RV meal planning is a chore that has to be done. Ah, the dreaded task of lugging groceries in and out of the RV! As a family that has been RVing for almost 10 years, we can certainly relate. But fear not, fellow road warriors! We’ve discovered a few tricks along the way that have made our life much easier. Admittedly, my better half usually packs all of the food while I sit around and write blog posts. But alas, you’re not here for comedy so let’s get to it! For starters, consider prepping your meals in advance and storing them in freezer-safe containers. This will save you tons of space in your cupboards and make mealtime a breeze. Another tip? Pack only what you need! No need to bring a 12-pack of burgers if you’re only traveling with one or two people. Trust me, your RV (and your back) will thank you. RV camping can be a great way to get out and explore, but it can also pose some challenges when it comes to food preparation and storage. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks that can help you eat healthy, tasty meals while you’re on the road. Here are 10 tips for RV meal planning:
1. Plan and Organize Your Meals in Advance
One of the keys to successful RV meal prep is planning and organizing your meals in advance. Make a list of the meals you want to eat while on the road, and then plan out the ingredients you will need. Use an excel spreadsheet to keep track of your ingredients, and sort them alphabetically to make it easy to see what you need. You can also go through your recipes and type in the ingredient descriptions followed by the amount needed. This will help you see how much of each ingredient you need and only take what is needed. You can also buy meat in exact quantities and have them vacuum packed. This way, you can save space in your RV and avoid buying duplicates. We also have some RV packing tips you may want to take a look at for some ideas on how to maximize space in your RV.
2. Flatten Your Meat Before Freezing
If you plan to bring meat with you on your trip, such as hamburger, sausage, or turkey meat, consider flattening it before freezing. Remove the meat from its packaging and place it in a freezer bag. Then, roll the meat flat with a rolling pin, seal the bag, and store it in the fridge if you’ll be eating it within two days. Otherwise, place it in the freezer. Flattening the meat will help it thaw much faster, making it easier to cook when you’re ready to use it.
3. Pack Frozen Burgers and Sausages in Small Freezer Bags
If you plan to bring frozen burgers, sausage patties, or links, consider only packing what you will eat in small freezer bags and leave the rest at home. If you’re only traveling with one or two people, you probably don’t need to bring a 12 pack of burgers. By packing only what you need when RV meal planning, you’ll save space in your RV’s freezer.
4. Pre-cut and Freeze Your Veggies
You can do the same thing with frozen vegetables like corn, peas, mixed veggies, green beans, or cauliflower. Pre-packaged frozen veggies often come in large bags, so consider portioning them out into smaller bags to save space. This will also help you avoid wasting food. Pre-cutting veggies, onions, and other ingredients and storing them in sealable bags can save you time and make cooking easier while on the road. Consider prepping your ingredients at home and packing them in a cooler or fridge for easy access.
5. Precook and Freeze Your Meals
Pre-cooking meals like goulash, baked mac and cheese, pasta salad, baked ziti, soups, casseroles, or any dish on your menu can save tons of space in your RV’s cupboards. Consider preparing these meals a few weeks in advance if you have freezer space at home. Then, place them in freezer-safe containers and store them in your RV’s freezer until you’re ready to eat them.
6. Prep Sandwich and Wrap Fillings Ahead of Time
If you’re a fan of sandwiches or wraps, consider prepping your favorite fillings ahead of time. As you can see, the common theme here when RV meal planning is to prep ahead of time. You can cook up some chicken or turkey, slice up veggies like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, and shred some cheese. Store each ingredient in a separate container or bag, then assemble your sandwich or wrap when you’re ready to eat. This will save you time and space in your RV kitchen, and ensure that your sandwich or wrap stays fresh. Plus, you can mix and match your ingredients to create different flavor combinations throughout your trip. So, try prepping some sandwich or wrap fillings for your next RV adventure and enjoy a tasty and convenient meal on the go!
7. Bring or Prebake Desserts
I need some sweets. Our RV trips are not complete without a sweet treat or two (or three). When it comes to dessert, here are a few tricks to make sure you’re fully prepared. As you have seen throughout this article, freezing is your friend. Consider baking your favorite treats ahead of time and storing them in the freezer. This will save you time and effort while on the road and ensure that you have a delicious dessert at the ready. And if you’re short on freezer space, don’t worry – many desserts can be stored in the fridge in smaller containers without losing their flavor or texture. So, whether you’re a fan of pies, cakes, or brownies, make sure to pack or prebake your desserts for a sweet and satisfying end to your RV meals.
Related: 5 Amazing Slow Cookers For RV Living – Cook On The Road!
8. Pack Only What You Need
When it comes to RV meal prep, less is often more. Bringing only what you need will not only save you space, but also money and food waste. I can’t tell you how many times we bring something out of the house to the RV only to take it back in the house after our weekend trip. We’ve done it more than once. Or twice. Take a few minutes to plan out your meals ahead of time and buy only the ingredients you need. And when it comes to items like potatoes, consider portioning them out into sealable bags before your trip. This will not only save space, but also make it easier to grab what you need when it’s time to cook. Plus, you’ll avoid the frustration of finding spoiled or unused food at the end of your trip.
9. Make Aluminum Foil Packs for the Grill
Cooking on the grill is a quintessential part of the RV experience. But why settle for just burgers and hot dogs when you can make delicious foil pack meals? Get creative and pack your favorite meats and veggies into a foil packet, then sprinkle on some seasonings and add a pat of butter for extra flavor. The best part? The foil packs are easy to transport and cook up quickly on the grill, so you can spend more time relaxing or playing with the kids.
10. Pre-Cook and Portion Out Meals
Consider pre-cooking and portioning out meals when RVmeal planning before you hit the road. For example, precook 1-2 pounds of burger and season it for tacos. Then, place 1/3 pound in a sealed bag and freeze it. This will be enough for a taco salad for two people. You can do the same thing with breakfast sausage patties or links/bacon. Precook them and place them in a gallon zip lock bag, then freeze. When you’re ready to eat, pull out what you need and thaw it quickly in a skillet. Throw in some eggs and you have a delicious breakfast sandwich in just minutes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RV meal prep can be a fun and enjoyable part of your camping experience. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can eat healthy, tasty meals while on the road. Whether you pre-cook your meals, pack frozen foods in small bags, or make aluminum foil packs for the grill, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your RV kitchen. So, get creative and start planning your meals for your next adventure on the road!
