7 Easy One-Pot Camping Meals for Beginners (Less Cleanup!)

 

After a long day of hiking or setting up camp, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe that leaves you with a mountain of dirty dishes. That's why one-pot meals are the camper's best friend.

These 7 recipes are delicious, filling, and require only a single pot or skillet. Plus, fewer dishes means less time cleaning and more time relaxing by the fire!

1. Classic Campfire Chili

Hearty Beef & Bean Chili

⏱️ Time: 25 mins

A warm, comforting bowl perfect for chilly nights. Brown the meat first, then dump everything else in.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 can kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix

💡 Pro Tip: A heavy-bottomed pot prevents burning. We recommend a Lodge Dutch Oven for the best results.

2. Skillet Breakfast Hash

Sausage & Potato Hash

⏱️ Time: 20 mins

The ultimate power breakfast. Cook diced potatoes until soft, add sausage, and crack eggs on top at the end.

Ingredients:

• Pre-diced frozen potatoes (thaw in cooler)
• Breakfast sausage links (cut up)
• 4-6 eggs
• Shredded cheese

💡 Gear Check: A good non-stick pan is essential for eggs. Check out our Best Camping Cookware Guide.

3. Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pesto Penne

⏱️ Time: 15 mins

Boil pasta, drain (save a little water), stir in pesto and pre-cooked chicken. Fast and fancy!

Ingredients:

• Penne pasta
• Jar of basil pesto
• Canned chicken or pre-cooked strips
• Parmesan cheese

4. Sausage & Peppers Skillet

Smoky Sausage Stir-fry

⏱️ Time: 20 mins

Slice sausages, peppers, and onions. Sauté them all together in oil until browned and tender.

Ingredients:

• Smoked sausage (kielbasa)
• 2 Bell peppers (sliced)
• 1 Onion (sliced)
• Olive oil & seasoning

5. Camping Tacos in a Bag

"Walking Tacos"

⏱️ Time: 15 mins

Cook taco meat in your pot. Then, scoop it directly into single-serve bags of Doritos or Fritos. Zero cleanup!

Ingredients:

• Ground beef + taco seasoning
• Small bags of Doritos
• Toppings: Lettuce, cheese, salsa

6. One-Pot Mac & Cheese with Hot Dogs

Comfort Food Classic

⏱️ Time: 10 mins

Make boxed mac & cheese as usual, but toss in sliced hot dogs while the noodles boil.

Ingredients:

• Boxed Mac & Cheese
• Hot dogs (sliced)
• Butter & milk (powdered milk works too)

7. Apple Crisp Skillet

Warm Apple Dessert

⏱️ Time: 15 mins

Sauté sliced apples with butter and cinnamon until soft. Top with granola. Simple and sweet.

Ingredients:

• 2 Apples (sliced)
• Butter & Cinnamon sugar
• Granola (for topping)

Cleanup Tips

Even with one-pot meals, you have to wash that pot! Make sure to read our guide on How to Clean Camping Cookware Like a Pro to do it quickly and safely.