Cooking in a campervan presents a unique set of challenges: limited space, fewer cooking tools, and a constant awareness of water and fuel use. Over the years of living and travelling in a van, I’ve come to value meals that are efficient, nutritious, and low on washing up. One-pan meals are a go-to for vanlife cooking, and here at Vanlife Eats, we’ve tested and refined many recipes that work reliably in compact kitchens.
Below is our collection of 7 one-pan meals that will consistently deliver on taste and practicality. Each has been tested by vanlifers and is designed to be adaptable depending on the ingredients you have available. Better still… go local and adapt to seasonal local produce.
1. Breakfast Tacos
Overview:
Sausage, eggy tortilla and dripping in cheese, these breakfast tacos are a reliable and adaptable start to the day. The recipe is flexible depending on available ingredients and is quick to prepare.
Ingredients include:
- Eggs
- Tortillas
- Cheese
- Salsa or chopped tomatoes
- Avocado (if available)
- Optional: mushrooms, chorizo, peppers
Why it’s great for vanlife:
- High in protein
- Fast cook time
- Easy to modify
- Minimal clean-up
Cooking tip: Use a RidgeMonkey sandwhich pan for an easy press and flip!
2. Pasta e Fagioli
Overview:
A classic Italian dish that translates to “pasta and beans,” this recipe is hearty, simple, incredibly nutritios and well-suited to van kitchens. Its also one of Vanlife Eats all time favourites.
Main components:
- Pasta
- Tinned beans (cannellini and barlotti beans work well)
- Tomatoes (fresh or tinned)
- Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil)
Van-friendly benefits:
- Uses shelf-stable ingredients
- Rich in fibre and plant-based protein
- One-pot method reduces water use
3. Kashmiri Banana Curry
Overview:
A plant-based recipe that uses ripe bananas in a curry sauce, combining sweet and savoury elements. Ideal when fruit is ripening quickly on the road.
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas
- Coconut milk
- Onion & garlic
- Mild curry powder or Garam Masala
- Tomatoes
- Oil for cooking
Why this works in a campervan:
- No need for meat or dairy refrigeration
- Quick cooking time
- Ideal for using up overripe fruit
Practical advice: This dish pairs well with rice or flatbreads, both of which can be made in advance or reheated in the same pan.
4. Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Overview:
This dish is ideal for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavours. Marinate in advance if time allows for deeper flavour. It’s sweet and sour but with the jerk seasoning! So good!
Core ingredients:
- Chicken (thighs hold up well in pan cooking)
- Jerk seasoning (homemade or pre-mixed)
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Optional: rice or couscous on the side
Why it’s suitable for van cooking:
- Straightforward method with minimal ingredients
- One pan can accommodate the full meal
- Leftovers store well for lunch the next day
Experience tip: If cooking rice in the same pan, use parboiled or quick-cook rice and monitor liquid levels closely to avoid sticking.
5. Traditional Shakshuka
Overview:
A Mediterranean dish made by poaching eggs in a rich tomato sauce. Highly nutritious, vegetarian, and quick to prepare. Add spice for those winter mornings!
Key ingredients:
- Eggs
- Chopped tomatoes
- Peppers
- Paprika and cumin
- Optional: fresh parsley, feta cheese
Ideal for:
- Breakfast, brunch, or dinner
- Using up tomatoes or passata
- Cooking in a Ridgemonkey or frying pan with a lid
Cooking insight: Simmer the sauce thoroughly before adding eggs. Use a lid to steam-cook the eggs evenly while retaining the soft yolk.
6. Vegetarian Skillet Lasagne
Overview:
A clever adaptation of traditional lasagne for the stovetop. It layers pasta, sauce, and cheese without the need for an oven.
What you’ll need:
- Lasagne sheets (broken into smaller pieces)
- Passata or tomato sauce
- Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or vegan alternatives)
Van-cooking benefits:
- Single-skillet preparation
- No need for baking
- Comfort meal without the oven
Preparation tip: Layer ingredients loosely in the pan and cover to allow steam to melt the cheese and cook the pasta through. Add veggies to make it more fiberous and nutritious!
7. One-Pot Jollof Rice
Overview:
A well-balanced, flavourful rice dish originating from West Africa. It’s a complete meal in itself and cooks well on a single burner.
Primary ingredients:
- Rice
- Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Onion
- Scotch bonnet or other chilli
- Garlic
- Optional: carrots, peas, or meat
Why it’s effective in a van kitchen:
- High in carbohydrates and energy
- No side dishes needed
- One cooking pot, minimal utensils
Vanlife tip: Avoid burning the base by stirring occasionally and using a diffuser if cooking on high heat.
Essential Tools for One-Pan Cooking in a Campervan
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Multipurpos skillet or Ridgemonkey Pan | Versatile, allows sautéing, simmering, and frying |
| Lid or foil | Helps retain moisture and heat, especially for egg and rice dishes |
| Silicone spatula or wooden spoon | Non-scratch, safe for non-stick pans |
| Compact chopping board | Space-efficient and easy to clean |
| Storage tubs | Useful for storing prepped ingredients or leftovers |
Final Thoughts
One-pan meals are essential for maintaining a consistent, healthy, and enjoyable cooking routine on the road. Avoid the service station food at all costs and find a nice scenic view and cookup a one-pan recipe.
Every recipe above has been selected based on actual experience in van kitchens, focusing on ease of preparation, flavour, and adaptability.
These meals can help simplify your day without compromising on quality. If you’re just starting out or planning your next trip, consider adding these recipes to your meal plan and let us know how you get on.
If you have your own go-to one-pan recipe, feel free to share it with us at Vanlife Eats — we’re always keen to showcase real meals from real vans.
– Mark @ Vanlife Eats
