The nice thing about car camping, or even RV camping, is that your camp food choices aren’t limited by what you want to carry in your pack.
And if there’s one way to serve up tasty meals that please even the orneriest of campers, it’s setting up your Instant Pot at camp.
So, if you’re looking for ways to eat like a foodie at the campsite, then I’ve got some yummy Instant Pot camping ideas for you.
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About Using The Instant Pot While Camping
I know what some of you are thinking right now – taking an Instant Pot camping is not really camping.
And I hear what you’re saying, but I feel like car camping and RV camping is kind of cheating in the first place a lot of the time, right?
So, if you’re on board with me here, then there’s a few things that you need to remember before you even start out for that campsite.
Make Sure Your Campsite Has Electricity
Yes, this seems like an obvious one, but I really want you to be sure that you’ll be able to use that Instant Pot before you pack all the ingredients for those easy meals you’re gonna whip up.
And don’t forget the extension cord, cause you’re probably gonna need it! Just make sure it’s an outdoor extension cord.
If you don’t have an extension cord for outdoor use, then you can get a long one like this at Amazon.
Clean It Before You Go (And Bring Cleaning Supplies With You)
Surely you’re not putting dirty small appliances in your car before your camping trips, right? Well, if you are, then I suggest you give that Instant Pot a nice cleaning before leaving home.
You’ll want that sucker as clean as possible in case you get that dreaded ‘burn’ warning on it. It’s hard enough to clean it at home, let alone at the campsite.
For the same reason, you’ll also want to make sure that you bring some cleaning supplies with you cause you’ll want to clean it after each meal is made in it.
Pre-Cut & Measure All Of Your Ingredients
Let me save you a LOT of time at the campsite by reminding you to wash, peel, cut, and measure out all of your ingredients for meals BEFORE you ever leave home.
I like to pack the ingredients in little baggies and write with a Sharpie what it is for and how much it is (just in case I forget). But, if you want to be a bit more eco-conscious, and you have the space in your cooler or bag, then store then in something like little Tupperware containers.
Make Sure You Have All The Cooking Gear You Need
While I think you can’t do any better than the two utensils that come with the Instant Pot, if you need other things to cook with (like maybe a steamer basket or silicone cups) then pack them up in advance so you don’t forget!
Cause it sure would suck to have everyone expecting egg bites for breakfast while you forgot to pack the silicone molds you make them in.
Now, let’s get to those tasty recipes cause I’m getting hungry just thinking about them.
Our Best Instant Pot Camping Recipes
Having owned and use an Instant Pot for a few years now, I have a few meals that I love to make at home, as well as on the road. You’ll find lots of options for easy Instant Pot camping meals to choose from.
Here I’ll be sharing everything with you from Instant Pot camping breakfast recipes to start everyone’s day off right to Instant Pot camping dinner recipes to fill up everyone’s bellies just enough to leave room for those campfire s’mores.
But if s’mores aren’t on the itinerary, then I’ll show you some of my favorite Instant Pot camping dessert recipes that are sure to leave everyone feeling satisfied before they zip up in their sleeping bags.
1. Instant Pot Crustless Breakfast Quiche
One of my favorite things to eat for breakfast at home is quiche, but I prefer to have it without the crust. And I can make exactly the same thing at the campsite with the Instant Pot PIP (pan in pot) method.
You will need a springform pan for this recipe.
I’m a big fan of the ham and cheese quiche, but keep in mind that you can modify this recipe to include any other type of breakfast meats, veggies, etc.
This serves six people.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small/medium onion, diced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Put your trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of water.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Set aside when done.
- Put the ham, cheese, and onion in your springform pan and mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture into the springform pan on top of the ham, cheese, and onion. Give it a stir to get it all mixed together.
- Put the springform pan in the Instant Pot on top of the trivet and cover loosely with foil.
- Cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes once the cook time ends, then do a quick pressure release.
Now you can serve up a hearty breakfast to your fellow campers!
2. Instant Pot Vanilla Crapple Oatmeal
You might be thinking by the name that this is not going to taste good, but I assure you that it does!
