One of the best parts of camping is slowing everything down, including cooking. Maybe it’s just us but when meals take a little longer, we think they taste a whole lot better and somehow always feel more rewarding.
And better yet you don’t need a full kitchen setup to eat well on the road. With just a single gas stove or a BBQ plate, you can cook simple, hearty meals that keep everyone happy without all the mess and clean up. Because when water is scarce, or the walk to the washing up sink feels like a chore, you want minimal dishes and meals that are as easy as possible.
Here are 5 of our go to camping meals that are easy to make, require minimal gear and taste even better outdoors.
1. The Classic One Pan Brekkie ????
There’s nothing quite like waking up at camp and getting the pan on. Though we are also a big fan of brekkie for dinner.
What you’ll need:
Eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes and bread
How to cook:
Start by cooking your sausages and bacon in a pan. Once they’re nearly done, add your mushrooms and tomatoes. Push everything to one side and crack in your eggs. Toast your bread in the same pan or on the BBQ plate.
Simple and filling what more could you want?
2. Steak & Veg on the BBQ ????
A campsite favourite that feels like a proper treat after a day outdoors. You can substitute any meat or meat free substitute for this; we just can’t resist a steak on the barbie!
What you’ll need:
Steak, potatoes, carrots, butter, salt and foil
How to cook:
Wrap your chopped potatoes and carrots in foil with butter and seasoning, then place them on the BBQ or coals for around 20 to 30 minutes. Cook your steak on the BBQ plate or pan for a few minutes each side, depending on how you like it.
Minimal effort, maximum reward.
3. One Pot Pasta ????
This one is all about keeping things easy and reducing washing up.
What you’ll need:
Pasta, jar sauce, garlic, mince or vegetables, water
How to cook:
Fry your mince or vegetables in a pot until cooked, then add your sauce and a splash of water, we like to add a stock cube into the mix for extra flavour. Add the pasta straight into the same pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until cooked through.
One pot, one meal, no stress.
4. Easy Camp Tacos ????
Perfect for groups and always a crowd pleaser.
What you’ll need:
Wraps, mince or chicken, taco seasoning, salad and cheese
How to cook:
Cook your meat in a pan with taco seasoning. Warm your wraps on the BBQ or stove, then load them up with your fillings.
Quick, fun and easy to customise and easy to make a lot of!
5. Easy Camp Fried Rice ????
Quick, filling and perfect for using up whatever you’ve got left in the fridge.
What you’ll need:
Rice (you can bring some pre-cooked to camp in the fridge if you have it), eggs, veggies (carrot, peas, capsicum), garlic, soy sauce, optional chicken or bacon
How to cook:
If you haven’t got cooked rice on hand then boil it first to cook it, we stick by the one cup of water to one cup of rice, boiled for ten minutes, then left with a lid on for 5, perfect rice every time. Next heat oil in a pan or BBQ plate and cook your protein first if using. Add garlic and veggies and cook until softened. Push everything to one side, scramble your eggs, then add the rice and mix everything together. Finish with a splash of soy sauce.
Fast, budget friendly and minimal cleanup.
Camping Cooking Tips
Stick to meals that use one pan or one pot (because who wants the clean up? Not us)
Prep what you can before you leave (pre-cooked rice, and pre-diced and seasoned veg is a game changer)
Bring simple ingredients that can be used across multiple meals
Keep it relaxed, camping meals are meant to be easy and fun!
