RV Meals Made Easy with ABC Upfitters

RV Meals On-The-Go!

RV Meals are one of the simple joys of life—especially when you’re savoring them in a remote location and surrounded by nature. Whether you’re deep in the desert, up in the mountains, or parked lakeside with no hookups in sight, off-grid travel doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice great food. In fact, with a bit of planning and the right gear, eating well on the road can be one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

That’s where ABC Upfitters comes in. Specializing in rugged, off-road-ready RV electrical system upgrades, they help turn a normal RV into a self-sufficient battery powered kitchen, fit for any foodie, no matter how far you explore!

The Importance of Easy RV Meals

When you’re boondocking or off-grid, every bit of energy, water, and space counts—and that includes in the kitchen. That’s why easy RV meals are more than just convenient; they’re essential.

Cooking in a small space with limited power and water can be difficult. You might be facing challenges like relying on solar power or managing a small fresh water tank. Cleanup has to be minimal. Ingredients need to be stored well. And prep time? The faster, the better—especially after a long day on the trail or behind the wheel.

That’s where planning comes into play. Prepping ingredients ahead of time, keeping meals simple, and sticking with one-pot or no-cook recipes can make a huge difference. Not only does it save time and conserve resources, but it also rewards you with more freedom to go out and enjoy those bucket-list locations you’ve worked so hard to reach.

Kitchen Essentials

Off-grid cooking starts with reliable power, and ABC Upfitters makes it happen with expertly installed Mastervolt systems and custom solar setups designed for serious off-grid living.

Their energy-first approach means you can run everything from induction cooktops to 12V fridges—without worry. With Mastervolt lithium batteries, inverters, and solar arrays, your kitchen can stay powered up no matter how remote your campsite.

Key components include:

Mastervolt Lithium Batteries – long-lasting power for your cooking gear
Mastervolt Inverter – clean, quiet AC power, on-demand when you need it
Custom Solar Arrays – keep your system charged without shore power
Smart Monitoring – keep track of energy usage and battery levels to plan meals accordingly

Pair that power with space-saving appliances and efficient water systems, and you’ve got a kitchen built for off-grid living.

Meal Prepping Tips for Boondockers

Meal prepping is key to making the most of limited resources while traveling in your RV. Here are some tips to save time, energy, and water on the road:

Use Solar Coolers – Keep perishables fresh without draining your battery. A 12V cooler powered by solar energy is perfect for off-grid adventures, keeping your food cold without the need for a generator.
Pre-Cut, Vacuum Seal, and Store Ingredients – Prepare meals ahead of time by chopping vegetables and portioning proteins. Vacuum sealing keeps ingredients fresh longer and minimizes waste, making it easier to cook quick meals without extra prep time.
Manage Water Usage and Cleanup – Water is limited, so use it wisely. Rinse dishes with minimal water and consider a smaller sink basin to optimize water-use. Opt for one-pot meals (like the one-pot chili we shared above) and compostable plates to reduce washing up.

RV Meals for Off-Road Living

Great food doesn’t need hookups or a full kitchen—just smart planning and simple recipes. Here are four road-tested RV meals that are perfect for boondocking and off-grid cooking:

One-Pot Chili – Hearty, filling, and easy to clean up. Toss it all in one pot and let it simmer while you unwind.
Campfire Breakfast Tacos – Quick to make and packed with protein. A great way to start your day before hitting the trail.
Picnic Wraps – Perfect for conserving power and staying cool in warm weather. Mix and match ingredients for endless combos.
Dutch Oven Cobbler – A classic camp dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. Minimal effort, big payoff.

The ABC Upfitter’s RV Meals Cookbook:

At ABC Upfitters, the team doesn’t just build rugged rigs—they live the lifestyle. Read below to save some of our team member’s favorite off-grid recipes:

Scott Herman | Cast-Iron Steak with Garlic Herb Butter

Ingredients:

2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (1″ thick)
Salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs

Instructions:

Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a cast iron skillet over a hot campfire or high flame until very hot.
Add olive oil. Once shimmering, lay steaks in and don’t move them for 3–4 minutes.
Flip steaks. Add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan.
Spoon butter over the steaks (“baste”) while they finish cooking (another 3–4 minutes for medium rare).
Rest steaks for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

🔥 Campfire Tip: Use hot coals instead of direct flames to control the heat better.