In my house, whenever we eat or drink something that has both apples and cranberries (or craisins) in it, we refer to is as “crapple” – just a combination of cranberry and apple!
I love the hearty goodness of this oatmeal, but keep in mind that you can change out the fruit with any fresh or dried fruit that you prefer.
This serves 6 people.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups steel cut oats
- 5 cups water
- 1 Granny Smith apple (large), diced or sliced
- 1/2 cup craisins
- 2 tsp Trader Joes bourbon vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- brown sugar
- walnuts
DIRECTIONS
- Use a little of the coconut oil to grease the inner pot of your Instant Pot. (You may need to use the Warm setting to heat the pot a bit to turn the coconut oil liquid.)
- Add all ingredients, except for the brown sugar, to the pot and give it a few stirs to mix well.
- Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes (yes, really!).
- Let the pressure release naturally once it’s done cooking for 30 minutes. If the valve isn’t all the way down after the 30 minutes, the slowly do the quick release to let the rest of the pressure out.
- Give the oats a stir once you open up the lid, and let everyone add their own brown sugar and walnuts to taste.
If you want to mix it up a bit, then you could add pumpkin spice mix or allspice for a warming fall flavor.
3. Instant Pot Maple-yum Banana Cream of Wheat
Whether I’m on the road or at home, this is hands down my favorite breakfast. It’s hearty, filling, and just the right amount of sweet.
I know, it doesn’t look like the most appetizing meal, but the flavor will blow you away.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, then you are going to love this. If you’re not big on sweets, then you can use a bit less maple syrup!
This serves 4 people.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup cream of buckwheat
- 2 large bananas, pureed (best if very ripe)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp allspice
DIRECTIONS
- Use the Warm setting to heat the inner pot and then grease it with the coconut oil so your breakfast doesn’t stick.
- Add the butter, maple syrup, bananas, and water to the pot. Stir at the pot warms until the butter melts and the maple syrup dissolves.
- Then add the allspice and buckwheat and whisk to remove clumps.
- Cook at high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally once it’s done cooking.
- Stir or whisk before serving.
For a bit of fall flavor variety, mix in some pumpkin spice mix instead of allspice.
4. Instant Pot Cracker Barrel Copycat Chicken & Rice Casserole
I grew up in the south and if there is one meal that always leaves me wanting seconds, it’s Cracker Barrel’s chicken and rice.
My whole family loves it, but growing up we live a good 45 minutes from the closest Cracker Barrel. Luckily, my mom was a great cook and she made us an oven-baked chicken and rice casserole that was just as good.
Taking that recipe, I’ve modified it a bit to make it work in the Instant Pot. It’s the perfect meal for a cold night at the campsite.
And yes, this is another one that doesn’t look amazing, but your belly will love it!
Serves 2-4 (depending on if everyone wants seconds!).
INGREDIENTS
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 10 Porcini mushrooms, diced
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS
- Use the Sauté function to heat the olive oil in the pot.
- Add all ingredients to the pot and stir well.
- Cook at high pressure for 23 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally once it’s done cooking.
You may also want to add some pepper, to taste, or top with shredded cheese when served (my dad eats parmesan on everything).
5. Instant Pot Meat Lovers Sweet Potato & Brussels Casserole
Another one of the favorite meals in my household is this flavor explosion. Before I got my Instant Pot, we used to make this in the oven, but now it’s so much easier with the pressure cooker.
One thing that I like to mention is that you can use either frozen or fresh brussels sprouts. If you can keep them cold, then I suggest the frozen pack simply because it’s easier.
As for the sausages, I buy the fresh ones from the Whole Foods meat counter.
Serves 4 hungry campers.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large sausages, sliced
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 large sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 bag of brussels sprouts, frozen
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp basil
- 1/4 tsp thyme
DIRECTIONS
- Use the Sauté function to heat the olive oil in the pot. Once heated, add the sausage and chicken and cook.
- Add spices to pot, and stir to coat meat.
