Cooking in an RV can be one of the best parts of life on the road—but it also comes with its own challenges. With limited counter space, smaller appliances, and reduced storage, the key is finding meals that are quick, tasty, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or living full-time in your RV, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. The right recipes can help you enjoy homemade meals while saving money and making the most of your RV kitchen.
In this blog, we’ll share some easy, tried-and-true RV-friendly recipes that will keep your adventures fueled without a mountain of dirty dishes. Each recipe is simple, versatile, and requires minimal ingredients—perfect for cooking on the go.
1. One-Pot Chili
Why it’s RV-friendly: Minimal cleanup, hearty, and makes great leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix (or homemade)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the meat and drain excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Stir in beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
- Simmer for 20–30 minutes. Serve with bread, over rice, or even on baked potatoes.
Pro Tip: Make a double batch and freeze half in Ziploc bags for future meals. It’s a lifesaver on busy travel days.
2. Foil Packet Fajitas
Why it’s RV-friendly: Cooks on the grill, campfire, or oven with almost no dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- Olive oil
- Tortillas & toppings (sour cream, cheese, salsa, guacamole)
Instructions:
- Toss chicken and veggies with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
- Divide mixture into foil packets and seal tightly.
- Cook over grill or campfire for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Variation: Swap chicken for steak or shrimp. For vegetarians, use black beans or portobello mushrooms.
3. Skillet Breakfast Hash
Why it’s RV-friendly: Uses one pan and is great for using up leftover ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes, diced (or use frozen hash browns for convenience)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup cooked sausage, ham, or bacon
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a skillet, add potatoes, and cook until crispy.
- Add onion, peppers, and meat, cook until tender.
- Make small wells in the mixture, crack eggs into each well.
- Cover and cook until eggs are set to your liking.
RV Tip: Top with shredded cheese or hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.
4. Mason Jar Salads
Why it’s RV-friendly: Easy to prep ahead of time, stores well in the fridge, and keeps fresh longer than tossed salads.
Ingredients (layer in a jar):
- Dressing (bottom layer)
- Chickpeas or beans
- Chopped veggies (cucumbers, peppers, carrots)
- Protein (chicken, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or cheese)
- Lettuce or spinach (top layer)
Instructions:
- Layer ingredients in the order listed above (dressing at bottom, greens at top).
- Seal and refrigerate.
- Shake before eating and enjoy straight from the jar or pour into a bowl.
Why it works: The layering keeps lettuce from getting soggy. Perfect for quick lunches while on the road or hiking.
5. Campfire Banana Boats
Why it’s RV-friendly: Perfect quick dessert with zero mess.
Ingredients:
- Bananas
- Chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed graham crackers
Instructions:
- Slice banana lengthwise (without cutting all the way through).
- Stuff with chocolate chips and marshmallows.
- Wrap in foil and heat on campfire or grill for 5–7 minutes.
- Top with crushed graham crackers and enjoy.
Fun Twist: Try peanut butter, Nutella, or even crushed cookies as fillings.
Bonus: No-Cook Snack Ideas
Sometimes you don’t want to turn on the stove at all. These quick snacks are RV staples:
- Trail mix: Customize with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate pieces.
- Wraps: Use tortillas for peanut butter & banana or turkey & cheese wraps.
- Fruit parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit.
- Cheese & crackers: Always a classic and requires no prep.
Final Thoughts
RV cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and some easy recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals without the stress of a big kitchen. The key is keeping your pantry stocked with versatile ingredients, prepping ahead when possible, and embracing simple recipes that don’t require a lot of pots and pans.
The beauty of RV travel is the freedom it brings—and mealtime should feel the same way. Try these recipes on your next trip and see how easy (and fun) cooking in your RV can be. Your taste buds—and travel companions—will thank you!
