Posted on by Cleverona Kitchen

People typically imagine that cooking in a van must be pretty difficult and that those who live in a van must consume a lot of pot noodles and boring sandwiches. However, cooking in a van is really not that different from cooking in a house; everything is just scaled back.

Finding recipes for the van life online may be fairly depressing. And trying to find recipes to suit your van kitchen can be quite difficult. That's why we've gathered a few favorites around the web to make your preparations a lot easier.

 

Tex Mex Beef and Rice Skillet

Quick dinners are a must when on the road and this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a simple recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients. And you can cut down the cooking time to 20 minutes if you already have leftover rice. It has flavors like cumin and lime for a fun Tex Mex flair. To stretch this meal you can add a garden salad or even a zesty wedge salad on the side. Garlic bread, chips, and Guacamole are fantastic sides. You could even add a big scoop of fresh Pico de Gallo on top.

Photo by: Yellow Bliss Road

[Get the recipe here]

Camping Breakfast Sandwich

Breakfast sandwiches may be the ultimate yummy, nourishing mix of fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full and powered all day long especially when made with whole grain bread, lean protein, and loads of vegetables. They also fit well in your hand, allowing you to eat a delicious, veggie-packed breakfast while on the go.

This breakfast sandwich is sweet and smoky bbq drippy egg goodness. It's one of the most delicious things that you can eat while you are camping or on the road.

Photo by: The Adventure Bite

[Get the recipe here]

One Pot Chili Mac

We have a special place in our hearts for chili mac. It's a dish that brings back memories of our youth for us since it blends the comforting simplicity of mac and cheese with the more intense and difficult chili flavor profile. And this wide appeal of chili mac is part of what makes it such a home run for camping. 

Chili mac mixes the smoky, spicy flavor of chili with the rich, creamy texture of mac & cheese to create a dish that combines the best of both worlds. And this recipe allows you to prepare the all-American camping classic in a single pot.

Photo by: Fresh off the Grid

[Get the recipe here]

Campfire Grilled Fish Tacos

If you're able to get a hold of a grill or a campfire on your trip, these grilled fish tacos should definitely be on your menu. This recipe gives you the most flavor out of the dish with minimal effort, making it perfect for cooking on the road or at a camp.

Photo by: Fresh off the Grid

[Get the recipe here]

Firey Avocado Eggs

Looking for a low-carb, high-healthy fat breakfast or lunch? That is definitely the reason this dish was created. With the addition of paprika and cayenne pepper to this simple dish, this perfect combination of egg and avocado is a taste you’ll never forget.

Photo by: Vanlife Eats

[Get the recipe here]

Cast Iron Brats With Peppers and Onions

Many campers have a long-standing custom of grilling bratwursts over an open fire. Brats are simple, hassle-free, and deliciously unpretentious camping food. But if you add a cast iron skillet to the equation, you have the chance at making this average meal amazing.

Photo by: Fresh off the Grid

[Get the recipe here]

One Pot Pesto Pasta with Bacon

Our favorite dish so far might just be this straightforward one-pot pesto pasta. A single burner camp stove and a skillet are all you need to get started. The cherry tomatoes, zucchini, pesto, pine nuts, and bacon provide a ton of vibrant, fresh tastes to this fantastic summertime camping dish.

Photo by: Fresh off the Grid

[Get the recipe here]

Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple and Coconut Rice

If you're looking for an easy hearty Vanlife recipe for a cold night, this recipe is a perfect choice. It's a filling meal with just the right heat to warm you right up. And with only the need of one skillet pan and one of our favorite cheat ingredients, Jerk Seasoning it's a really simple recipe to put together on the road.

Photo by: Vanlife Eats

[Get the recipe here]

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