- Add brussels sprouts, chicken broth, and potatoes, and stir.
- Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Once it’s done cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, manual pressure release slowly.
Not only is the meal delicious and easy to make, but it’s packed with healthy veggies that even the kiddos will end up liking.
6. Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken and Chickpeas Stew
Another hearty dish that is sure to please the campsite is this flavorful stew with it’s international flair.
The only downside to make this meal is that it does take a bit longer than most to cook. But, if you plan ahead, it will still be a crowdpleaser.
This serves 4 people.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cans petite diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 lb chicken breasts, whole
- 3/4 cup dried chickpeas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS
- Use the Sauté function to heat the olive oil in the pot and sauté the onions until translucent (4-5 minutes).
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot, making sure that the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
- Release pressure naturally.
- Shred the chicken in the pot with a fork before serving.
If you want a meatier version of this, then you can add more chicken to the pot. My family doesn’t eat a large serving of meat at meals, so this works well for us but you may prefer more.
7. Instant Pot Spicy Black Beans & Beef Nacho Platter
Mexican food isn’t really at the top of most campers must-have meals, but I’m crazy about the stuff. So, here we are.
If you’re a fiend for Mexican food as well, I think you’ll really love my upgraded Taco Bell Nachos Bell Grande copycat recipe for the Instant Pot.
This serves 4 hungry campers.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans (15 oz.), with juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 red chili pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (or any color you prefer)
- 1 package cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- tortilla chips
DIRECTIONS
- Use the Sauté function to heat the olive oil in the pot and sauté the onions, garlic cloves, and peppers until tender.
- Add spices, stir and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add ground beef and break apart the meat so that it evenly cooks and it mostly browned.
- Stir in the beans, with juice.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then natural pressure release.
- Cover plates with tortilla chips and then spoon out this beef and bean mixture on top of the chips.
- Serve topped with cheese, jalapeños, tomatoes, and anything else you want, like sour cream or salsa.
You could also add in some queso or Rotel for something a little different.
8. Instant Pot Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
By now, you’re probably sensing that my household eats a lot of casseroles. It’s true cause they’re easy to make, cheap to make, and they fill you up real good.
The same is true at the campsite.
This recipe serves 4 people.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 can of tuna
- 1 cup of pasta (I like the spiral noodles)
- 3/4 cup vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground sage
- 1/4 tsp ground paprika
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp basil
DIRECTIONS
- Use the Sauté function to heat the olive oil in the pot.
- Add stock, pasta, tuna, and spices. Stir until mixed well.
- Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes, then quick release the pressure.
- Sprinkle 3/4 of the cheese in after taking the lid off. The, stir it in before dishing the casserole out.
- Use the rest of the cheese to sprinkle on top of each person’s portion.
You can also add in a can of peas to this recipe, which tastes better than it sounds!
9. Instant Pot Southern-Style Fried Cinnamon Apples
A dessert that was a constant in my house growing up was fried apples, just like the kind you can get at Cracker Barrel.
I never understood why we called them ‘fried’ when they were made in a sauce pan, but I’ve carried over the name to my Instant Pot version.
These are sure to hit the spot when you want a little something sweet after dinner.
This serves 4 people.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 Granny Smith apples, quartered with core and seeds removed
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
- Use the Warm function to heat up the inner pot. Add the butter, maple syrup, and water and stir until butter melts.
- Add remaining ingredients to the pot and stir until everything is coated in the liquid.
- Cook on high pressure for 1 minutes.
- Do a quick pressure release.
- Stir before serving.
This dish is great just eaten on it’s own, but you can also use it as a topping for pancakes, cake, ice cream, etc. so have fun with it!
These are my families recipes that we love, and below I’ll share some recipes that we’ve found online and also grown to love for some easy camping recipes.
10. Instant Pot Giant Pancake
Who doesn’t love a pancake for breakfast? Well, thanks to this recipe you can chow down on a giant pancake at your campsite.
You can get this recipe over at Delish.
It serves up 8 giant pancakes and takes almost an hour all in.
