We love camping and exploring the great outdoors, but cooking can be a challenge. That's why we always opt for one-pot meals that are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
One-pot meals are perfect for camping because they require minimal cleanup, and can be cooked over a campfire or on a portable stove. You can customize these meals to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients or spices. For example, you can add jalapenos to the campfire chili for some heat or top the one-pot pasta with parmesan cheese for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless! So next time you're planning a camping trip, be sure to add these one-pot meals to your menu. A lot of these recipes are easily modified to make them vegetarian or vegan but we have thrown in some vegan options just in case.
Here are some of our favourite one-pot recipes for camping.
1. One-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
This classic dish is perfect for a family camping trip. Simply add spaghetti, canned tomatoes, meatballs, garlic, onion, and basil to a large pot and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thick and flavorful. Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
2. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
This easy and delicious meal is perfect for feeding a hungry family. Add chicken breasts, rice, chicken broth, diced onion, diced carrot, and diced celery to a large pot and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender. You can also add your favorite vegetables like peas or corn to make it even more nutritious.
3. One-Pot Stew
A stew is a comforting and filling meal that the whole family will love. Add your preferred protein, diced potatoes, diced carrots, diced onion, diced celery, vegetable broth, and tomato paste to a large pot and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
4. One-Pot Taco Pasta
This fun and flavorful dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Add meat or meat alternative, taco seasoning, canned tomatoes, pasta, and water to a large pot and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thick and flavorful. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for a delicious and easy meal.
5. One-Pot Sausage and Potato Skillet
This easy and delicious meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Add sliced potatoes, sliced sausage, diced onion, and diced bell pepper to a large skillet and cook until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is cooked through. Serve with scrambled eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast or with a side salad for a light lunch or dinner.
Vegan Options
One-Pot Vegan Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the pasta, chickpeas, zucchini, squash, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil or vegan parmesan cheese if desired.
One-Pot Vegan Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley or croutons if desired.
We hope you enjoy these recipes and share your own go-to meals for the campfire.
