.
First, you boil some water in your pot and toss in some Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and a few slices of lemon to season it.
Then, you add small red potatoes and cook them until they’re nearly tender.
Then add corn on the cob (cut into smaller pieces) and cook for a few minutes more.
At the very end stir in the shrimp and allow the mixture to cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
Drain that water, and you have a delicious one-pot feast.
Ladle in melted butter, and extra lemon wedges to squeeze.
It’s a straightforward yet show-stopping dish that everyone will love at your campsite.”
8. Vegetarian Chili
This vegetarian chili is so rich and delicious, you won’t miss the meat.
You can begin by sweating onions, bell peppers and garlic in your pot.
Toss in a variety of beans (black beans, kidney beans and pinto beans will do) the diced tomatoes and loads of chili powder, cumin and paprika.
Simmer the chili for 20 minutes or so, to let the flavors develop.
For more richness, incorporate a spoonful of cocoa powder or a splash of dark beer.
Serve with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream and green onions.
It’s a warm and comforting dish, perfect for a cool evening under the stars.
9. Dutch Oven Lasagna
It is possible to make lasagna while camping!
Which makes a Dutch oven possible.
First, layer your lasagna ingredients—sauce, noodles, cheese, and whatever filling you’d like (ground meat, vegetables, or a mix of the two)—in the Dutch oven.
Cover and cook over the campfire while checking periodically and rotating the Dutch oven for even baking.
In 45 minutes to an hour, you’ve got a bubbly, cheesy lasagna that’s as good as anything you’d make at home.
It’s a little more work than some other camping meals, but the payoff is definitely worth it.
10. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a delicious one-pot meal ideal for a camping getaway.
It starts with browning andouille sausage in your pot.
Take out the sausage and set aside, then cook the chicken in the same pot until brown.
Add the onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic, and sauté, until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in raw rice, tomatoes and chicken broth and return sausage to pot.
Cover, and simmer until the rice is tender.
For authenticity, add a couple of dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
Your camping solution is this flavorful dish that fills you up as you leave everyone satisfied on site.
11. Chicken Alfredo
This rich, comforting recipe is deceptively simple to cook in a single pot.
First you sear chicken pieces in your pot until they’re golden and cooked through.
You remove the chicken and set it aside while you cook down garlic in the same pot.
Next, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and uncooked pasta (fettuccine is best) to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
Allow the pasta to cook away in the sauce until tender, and the sauce is thickened.
Add Parmesan cheese and return the chicken to the pot.
The outcome is a creamy, hearty pasta dish that makes for a great cozy dinner by the campfire.
12. Potato Soup
Potato soup is a classic comfort food and can be made with a few simple ingredients.
The foundation here is cooking diced potatoes in your pot with onions, garlic, and broth until the potatoes are tender.
With the help of a potato masher, break down some of the potatoes, to form a thick, creamy base that will thicken the soup.
Add cream or milk, and bring the soup to a simmer until it’s hot.
For extra flavor, you can top it with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
It’s warm, hearty and a nice option for a brisk fall evening.
13. Paella
Flavorful paella is a Spanish dish ideal for preparing over a campfire.
Begin by asking onions, garlic and bell peppers in your pot.
Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat the rice in the oil.
Add chicken broth, saffron, and smoked paprika, then stir in your choice of protein — chicken, shrimp, or sausage work well.
You cover it and simmer until the rice is tender and all the flavors meld.
For a more truly authentic touch, sprinkle some peas and chopped parsley on top before serving.
This punchy, flavorful dish will do wonders for you and your campsite crew.
14. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a butter-and-cheese comfort food classic, and easy to make all in one pot.
Cook pasta in your pot first, until al dente.
Set the pasta aside after draining while you prepare the cheese sauce.
In that same pot, melt butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth, then return pasta to pot.
The end result is a creamy, cheesy dish that makes a great meal for a cozy night by the campfire.
You could even toss in extras such as cooked bacon or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
15. Beef Stew
Beef Stew — Possibly The Best Comfort Food When Camping
Brown some chunks of beef in your pot on all sides.
Take out the beef, set it aside while you cook onions, garlic and carrots in the same pot.
Add potatoes, beef broth, and seasonings of your choice (thyme, rosemary, bay leaves are all good options).
Add the beef back to the pot and simmer until the beef is tender and flavors well blended.
Serve it with crusty bread for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s just right for a chilly fall night.
16. Chickpea Curry
Chickpea curry is a tasty vegetarian dish that can be made quickly with a handful of ingredients.
You begin as you do with many curries, by sautéing onions, garlic and ginger in your pot until they’re soft and fragrant.
Stir in canned chickpeas, coconut milk, and your choice of curry paste or powder.
Let the curry simmer, and once it’s ready serve it with rice or bread.