I suggest slicing up some bananas to put on top and maybe a few walnuts for an even better pancaking experience.
11. Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken
Nothing beats a good BBQ when you’re camping, except for a quick and easy BBQ chicken meal from the Instant Pot, like this one.
You can get this recipe at Mama Cheaps.
It serves 4-6 people, depending on how much chicken your fellow campers like to pile up on their hamburger buns.
Just don’t forget to pack the hamburger buns! I also like to put some dill pickle slices on my sandwich for a little extra burst of flavor.
You can’t beat eating on of these sandwiches at the campsite with some Lay’s potato chips.
12. Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
I know that seafood isn’t really something that everyone wants to take with them camping, but if you have the space in your cooler or if you’re in an RV, then this is a tasty meal.
You can get this recipe over at Damn Delicious.
It serves between 4 – 6 campers, depending how hungry y’all are!
One of the best things about this recipe is that it only takes around a half hour.
13. Instant Pot Easy Pizza Pasta
You ever get to the campground and think man, I wish I could make a pizza here. Granted, if you’re in an RV, you probably have an oven and can make that pizza – but not car campers.
That’s where this yummy pasta dish comes in – it’ll solve that pizza craving and it’s super easy to make.
Get this recipe at Family Fresh Meals.
This recipe serves 6 people.
And if you’re camping with someone like my dad, then don’t forget to pack the can of parmesean cheese!
Below are a few more quick and easy Instant Pot camping recipes that I haven’t had a chance to try out yet, but that look like good ideas for future camping trips.
14. Easiest Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe
You can get the Easiest Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe from Mama Cheaps.
15. Spicy Honey Instant Pot Chicken
Get the Spicy Honey Instant Pot Chicken recipe from The Typical Mom.
16. Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Make it soup night at the campground with the Instant Pot Lasagna Soup receipe from Eazy Peazy Mealz.
17. Instant Pot Taco Bake
I love the idea of more Mexican food at the campground! Check out the Instant Pot Taco Bake recipe from LancFoodieGirl.
18. Instant Pot Taco Soup
Yup, another Mexican food dish cause I just love this type of food! For a soup version of tacos, try this Instant Pot Taco Soup recipe from Whisk Affair.
19. Pressure Cooker French Dip Sandwich
I love a good sandwich and the French Dip is always one of my favorites. Get a Pressure Cooker French Dip Sandwich recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats.
20. Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
While this normally something that I would reserve for making at home, it could be a good idea for the campground. Take a look at this Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin receipe from Mama Cheaps.
21. Coca Cola BBQ Ribs Instant Pot Recipe
Here’s another great idea if you’re looking for a BBQ dish without all the work. Try the Coca Cola BBQ Ribs Instant Pot Recipe from Mama Cheaps.
22. Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice
For a little something spicy, you can’t go wrong with Cajun food. Check out the Instant Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice recipe from LeelaLicious.
23. Instant Pot Carnitas
Here’s another great option to bring foodie-style meals to the campground. Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Carnitas from Buns in My Oven.
24. Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Stuff peppers are a staple in my household and I love the idea of making them in my Instant Pot on the road. Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole from The Typical Mom.
25. Instant Pot Beef Stew
There’s nothing better on those cold nights than a hearty stew, even if you’re at the campground. I’ve found a great looking recipe for Instant Pot Beef Stew from Life Made Sweeter.
26. Quick Instant Pot Hobo Meals (Foil Packets)
Hands down the easiest way to make meals when camping with your Instant Pot are these foil packet meals. I can’t wait to try some of these Quick Instant Pot Hobo Meals (Foil Packets) recipes from Adventures of a Nurse.
27. Instant Pot Garlic Spaghetti
A great cheap and easy meal is always spaghetti, and I love a little extra garlic. Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Garlic Spaghetti from Recipe This.
28. Instant Pot Garlic Herb Chicken Breasts
In keeping with the garlic theme, I think this chicken recipe sounds great for a camping trip. Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Garlic Herb Chicken Breasts from Easy Instant Recipes.
