10 Easy & Cheap Backpacking Meals

Below are 10 recipes you can use on the trail during your next backpacking trip or thru hike.

These backpacking recipes are easy and use inexpensive ingredients. Some of the ingredients can be found at your local dollar store or you can pick up condiments from fast food restaurants to make these meals even cheaper.

I've put together this YouTube video to walk you through each recipe step by step or you can continuing reading to find the ingredient and step by step recipe on how to make each delicious meal.

The ingredients are lightweight, easy to carry and can be adjusted for higher or lower calorie intake. Not planning to backpack? You can still try these recipes at home for a quick, easy dinner!

Thanksgiving on the Trail

1/2 packet of instant mashed potatoes (any brand)

1/2 box of stuffing mix (any brand)

1/2 packet turkey gravy mix

Combine ingredients together in small bowl add 2 cups boiling water. Stir until thickened.

Add:

2 tablespoons dried onions

1 packet precooked chicken

2 tablespoons dried cranberries

2 tablespoons crushed pecans

2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (shelled)

Stir to combine

Pad Thai Delight

1 package of Soy Sauce Ramen and seasoning packet

1/4 cup dried carrots

2 tablespoons dried onions

1/8 cup dried broccoli

1/8 cup dried peas

Combine ingredients in small bowl and add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until combined.

Add:

1 packet of precooked chicken of choice

1 packet of soy sauce

1 packet of siracha sauce (optional)

1 packet of creamy peanut butter

Stir to combine.

Top with 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts

BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese

1/2 box of pasta shells

Place in small bowl and add 1.5 cups boiling water. Cover and let sit until water is absorbed. Drain excess water.

Add:

1/2 packet of Velveeta cheese sauce

Stir until combined. Add:

1 packet of BBQ pork (Walmart)

2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce

Bangers n' Mash

1 packet instant mashed potatoes

1 packet mushroom gravy mix

1 packet onion soup mix

Add ingredients in small bowl add 2 cups boiling water. Stir till thickened.

1 tablespoon butter

1 cheddar cheese stick

1 tablespoon dried onions

1 package of Duke's Shorty Sausages (or equivalent)

Break apart into smaller pieces. Stir to combine.

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

1 package of stuffing mix (any brand)

1/4 cup dried broccoli

Combine in small bowl. Add 2 cups boiling water. Stir until thickened. Add:

1 tablespoon dried onions

1 packet precooked chicken of choice

1/2 packet of Velveeta cheese sauce

Stir until combined.

Top with 1 crushed cheese cracker

Meat & Potatoes

1 box of au gratin potatoes including sauce mix

In small bowl, add 1.5 cups boiling water.

Add 1 cheddar cheese stick (cut into pieces)

Cover and set aside until water is absorbed.

Add 1 packet of sour cream

2 tablespoons of dried onions

Stir till combined.

Top with 1/2 package summer sausage (diced)

Chicken Pot Pie

1 package of instant mashed potatoes

1 packet chicken pot pie mix

1/8 cup dried carrots

1/8 cup dried peas

1/8 cup dried broccoli

Combine in small bowl. Add 2 cups boiling water. Stir until thickened. Add:

1 packet of precooked chicken

1 crushed cheese cracker

2 tablespoons dried onions

Chicken Parmesan

1 package Knorr pasta side of choice

1 packet precooked chicken

Combine in small bowl. Add 2 cups boiling water. Stir and cover until water absorbed

Add:

1 or 2 packets marinara or pizza sauce

1 stick of string cheese (torn into pieces)

1 packet parmesan cheese

Stir till combined

Top 1 cheese cracker crushed

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

1 package of instant mashed potatoes

Combine in small bowl with 2 cups boiling water. Stir until thickened

1 tablespoon butter

1 stick sharp cheddar cheese (broken into pieces)

1 packet sour cream

1 packet ranch dressing

2 tablespoons dried onions

1 or 2 tablespoons bacon bits

1 tablespoon chives

Stir until combined

BBQ Grits

2 packets of instant grits

Combine in small bowl with 1 - 1.5 cups boiling water. Stir till combined

Add

1 stick sharp cheddar cheese (broken into pieces)

1 package BBQ pork (Walmart)

1 or 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce

Stir until combined