10 Mouthwatering Camping Meals Perfect for Van Life

I’ve lived in a van for years and know just how hard it is to figure out what to cook in a tiny kitchen, especially if you don’t consider yourself a cook! Don’t worry. There are tons of meals out there that are easy to prepare using a single or double-burner.

In our Chevy Astro, we cooked on a single-burner stove inside the van when in cities and on a tiny table outside in a campground or boondocking. We have an induction cooktop and a two-burner stove for outdoor use in our newer Sprinter van.

Here are some meal ideas that we enjoy, as well as some suggestions from other van lifers on Reddit.

What is YOUR favorite meal to cook in your van? Leave a comment to help others out!

1. Crispy Gnocchi

We love buying packages of dried gnocchi, which we then fry in our cast iron skillet. Add some diced red onion and some garlic while you’re crisping up those potato noodles. If you’re into spice, you can toss in some red pepper flakes.

When the gnocchi is crispy enough for you, add some tomato sauce (we love Arrabiata sauce from Whole Foods). Top it with some fresh ground pepper and parmesan.

Serve arugula on the side with balsamic vinegar, and there you have it!

2. Wraps

Van lifers all over the internet love the simplicity of wraps. Think chicken or chickpea shawarma, hummus, feta, and greens all rolled up into one delicious package. I love sauteeing a can of chickpeas with Mediterranean spices, onion and garlic, and using that as the protein for my wrap. We often use Lavash bread instead of tortillas. It has a crispier texture, and the wraps are bigger, too!

Sometimes, we even make these wraps open-faced and topped with arugula. Add some spicy red sauce, like Korean red chili paste, for a kick.

3. Chili

When the autumn chill sets in, nothing beats a hearty bowl of chili. This van life staple is perfect for batch cooking and reheating. We make ours vegetarian but feel free to add some ground beef if that’s your thing.

We start this by sauteeing onion and garlic, then adding a 32-oz can of whole tomatoes and simmering those for a few minutes. Then we add a couple cans of beans, a can of corn, chili powder, cumin and salt, and pressure cook for 5 minutes.

Serve with tortilla, avocado, shredded cheddar, diced cilantro and sour cream.

4. Potato and Soy Chorizo Burritos

We LOVE these simple tacos. Start out by dicing some potatoes and adding them to a skillet. Cook them for a few minutes, then add soy (or meat) chorizo to the other side of the pot. Keep cooking both until they get an edge, then mix the potato and chorizo together to create a filling.

Serve the filling in a flour tortilla topped with red salsa, avocado, cheese and sour cream. We also serve refried beans on the side for an extra hearty meal.

5. Mediterranean Mezze

This spread doesn’t require refrigeration and it makes a great simple lunch. Combine whole wheat pitas, sliced avocado, dolmas (Trader Joe’s has great cans of these!), hummus, olives, tomatoes, and jalapeños for a delicious feast. We’ve also found seasoned eggplant in cans in Trader Joe’s that goes really well with this.

5. Stir-fried Ramen Noodles

This is something we make ALL THE TIME. We use three ramen packets for two people. Start by sauteeing whatever veggies you want in your ramen. We like a combination of onion, garlic, carrots, broccoli, and red bell peppers. When they are halfway cooked, add in the packets of ramen and a little water. Flip the ramen until its cooked all over, add the seasoning packets, and then stir everything to combine. If you want some protein, make a little hole in your ramen pan and add scramble three to five eggs.

6. The Versatile Frittata

Eggs are a van lifer’s best friend, and frittatas are where they truly shine. Sauté whatever veggies you have on hand, pour over beaten eggs, and cook until set. It’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner – your choice!

7. Curry in a Hurry

Pre-made curry packets or jars are a game-changer for van life gourmands – there are lots to choose from at Trader Joe’s! Simmer with your choice of veggies and tofu or chicken, andserve over quick-cooking rice or with naan bread.

8. The “Kitchen Sink” Fried Rice

Got leftovers? Throw them into a pan with some day-old rice, soy sauce, and sriracha. This dish is perfect for using up odds and ends, reducing food waste, and satisfying your taste buds all at once.

9. Campfire Baked Potatoes

When you’ve got access to a campfire, it’s time for some rustic cooking. Wrap potatoes in foil, nestle them in the coals, and let the fire do its thing. Top with canned chili, cheese, or whatever your heart desires for a meal that’s both cozy and customizable.

10. The No-Cook Powerhouse: Peanut-Miso Chickpea Salad

For those days when cooking feels like a chore, this protein-packed salad comes to the rescue. Mix canned chickpeas with a peanut-miso dressing, add some crunchy veggies, and voila! A satisfying meal without turning on the stove.

I Hope You Enjoy Cooking in Your Campervan!

Remember, van life cooking is all about adapting and improvising. Keep a well-stocked spice kit to transform simple ingredients into flavor-packed meals. Invest in quality, multi-use cookware like a cast-iron skillet and a good knife. And don’t forget the importance of proper food storage – a small cooler or 12V fridge can significantly improve what you can make on the go.

Local markets and farm stands are great places to shop. Fresh, seasonal produce can inspire new recipes and connect you with the areas you’re traveling through. Plus, supporting local businesses is always a win.