29. Instant Pot Penne Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce
If you prefer something a bit fancier than most camp meals, then this soup might be a good choice. Here’s recipe I found for Instant Pot Penne Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce from Piping Hot Curry.
30. Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder
Though eating corn of any type at the campsite is probably not the best idea, this does seem like a yummy recipe. Take a look at this Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder recipe from Easy Instant Recipes.
31. Instant Pot Pasta And Meatballs
Here’s another good spaghetti option if you like your pasta with meatballs. Check out the recipe for Instant Pot Pasta And Meatballs from Cook, Eat, Go.
32. Instant Pot Goulash
Here’s another great warm meal that sounds perfect for cool nights at the campground. See the Instant Pot Goulash receipe from Instant Pot Cooking.
33. Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Yup, that old classic meal you’ve grown to love, except in a pressure cooker. Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Hamburger Helper from The Cozy Cook.
34. Instant Pot Campfire Stew
Another great option for a hearty, warm meal is this recipe for Instant Pot Campfire Stew from Recipes From a Pantry.
35. Instant Pot Meatloaf with Italian Roasted Vegetables
We eat a lot of meatloaf in my house and this sounds like the perfect meal for hungry campers. Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Meatloaf with Italian Roasted Vegetables from Monday is Meatloaf.
36. Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Another good looking soup option is this recipe for Instant Pot Lentil Soup from Tasty Galaxy.
37. Instant Pot Brisket
Since I used to live in Texas and eat a lot of brisket, I’m excited to try this recipe for Instant Pot Brisket from Tasty Galaxy.
38. Instant Pot Chili
Much like the corn recipe above, chili might not be the smartest camp food but it’s a classic one. Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Chili from Hodge Podge Hippie.
39. Easy Hot Wings
Check out this recipe for Easy Hot Wings from Hodge Podge Hippie.
40. Instant Pot Apple Crisps
To cure that sugar craving, this dessert recipe sounds perfect. Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Apple Crisps from Instant Pot Cooking.
41. Instant Pot Pound Cake
Why limit yourself to s’mores for dessert? Check out this recipe for Instant Pot Pound Cake from Easy Instant Recipes.
42. Instant Pot Beer Can Chicken
You probably already have beer in the cooler anyways, right? Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot Beer Can Chicken from Adventures of A Nurse.
43. Instant Pot Cowboy Casserole
Take your meat and potatoes to the next level with this Instant Pot Cowboy Casserole from Adventures Of A Nurse.
44. Instant Pot Hamburger Stroganoff
The picture for this Instant Pot Hamburger Stroganoff from Julie’s Eats & Treats looks amazingly delicious!
45. Peanut Butter Filled Instant Pot Brownies
You can’t go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate, right? Check out this Peanut Butter Filled Instant Pot Brownies recipe from The Typical Mom.
46. Easy Instant Pot Chicken Pho
Making pho at home is one of my favorite things to do, and I definitely prefer chicken to beef in mine. That’s why I was so excited to find this recipe for Chicken Pho from Platings and Pairings.
47. Thai Peanut Chicken and Noodles
Thai food is another one of my favorites and I look forward to treating my camping buddies with this recipe for Thai Peanut Chicken and Noodles from The Creative Bite.
48. Easy Instant Pot Spicy Sesame Rice Bowls
Here’s another Asian food option that the kiddos are sure to love. Check out the recipe for Spicy Sesame Rice Bowls from Good Housekeeping.
49.Instant Pot Cranberry Baked French Toast
If you want something for breakfast that looks and tastes like dessert, then this looks like a good option. The picture has me drooling over the recipe for Cranberry Baked French Toast from Pressure Cooking Today.
50. Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Never though I’d be having Indian food at the campsite, but I like the idea of it. If you do do, then check out this recipe for Butter Chicken from The Typical Mom
51.Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
For another great campfire meal that the whole family will enjoy, here’s a recipe for Buffalo Chicken Sliders from Yellow Bliss Road
image credits: Flickr, Delish, Damn Delicious, Mama Cheaps, Family Fresh Meals.
