Fuel Your Next Camping Adventure With One-Pot Recipes Under $3

Camping is one of the most affordable ways to spend time away from home, but the price of groceries can add up quickly. The good news is that with a bit of planning and creativity, fueling up for some fun in the sun can still be cheap, nourishing, and delicious. We’ve rounded up a list of hassle-free, one-pot recipes that are guaranteed to keep you energized on your next camping trip without breaking the bank! 

Camp Kitchen Essentials to Craft the Ultimate Low-Cost Meals 

Your outdoor cooking will go much more smoothly if your camp kitchen is fully equipped with the tools you need. If you want to keep it simple, a Multipurpose Pot, some utensils, aluminum foil, and a portable grate that can be placed over a fire pit are all you need. You can prepare bacon and eggs, chili, pasta and more with just these four items! 

Another must for any outdoor vacation is our Camping Faves 5-Pack. This bundle has done all the meal planning for you to make sure you are on budget and free to enjoy your time with friends and family. Best of all, these quick and easy recipes go from raw to ready in just 20 minutes and pair perfectly with the Multipurpose Pot.  

Tip: Prep everything you can in advance. For some quick breakfast fuel, portion out some oats or oatmeal and top it with a Summer Berry Sweet Dip Mix or Apple Pie Spice! These DIY instant oatmeal packets are lower in sugar and so easy to make ⁠— simply add to a bowl with hot water when you’re ready to eat!

(Photo by @DecidedlyCrunchy)

10 Quick and Easy Recipes Using 6 Ingredients or Less 

1. Fettuccine Alfredo - $1.14 per serving  

This 3-ingredient fettuccine recipe tastes amazing and comes together in just 10 minutes—it’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will rave about and serves up to 6 people! 

Tip: Choose a lentil or chickpea pasta to bump up the protein in this recipe without having to carry extra ingredients to the campground! 

2. Cha Cha Chili - $2.27 per serving 

After a long day of hiking or swimming, relax by the campfire and serve this tasty 5-ingredient chili! With 33 g of protein per serving, it is the ultimate comfort food to help you refuel. 

3. Mac & Cheese - $1.12 per serving 

Get that campfire going and prepare a cheesy, comforting pasta dish that the kids will adore! Make it in the Multipurpose Pot and there’s no need to pack a strainer––there’s already one built in! 

4. Chili Mac & Cheese - $2.74 per serving 

Can't decide between chili or mac & cheese? This recipe combines the best of both worlds! Everyone will want seconds after tasting this unique take on traditional family favourites. 

5. Grilled Potato Packets - $0.95 per serving 

Don’t spend your camping trip cleaning dishes—these potato packets are made in aluminum foil over the campfire so you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors! 

Tip: Assemble the potato packets before your trip and place them on the grill when you’re ready to cook! The Hollandaise Sauce can be easily prepared at camp or heated up just as quickly! 

6. Summer Toppers Corn Butters - $0.10 per serving 

Elevate your corn on the cob with a buttery, smoky spread made with crunchy vegan bacon bites that even your non-vegan friends and family will love. 

7. Berry Greek Yogurt Parfait - $2.80 per serving 

This 2-ingredient parfait is the perfect protein-rich breakfast, dessert, or midday pick-me-up to refuel! With 15 g of protein, it’ll keep you energized and ready to take on the day. 

Tip: Make these ahead of time in mason jars for an easy, on-the-go treat.  

8. Easy-Peasy Bolognese - $2.22 per serving 

Everyone at the campsite will be amazed by this incredible meatless bolognese! Made with pea crumbles that are packed with protein. 

9. Grilled Maple Miso Chicken Skewers - $2.23 per serving 

These grilled chicken skewers made with a delicious Maple Miso marinade are the perfect make-ahead meal—prep the night before, pack them in an ice cooler, then grill over the campfire when you're ready for dinner! 

10. Power Up Bliss Balls - $2.77 per serving 

Make them ahead, freeze, and pack them in the cooler for whenever you need a boost of energy. They're a great option for the trail, long road trips to the campsite, or even a healthy dessert! 

 

Hungry for more? Get the free Digital Recipe Guide with bonus recipes here 

 Which camping recipes are you most excited to try out? Let us know—tag us on Instagram! 

 

Written by Gabi Abreu, Epicure Product Education Specialist. (BSc Nutrition & Dietetics) 

LOOKING FOR MORE BUDGET-FRIENDLY DINNERS? 

Meet the Epic Box—Epicure’s monthly subscription box with 7 easy peasy dinners, epic exclusives, and more! Meals cost under $4 per serving, shipping is always free, and each month you subscribe, 7 meals are donated to families in need.  

“Such an easy, fun and inexpensive way to break out of your meal rut!”  – Amber Karol Davret