RV Cooking: 5 Easy One-Pot Recipes for Your Next Camping Adventure

There is something undeniably magical about escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life to embrace the beauty of nature. Whether you’re camping under the stars or embarking on an RV adventure, one thing remains constant: the need for hearty and delicious meals to fuel your adventures. Look no further; we’ve got you covered with five easy one-pot recipes that will make your camping cooking experience a breeze. These recipes are fun and convenient and packed with the right balance of energy-boosting carbs, protein, and nutritious veggies.

Campfire Chili

Let’s start with a classic that is always a crowd-pleaser. Chili is warm and nourishing. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of ground beef (or substitute with your favourite plant-based option)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbs of chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Any other of your favourite fixings or spices

Instructions:

1. Heat a large pot or cast-iron skillet over your campfire or RV stove.
2. Brown the ground beef (or plant-based option) and onions until the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent.
3. Add the bell pepper and garlic, cooking for another few minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavours to meld together.
6. Serve hot and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

Tacos in a bag

Tired of the usual taco night routine? Try this tasty fun twist that’s perfect for camping. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of ground beef, ground turkey, black beans, chicken (or your favourite plant-based option)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• Individual-sized bags of your favourite tortilla chips
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole

Instructions:

1. In a skillet or pot, cook the ground beef (or alternative) until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and follow the instructions on the packet.
3. Let campers build their own taco in a bag by crushing some chips inside the bag, then add the seasoned meat and toppings of their choice.
4. Shake it up and enjoy your fiesta!

Yummy Campfire “Hobo Packs”

Foil hobo packs are a fun and creative way to cook up a tasty meal right on the campfire. Essentially a hobo pack is a bundle of chopped ingredients wrapped up in foil and cooked over the coals of a campfire. Hobo packs can also be prepared a day ahead of time, throw them in the cooler and they’ll be ready to go when it’s time to put them on the grill. Hobo packs aren’t complicated and here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• Sausage: try smoked sausage in these packets. They’re already cooked, so there’s no question about whether the meat will be cooked through.
• Yukon gold potatoes, diced
• ½ cup of diced yellow onions
• ½ cup of sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup whole carrots, washed thoroughly and thinly sliced and cut large rounds in half
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Chop and prep ingredients and add to a large bowl.
2. Add in olive oil, and seasonings, and toss to combine.
3. Tear off a large piece of aluminum foil and place it on a flat surface.
4. In the centre of the foil, layer the sausage, potatoes, diced onions, bell peppers, carrots and seasonings.
5. Fold the foil over the ingredients and crimp the edges to create a sealed packet. Be sure to seal the foil packets tightly, so the liquid doesn’t seep out.
6. Place the hobo pack on the campfire grate or RV stove and cook for about 20-30 minutes (cooking time may vary), flipping occasionally.
7. Remove from the campfire, using fire mitts and carefully open the foil pack (watch out for steam!), your delicious hobo meal is ready to devour.

Butter Chicken Bliss

Who says you can’t enjoy restaurant-worthy dishes while camping? Try this easy butter chicken recipe that’s packed with flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of boneless chicken
• ½ cup of butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves  of garlic, minced
• 1-in piece of ginger, grated
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• ½ cup of heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk)
• 1 tsp of garam masala
• 1 tsp of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and transluscent.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, garam masala, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve up your butter chicken over rice or with some warm naan bread, and savour the delightful flavours of your campfire cuisine.

Overnight Breakfast Yogurt Chia Bowls

Start your day off with a healthy and energizing breakfast packed with nutrients that require minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of chia seeds
• 1 cup of milk (dairy or preferred nut milk)
• ¼  cup of plain Greek yogurt (optional)
• 1 tbs of almond or nut butter (optional)
• 1 tbs of honey or maple syrup
• 2tbs Hemp Hearts (optional)
• Fresh berries or sliced fruit for topping
• Nuts or granola for crunch

Instructions:

1. In a container or glass jar, mix the chia seeds, milk, and honey or maple syrup.
2. Stir well to combine, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, give it a good stir, and add your favourite toppings.
4. Serve warm or cold, and enjoy this nutritious and energizing breakfast to fuel your adventures.

There you have it, five easy one-pot recipes to elevate your camping or RV cooking experience. These easy recipes are sure to keep you fuelled and satisfied during your outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for the warmth of a comfort meal, energy, or simply a delicious meal, these recipe ideas have got you covered. Gather around and get cooking! Bon Appetit!

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