Life on the road in a camper brings the freedom to explore new destinations, but it also requires a bit of creativity when it comes to cooking. With limited space and minimal kitchen equipment, it can be challenging to whip up delicious meals, but it’s definitely possible! The key is simplicity, using versatile ingredients, and optimizing your cooking space.
In this post, we’ll cover some easy, tasty, and camper-friendly recipes to help you enjoy cooking while on the road, along with a few helpful tips for meal prep in a small kitchen.
1. One-Pot Pasta
One-pot pasta is a go-to, as it requires minimal ingredients and clean-up. Simply add pasta, veggies, and your favorite sauce to a single pot, and let it cook together. Try adding tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and olive oil for a light and flavorful dish. You can also toss in some pre-cooked sausage or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Tip: Save water by using just enough liquid to cover the pasta. The starch released during cooking helps thicken the sauce naturally.
2. Campfire Quesadillas
Quesadillas are quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Simply spread some cheese and your favorite fillings—like beans, avocado, grilled veggies, or leftover meat—on a tortilla, then fold and toast it on a skillet or griddle. You can cook them on your campervan stove or over a campfire for that extra smoky flavor.
Tip: Keep tortillas and cheese in your camper at all times—they last a while and can be used for multiple meals, from breakfast wraps to snack-time nachos.
3. Overnight Oats
Breakfast doesn’t get any easier than overnight oats. Before bed, combine rolled oats with milk (or a dairy-free alternative), a bit of yogurt, chia seeds, and your favorite toppings, like nuts, fruits, or honey. Let it sit in the fridge overnight, and by morning, you’ll have a tasty, nutritious breakfast ready to go.
Tip: Use mason jars or reusable containers with lids to save space and avoid spills in your camper's fridge.
4. Stir-Fry with Pre-Cooked Rice
A quick stir-fry is perfect for dinner on the road. Pre-cooked rice or noodles, frozen veggies, and a protein of your choice (like tofu, shrimp, or beef strips) can be thrown together in minutes. A simple stir-fry sauce—made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic—adds a ton of flavor without much effort.
Tip: Keep pre-cooked rice or microwaveable rice packets on hand to save time and avoid using extra pots.
5. Pan-Fried Tacos
Tacos are a favorite among road warriors because they’re fast, flavorful, and highly customizable. Pan-fry some ground meat (or a plant-based option), and add simple toppings like lettuce, salsa, guacamole, and cheese. Toast the tortillas right on the stove for a deliciously crispy texture.
Tip: Store ingredients like hot sauce, salsa, and beans in small squeeze bottles to save space in your fridge or tote.
6. Shakshuka
This Middle Eastern dish is an all-in-one breakfast that’s perfect for slow mornings. Simply simmer tomatoes, onions, and peppers in a pan with spices like cumin and paprika. Once the sauce is ready, crack a few eggs on top and cover the pan until they’re poached to your liking. Serve with bread for dipping.
Tip: This dish can also be made for dinner and adapted with leftover veggies or meats for a heartier version.
7. Grilled Veggie Wraps
For a light yet satisfying meal, grill some veggies (like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms) and wrap them in a tortilla with hummus or a spread of your choice. Add some greens, like spinach or arugula, and you’ve got a healthy, no-fuss meal.
Tip: Opt for veggies that are sturdy and can withstand travel. Peppers, carrots, and zucchini last a long time in your camper’s cabinet or fridge.
8. Vanlife Pizza
Yes, pizza is possible in a campervan! Use a pre-made pizza crust or flatbread, and layer it with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives. Cook it in a covered skillet until the cheese melts and the crust crisps up.
Tip: For a more authentic pizza flavor, sprinkle some oregano or red pepper flakes on top after cooking.
9. Sheet Pan Fajitas
All you need is a sheet pan, your stove, and some basic ingredients for these delicious fajitas. Toss chicken strips (or tofu), bell peppers, onions, and spices onto a pan. Let everything cook together until caramelized and serve with tortillas.
Tip: Marinate your protein ahead of time for extra flavor—just pop the bag in your fridge and let it soak in the spices while you’re driving to your next destination.
10. No-Cook Mediterranean Salad
When you don’t feel like cooking, a Mediterranean-style salad can be your best friend. Combine canned chickpeas, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. Add pita bread or crackers for a heartier meal.
Tip: Prep your veggies in advance and store them in airtight containers (mason jar) to throw this salad together in no time.
Camper Cooking Tips:
- Keep It Simple: Stick to recipes that use a few ingredients and require minimal prep.
- Meal Prep: Chop veggies or cook grains in bulk so you can easily toss together meals later.
- Use Multipurpose Tools: A single cast iron skillet can serve for frying, baking, and sautéing. Invest in space-saving, versatile kitchen tools.
- Conserve Water: Choose recipes that minimize dishwashing. For example, one-pot meals save water and reduce cleanup time.
Cooking in a camper doesn’t have to be complicated! With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious meals that don’t require a full kitchen. What are your favorite on the road recipes? Share your go-to dishes in the comments!