From Breakfast to Dinner: 10 Easy One-Pot Meals for Campsite and Campervan Cooking

Camping breakfast

When you're cooking on the road or at a campsite, simplicity is the name of the game. Whether you’ve got a campervan kitchen or a portable stove, one-pot meals are your secret weapon. Less mess, fewer dishes, and hearty meals that hit the spot.

Here are 10 easy, delicious one-pot recipes that make cooking outdoors a breeze—including vegetarian options and two tasty breakfasts to start your day right.

1. Campfire Breakfast Hash

Perfect for: Morning fuel

What you need: Potatoes, onions, bell peppers, sausages (or veggie alternative), eggs.

Sauté chopped potatoes with onions and peppers until golden. Add sliced sausages and crack in a couple of eggs. Cover and cook until eggs are set.

A whole breakfast in one pan.

2. One-Pot Pancake Scramble

Perfect for: Lazy camp mornings

What you need: Pancake mix, milk/water, sliced bananas or berries, dash of cinnamon

Pour your batter directly into a greased pot or skillet. Once it starts to set, gently scramble it like scrambled eggs—sounds weird, but it tastes like a sweet, fluffy bread pudding.

Great with maple syrup!

3. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Perfect for: Comfort food on cool evenings

What you need: Minced beef (or lentils), chopped onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, pasta and seasoning.

Brown your meat, then add garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Toss in dry pasta with enough water to cook it through.

Stir occasionally, and dinner’s done.

4. Lentil & Coconut Curry (Vegetarian)

Perfect for: Meat-free campfire feasts

What you need: Red lentils, canned coconut milk, curry paste or powder, spinach

Add everything to one pot and simmer until lentils are soft (about 20 minutes). Add spinach in the last few minutes.

Serve with flatbread or rice.

5. Tex-Mex One-Pot Rice

Perfect for: Zesty flavour lovers

What you need: Rice, canned black beans, sweetcorn, salsa, cheese, spices

Cook rice with a mix of beans, sweetcorn, and salsa. Stir in cheese just before serving for extra gooey goodness.

Top with sliced avocado if you’re feeling fancy.

6. Garlic Butter Gnocchi (Vegetarian)

Perfect for: Quick and indulgent dinner

What you need: Gnocchi, garlic, butter, spinach, parmesan

Fry gnocchi in butter with minced garlic until crispy. Stir in spinach to wilt, then top with parmesan.

Fast, filling, and seriously satisfying.

7. Tuna Pasta with Peas & Cream Cheese

Perfect for: Pantry meal with protein

What you need: Pasta, canned tuna, frozen peas, cream cheese

Boil pasta and peas together, drain lightly, stir in tuna and a spoonful of cream cheese. You’ve got yourself a creamy, protein-packed one-pot winner.

8. Campfire Chili

Perfect for: Cold nights & hungry bellies

What you need: Ground beef (or veggie mince), beans, canned tomatoes, chili powder

Brown your mince, add everything else, and simmer over low heat.

Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips. Great for leftovers too.

9. One-Pot Chicken Curry

Perfect for: Big flavour, low effort

What you need: Chicken pieces, onion, curry paste, canned tomatoes, optional coconut milk

Sauté onion, brown chicken, add curry paste and tomatoes. Simmer until cooked through.

Serve with rice or flatbread.

10. Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Perfect for: Comfort food fans

What you need: Pasta, milk, cheese, optional extras (bacon, peas, jalapeños)

Cook pasta in a small amount of milk, stir in grated cheese until melted. Add extras to mix it up.

One pot, many smiles.

Bonus Camping Hack Tips:

• Use a cast iron skillet or deep saucepan with a lid—super versatile and retains heat well.

• Pre-measure dry ingredients into ziplock bags for easy prep.

• Add instant rice or couscous for meals that cook faster and use less fuel.

• Bring foil or a silicone lid to help trap heat and cook more evenly.

  
  

Wrapping Up

With these one-pot wonders, you’ll spend less time washing up and more time soaking in the views. Whether you’re wild camping in the hills or parked up by the beach, delicious meals are just one pot away.

Got a favourite van meal or clever cooking tip? Share it with us in the comments —we’re always hungry for new ideas. 🍽️🔥