One-Pot Wonders: Simple, Delicious Meals with Minimal Cleanup

When you’re out on an overlanding adventure, a hearty meal can make all the difference. But cooking outdoors shouldn’t mean spending hours over a stove—or scrubbing dishes afterward. That’s where one-pot recipes come in: quick to prepare, filling, and ideal for minimal cleanup. With a single pot or Dutch oven, you can make everything from spicy jambalaya to comforting pasta, keeping your camp kitchen efficient and your meals delicious.

Here are a few simple, tasty one-pot meals that will leave you and your travel crew fueled and ready for the next leg of the journey.

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1. Campfire Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can black beans (drained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet chili seasoning (or a mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat your pot over the campfire or stove, add a drizzle of oil, and cook the ground meat until browned.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
3. Stir in the chili seasoning, then add beans, tomatoes, and a bit of water or broth if it looks too thick.
4. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and flavors have melded.
5. Serve with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for a true campfire classic.

Why It’s a One-Pot Wonder: This recipe combines protein, fiber, and tons of flavor in one pot, and it’s all done in about 30 minutes. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

2. Trail Pasta with Sausage and Veggies

Ingredients:

• 1 package pre-cooked sausage, sliced (like chicken or smoked sausage)
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 zucchini or bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a blend of basil, oregano, and thyme)
• 3 cups water or broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the sausage slices until lightly browned, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add garlic, onion, and diced veggies. Sauté until softened.
3. Add the pasta, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, water or broth, and sausage back into the pot.
4. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Why It’s a One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is quick, comforting, and perfect for feeding a group. Plus, the pasta cooks right in the sauce, so no draining needed—just a single pot for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

3. Spicy Jambalaya

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage or chicken, diced
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2–3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or a mix of paprika, thyme, cayenne, and garlic powder)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a dash of hot sauce for extra spice

Instructions:

1. In your pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage until browned, then set aside.
2. Add a bit of oil to the pot, then sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and rice, letting it toast for about 1 minute to bring out the flavor.
4. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, and browned sausage. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and cover, simmering for 20–25 minutes until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Give it a final stir and serve hot, adding hot sauce to taste if you like it spicier.

Why It’s a One-Pot Wonder: Jambalaya brings a lot of bold flavors and textures, and the ingredients cook together in harmony, creating a satisfying and easy-to-clean-up dish that’s perfect for overlanding.

4. Vegetable Stew with Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Heat a bit of oil in your pot, then add onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
2. Stir in cumin, salt, and pepper, letting the spices bloom for about a minute.
3. Add in quinoa, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, zucchini, and vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, until the quinoa is tender and the stew has thickened.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve with a slice of bread for a wholesome, plant-based meal.

Why It’s a One-Pot Wonder: This vegan option is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, and the quinoa adds a hearty texture. With only one pot, it’s easy to prepare and clean up, making it ideal for campers looking for a lighter, healthier option.

5. Campfire Breakfast Hash

Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon, chopped
• 4–5 potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded cheese and hot sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or pot, cook the sausage or bacon until crispy, then set aside.
2. Add the diced potatoes to the pot with a bit of oil, cooking until they’re golden brown and starting to soften.
3. Add bell pepper and onion, stirring occasionally until everything is cooked through and slightly crispy.
4. Add the cooked sausage or bacon back in, stirring to combine.
5. Make a few small wells in the hash and crack the eggs directly into them. Cover and cook until the eggs reach your preferred doneness.
6. Serve with a sprinkle of cheese or hot sauce if desired.

Why It’s a One-Pot Wonder: This breakfast hash is filling, savory, and uses minimal dishes. It’s a perfect one-pot meal to fuel a full day of adventure, and cleanup is quick and easy.

Tips for One-Pot Success

• Use Heavy-Duty Cookware: A cast-iron Dutch oven or a sturdy camping pot will distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
• Prep Ingredients at Home: If possible, dice your veggies and portion spices ahead of time to save on prep and cleanup at camp.
• Pack Simple Seasonings: A few basic seasonings can make a big impact. Consider carrying a spice mix or individual spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder for flexibility.
• Easy Cleanup: After cooking, boil a small amount of water in the pot to help loosen food residue, making cleanup even easier.

These one-pot wonders are designed for easy cooking and cleaning, giving you more time to enjoy the adventure. They’re perfect for overlanders looking for tasty, no-fuss meals. Try them out on your next trip and discover how satisfying camp cooking can be!