17. Shakshuka
Shakshuka: A Middle Eastern poached-egg dish in spicy tomato sauce, perfect for camping.
You need to begin by sautéing your onions, garlic and bell peppers in your pot until soft.
Add canned tomatoes, cumin, paprika and a pinch of chili flakes, then simmer the sauce until it’s thick and full of flavor.
Create little wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them.
Put the lid on the pot and let the eggs cook until set.
Pair with some crusty bread for a filling breakfast or dinner that’s bound to impress.
18. Gumbo
Gumbo is a rich, hearty meal that’s ideal for a camping trip.
Begin with a roux in your pot, cooking flour and oil until it’s dark brown and nutty.
Add onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic, and cook until they’re soft.
Add sausage, chicken, and any seafood you’d like, as well as chicken broth and syrup, and let it all simmer until the flavors meld.
To do it authentically, stir in okra and a few shakes of hot sauce.
Serve over rice for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s just right for a cold night.
19. Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are one of those fun and easy meals that are good for camping.
You marinate chicken strips in lime juice, garlic and spices (cumin, chili powder and paprika are all good).
Brown and cook the chicken through in your (insert impersonal pot here), then remove it and put it aside.
In the same pot, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions until soft.
Add the chicken back in the pot and mix it all together.
All in all, serve with tortillas, salsa and whatever toppings you like for a delicious meal everyone will love and can customize.
20. Fish Chowder
Fish chowder is a heavy, creamy meal and a great camping meal by the water.
Begin by sweating onions, garlic and celery in your pot until soft.
Add diced potatoes and fish broth, then let everything simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Add chunks of fish (salmon, cod or haddock are all good) and allow the fish to cook in the broth.
Add cream or milk, and season with salt, pepper and fresh herbs.
Serve with crusty bread for a cozy, filling dish that’s suitable for a cold night.
21. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Nothing beats a stir-fry for a quick, easy meal while camping.
Heat oil in your pot and add vegetables of your choice (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots and snap peas all cook nicely).
Stir-fry the vegetables until tender but crisp, then add your choice of protein (tofu, chicken, beef).
Add in a simple sauce of soy sauce, garlic and ginger and simmer until the flavors have all melded together.
Serve with rice or noodles for a delightful, healthy meal that is perfect for a quick dinner at the campsite.
22. Risotto
Risotto is a creamy, cozy, one-pot wonder.
Begin by softening some onions and garlic in your pot.
Add Arborio rice, stirring to coat the grains in the oil.
Gradually stir in broth, then corn by the spoonful, cooking and stirring constantly until rice is cooked and risotto is creamy.
Stir in whatever you’d like—mushrooms, peas or roasted vegetables all have merit.
To top with sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
This recipe makes for a rich, satisfyingly flavorful dish, and it’s also a really nice way to get that little taste of home while camping.
23. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is considered a wholesome, comforting meal for crisp evenings.
You begin by browning ground beef or ground lamb in your pot until it’s cooked through.
Take out the meat and reserve it as you saute onions, garlic and carrots in the same pot.
Add in frozen peas and corn, then place meat back in the pot.
Cover with mashed potatoes and bake over the campfire until the potatoes are golden and crisp.
This meal is hearty and spicy, and the best way to get a hit of home camping.
24. Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s best for an out-of-the-ordinary camping trip.
First, brown chunks of beef in your pot until they’re browned all over.
You remove the beef and set it aside while you cook onions, garlic and carrots in the same pot.
Pour in red wine, beef broth and whatever seasoning you want (thyme and bay leaves, dried rosemary are nice), then return the beef to the pot.
Tune it on high and let everything simmer until the beef is tender and the flavors are wokey combined.
Accompanying it with crusty bread makes for a hearty meal perfect for a cold evening.
25. Chicken Pot Pie
Camping-friendly chicken pot pie is a warming, sustaining meal.
You begin by sautéing some diced chicken in your pot until brown and cooked.
Take the chicken out and set it aside while you sauté onions, garlic and carrots in the same pot.
Add frozen peas and corn, then return the chicken to the pot.
Cover with pie crust or biscuit dough, and bake over the campfire until golden and crisp.
It’s a filling, flavorful dish, and a nice way to enjoy a taste of home on a camping trip.
26. Pasta Primavera
Pasta primavera is a light, flavorful dish that’s great for a spring or summer camping trip.
Start with boiling pasta in your pot until al dente.
You drain the pasta, then set it aside while you sauté onions, garlic and whatever vegetables you want (bell peppers, zucchini and cherry tomatoes are good) in the same pot.
Add the pasta, and finish with a shower of grated Parm and some fresh herbs.
This dish is refreshing, light, and perfect for a fast campsite dinner.
27. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is well seasoned, hearty and an ideal choice for a cold night.
First, cook some diced chicken in your pot until it’s browned and cooked through.
Take out the chicken and let it rest while you sauté onions, garlic and carrots in the same pot. Add chicken broth, and return chicken to the pot.
Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough on top of the stew, cover the pot and let everything go until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
The meal is hearty and delicious, and it’s perfect for savoring a taste of home while camping.
28. Ratatouille
A classic summer camping dish, ratatouille is a highly seasoned vegetable dish.
You begin by softening onions, garlic, and bell peppers in your pot.
Make it your own, too Add in cubed eggplant, squash and tomatoes, letting it bubble until everything is soft and the flavors meld.
Top with a handful of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
It is easy to make and great for a light and fresh dinner at the campsite.
29. Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is spicy and wholesome, ideal when you’ll be away from restaurants on a camping trip.
Heat up your pot and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft and fragrant. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
Add your preferred curry paste or powder, followed by coconut milk, and bring everything to a simmer until it’s well combined.
Serve over rice or with naan for a cozy, filling dinner that’s just right for a crisp night.
30. Pasta Carbonara
Pasta carbonara is rich and creamy, and this one-pot version is perfect for a quick dinner at the campsite.
Begin by boiling pasta in your pot until it’s al dente.
You drain the pasta and set it aside while you cook diced bacon or pancetta in the same pot, until it’s crispy.
Add the garlic and cook to fragrant, then add the pasta back to the pot.
In a different bowl, beat eggs and Parmesan, and then fold into the pasta.
The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and form a creamy sauce.
This one is rich, and flavorful, and right on for a cozy night around the campfire.
31. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
A quinoa and black bean bowl is a healthy, protein-rich meal that’s great for a quick campsite dinner.
Begin by cooking quinoa in vegetable broth in your pot; once tender, remove from the heat.
Add canned black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and a mix of spices — cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika.
Let the mixture simmer,er until all flavors combined. Top with a squeeze of lime juice and fresh cilantro.
A great tasting, nutrient dense dish to keep you fuelled and active on your camping trips.
32. Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a creamy, comforting dish that’s surprisingly simple to cook over a campfire.
Start out by sweating some onions and garlic in your pot until translucent.
Stir in Arborio rice and cook until puffed and the edges have lightly toasted.
Slowly add in vegetable broth, stirring continuously, until the rice is done and the risotto is creamy.
Add sautéed mushrooms, Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an earthy, rich flavor.
High on flavor but low on complexity, this dish is perfect for a rustic meal by a roaring campfire.
33. Mutton Biryani
Mutton Biryani Aromatic, Delicious One-Pot Meal Ideal For Camping Feast
It begins with mutton soaking in yogurt, garam masala, turmeric and chili powder, soaking up all the flavors.
Sauté onions, garlic, ginger until brown in a big pot, then add the marinated mutton and, cook until it gets tender.
Cover with mutton and parboiled basmati rice, sprinkle with saffron-infused milk, and garnish with fried onions and layers of fresh herbs like cilantro and mint.
Put a cover on it and cook on low to get the flavors together.
The end product is a hearty, flavorful meal that will be the star of your camping menu.
34. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a wholesome, filling meal that come together in one pot pretty easily.
Start with cutting the tops off the bell peppers and seeding it.
In your pot, brown the ground beef or turkey with diced onions, garlic, and any spices that sound good to you.
Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes and shredded cheese, then stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
Return the peppers to the pan, add a little water or broth to the bottom, and cover with a lid.
Allow the peppers to cook until tender and the Filling is heated through.
So this dish — it’s colorful, full of nutrition and well-suited for an easy but impressive meal at campside.
35. Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry
Chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a quick, tasty meal that’s simple to make over a campfire.
Start by browning sliced chicken breast in your pot with a bit of oil until cooked through.
Stir in your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, broccoli and snap peas, and stir-fry until they’re tender-crisp.
Add a simple stir-fry sauce of soy sauce, garlic, ginger and a bit of honey, then cook until the sauce reduces a bit and thickens.
Serve this stir-fry over instant rice or noodles to have a satisfying, healthy meal that cooks up in minutes.
Conclusion
Camp foods do not need to be bland or boring.
With just a touch of creativity and some planning, you can serve up a range of delicious, one-pan meals that are easy to prepare outdoors.
From filling stews to spicy curries, these recipes are meant to fill you up and heat you up after a long day of sight seeing.
And with just one-pot to wash, you can spend more time relaxing around the campfire taking it all in.
So the next time you plan a camping trip, give some of these recipes a go and take your outdoor dining up a notch.
And be sure to share your favourite camping meals with your pals or pin this article for later.
Happy camping, and bon appétit!