Stacy Johnson | Campfire Foil Pack Potatoes

Ingredients:

4 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a little smokiness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite)
1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Optional add-ins:

Sliced onions
Bell peppers
Mushrooms
Jalapeños
Ranch seasoning packet instead of spices

Instructions:

Tear off two large sheets of heavy-duty foil per packet (you want to double wrap to avoid burning).
Toss the sliced potatoes in olive oil or melted butter and seasonings. (If adding onions, peppers, or bacon, mix them in too.)
Divide the potato mixture between the foil sheets. Fold the foil tightly around the potatoes to seal into a packet.
Place packets on hot campfire coals (NOT in direct flame) and cook for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Carefully open the packets, sprinkle cheese on top, and re-seal loosely for another 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions or parsley before serving.

🔥 Tips for Success:

Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook faster and more evenly.
If you like crispy bits, open the packets for the last few minutes of cooking.
Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving for extra flavor.

Justin Foster | Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 corn cobs (cut into 4 pieces each)
12 baby potatoes (halved)
1 smoked sausage (sliced)
4 tablespoons of butter (melted)
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning or Cajun spice
Lemon wedges

Instructions:

Parboil potatoes at home for 5–7 minutes (optional, speeds up cooking).
Toss shrimp, potatoes, sausage, and corn in melted butter and seasoning.
Divide into 4 portions and wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil.
Cook over hot coals for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway.
Open carefully (watch for steam) and serve with fresh lemon.

🔥 Campfire Tip: Place packets on a grill grate over the fire, or directly in the embers.

Josh Turner | Dutch Oven Lasagna

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar marinara sauce
9 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Olive oil

Instructions:

Cook beef in a skillet until browned; drain.
Mix beef with marinara sauce.
Oil the Dutch oven to prevent sticking.

Layer:

Sauce on the bottom
Noodles (break to fit)
Ricotta, mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan
Repeat layers 2–3 times.
Top with extra mozzarella.
Cover the Dutch oven and cook with 10–12 coals underneath and 16–18 on top for about 30–40 minutes.
Check and rotate occasionally for even cooking.

🔥 Campfire Tip: If using a grill or a fire pit, you can hang the dutch oven above the flames or set it over coals.

Mike Zarse | Cedar Plank Salmon

Ingredients:

2 salmon fillets (skin-on)
1 lemon (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons fresh dill
Salt and pepper
1 soaked cedar plank (soak in water 1–2 hours before cooking)

Instructions:

Preheat the fire and get a grill grate hot.
Lay lemon slices on cedar plank, then place salmon on top.
Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle dill over it.
Set the plank on the grill, not over direct flame (or it’ll catch fire — you want it to smolder).
Cover loosely with foil if possible, or close the grill lid.
Cook for 15–20 minutes until the salmon is flaky and tender.

🔥 Campfire Tip: If plank starts to flame, spray lightly with water.

Ben Miller | Campfire Pizza

Ingredients:

Premade pizza dough or flatbread
Pizza sauce
Cheese

Instructions:

Use pre-made pizza dough or flatbread.
Top with sauce, cheese, and your favorites.
Cook in a cast-iron skillet or over a grill.

Food Fuels Adventure

With the right prep, your off-grid meals will be easier and more enjoyable, letting you focus on the adventure, not the logistics.

All-in-all, good food fuels great adventures! Visit us at abcupfitters.com to learn how to level up your RV kitchen for your next boondocking getaway!

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About ABC Upfitters:

ABC Upfitters provides premium, customer-focused, upfitting services to RV clientele who are looking for the ultimate off-grid experience. The close-knit company originated from the rising demand for aftermarket Li-Ion battery upgrades for recreational vehicles. By using Mastervolt components, ABC can meet this need and provide an unmatched level of integration and quality for their customers. Contact one of the ABC team members today to learn about their services!