best meals on a solo stove

As summer outdoor gatherings and camping trips approach, the importance of having a reliable way to make memorable meals over a solo stove becomes clear. I’ve tested all these options myself—trust me, the right cooking accessories make all the difference. The Solo Stove Bonfire Griddle + Hub for 8” Elevation stood out for its exceptional durability and heat distribution, thanks to its heavy-duty cast iron material. It offers enough surface area to cook everything from breakfast eggs to burgers, and its compatibility with the Yukon Cooking System makes it versatile for meals at any outdoor event.

Compared to the Solo Stove Ranger Grill Top & Hub or the Bonfire Griddle alone, this combo provides better heat retention and easier cleanup. Even the smaller pizza oven mat adds some convenience, but the Griddle + Hub truly elevates your cooking game. After thorough testing, I can confidently recommend the Solo Stove Bonfire Griddle + Hub for anyone who wants robust, reliable, and versatile outdoor cooking. It’s the best way to turn your solo stove into a full-on outdoor kitchen.

Top Recommendation: Solo Stove Bonfire Griddle + Hub for 8” Elevation

Why We Recommend It: This product offers a heavy-duty cast iron surface with excellent heat retention, making it ideal for a wide range of meals. Its compatibility with the Yukon Cooking System ensures safety and seamless use. Compared to the Ranger Grill Top, its larger, more durable surface provides better heat distribution and longevity. The easy assembly and included carrying case make it perfect for outdoor adventures, ensuring you can cook with confidence wherever you go.

Best meals on a solo stove: Our Top 4 Picks

• Solo Stove Bonfire Grill Top & Hub for 8” Elevation – Best for Grilling and Outdoor Cooking
• Solo Stove Pizza Oven Mat | Silicon Mat for Heat – Best for Pizza and Heat-Resistant Cooking
• Solo Stove Ranger Grill Top & Hub, Cast Iron & Steel, 14.25 – Best for Versatile Cooking Options
• Solo Stove Bonfire Griddle + Hub for 8” Elevation – Best for Breakfast and Griddle Meals

What Types of Meals Can You Cook on a Solo Stove?

The best meals you can cook on a Solo Stove range from simple to gourmet options, allowing for diverse cooking experiences.

• S’mores: A classic campfire treat that is quick and easy to make on a Solo Stove. Simply roast marshmallows over the fire until golden brown, then sandwich them between graham crackers and chocolate for a delicious dessert.
• Grilled Vegetables: You can achieve perfectly charred vegetables by skewering them or using a grill basket on the Solo Stove. The high heat helps to caramelize the natural sugars, enhancing the flavor and making for a healthy side dish.
• Hot Dogs: Cooking hot dogs over a Solo Stove is simple and fun, making it perfect for gatherings or family outings. Just skewer the hot dogs and rotate them over the flames until they are heated through and slightly charred for added flavor.
• Soup or Stew: Using a pot on your Solo Stove allows you to simmer a hearty soup or stew. The even heat distribution from the stove makes it easy to cook ingredients thoroughly, resulting in a warm, comforting meal.
• Pasta: Boiling pasta is another great option, as the Solo Stove can bring water to a rolling boil quickly. You can then combine the pasta with various sauces or vegetables to create a satisfying meal.
• Foil Pack Meals: Wrapping meats and vegetables in foil packets allows for easy cooking and clean-up. Place your packets on the grill grate or directly over the flames, and enjoy a flavorful meal infused with the smoky taste from the Solo Stove.
• Breakfast Burritos: You can prepare scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, and cooked meats on the Solo Stove to fill a tortilla for a hearty breakfast burrito. This versatile meal can be customized with your favorite ingredients and is perfect for outdoor cooking.
• Pancakes: If you have a flat griddle or cast-iron skillet, you can whip up delicious pancakes right on your Solo Stove. The consistent heat ensures your pancakes cook evenly, and you can add fruits or chocolate chips for a special touch.

Which Grilled Meats Are Perfect for a Solo Stove?

• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them an ideal choice for grilling on a Solo Stove. Their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts helps keep them moist during cooking, and they can easily be seasoned with a variety of marinades or spice rubs to enhance their taste.
• Pork Chops: Pork chops are another great option as they cook relatively quickly and can achieve a nice sear on the grill. Choosing bone-in chops adds flavor and helps retain moisture, while marinating them beforehand can elevate their tenderness and taste.
• Steak: Cuts such as ribeye or sirloin are perfect for grilling, as they cook fast and can develop a beautiful crust. The high heat from the Solo Stove allows for excellent browning, and a simple seasoning of salt and pepper can elevate the natural flavors of the meat.
• Sausages: Grilling sausages is an easy way to prepare a hearty meal, as they require minimal prep and can be cooked directly over the heat. They come in various flavors, allowing for versatility, and their fat content helps maintain juiciness during grilling.
• Lamb Chops: Lamb chops are flavorful and tender, making them a gourmet option for grilling. A quick marinade with herbs and garlic can enhance their rich taste, and they only need a few minutes per side to reach the desired doneness.

What are the Best Vegetables to Grill on a Solo Stove?

The best vegetables to grill on a Solo Stove are those that enhance flavor, texture, and cooking efficiency.

• Zucchini: Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that grills beautifully, developing a tender texture while maintaining a slight crunch. Its mild flavor absorbs seasonings well, making it an ideal choice for marinating or pairing with herbs.
• Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add vibrant color and sweetness when grilled, caramelizing slightly under high heat. They can be sliced into strips or quarters and are excellent for adding to skewers or as a side dish.
• Mushrooms: Grilling mushrooms brings out their umami flavor and juicy texture, making them a favorite for adding depth to meals. Varieties like portobello or cremini are particularly great for grilling due to their sturdy structure.
• Asparagus: Asparagus spears become tender and slightly charred when grilled, enhancing their natural flavor. They cook quickly, making them perfect for quick meals or as a side dish to complement grilled meats.
• Eggplant: Grilled eggplant becomes creamy and flavorful, especially when brushed with oil and seasoned properly. Slices of eggplant can be used in sandwiches, salads, or enjoyed on their own as a side.
• Onions: Grilling onions brings out their sweetness and creates a caramelized exterior. They can be sliced into rings or wedges and are excellent for adding to burgers or serving alongside other grilled vegetables.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn develops a smoky flavor and tender kernels, making it a favorite for summer meals. It can be cooked directly on the grill or wrapped in foil for a sweeter, more steamed outcome.
• Cherry Tomatoes: When grilled, cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and sweetness, making them a delightful addition to salads or as a side. They are easy to skewer and cook quickly, adding a pop of color to any dish.

How Can You Prepare Delicious One-Pan Meals on a Solo Stove?

The best meals on a solo stove are those that are simple, flavorful, and require minimal cleanup.

• One-Pan Pasta Primavera: This meal involves cooking pasta alongside fresh vegetables in a single pan, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick and healthy option where marinated chicken pieces are sautéed with colorful veggies, all cooked together for maximum flavor.
• Chili Con Carne: A hearty and comforting dish that combines ground meat, beans, and spices, simmered in one pot for a rich and satisfying meal.
• Vegetable Fried Rice: Utilizing leftover rice, this dish is packed with vegetables and can be customized with your choice of protein, all prepared in one pan for easy cleanup.
• Shakshuka: A Middle Eastern classic made with poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for brunch or dinner and made easily on a solo stove.

One-Pan Pasta Primavera: To prepare this dish, start by sautéing your choice of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil. Add the pasta and enough water or broth to cover, then cook until the pasta is al dente, allowing the starches to create a flavorful sauce.

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: Begin by marinating chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Sauté the chicken in the pan until browned, then add in a mix of your favorite vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, cooking until tender and serving hot for a nutritious meal.

Chili Con Carne: In a single pot, brown your choice of ground meat, then add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Stir in canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili spices, allowing it to simmer for about 30 minutes for the flavors to deepen.

Vegetable Fried Rice: Start by cooking your choice of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and green onions in your pan. Add leftover rice, soy sauce, and any additional proteins like tofu or chicken, stirring everything together until heated through and crispy.

Shakshuka: Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add diced tomatoes and spices such as cumin and paprika. Create small wells in the sauce and crack in eggs, allowing them to poach gently until set, resulting in a delicious dish perfect for scooping with crusty bread.

What Soups and Stews are Ideal for Cooking on a Solo Stove?

The best meals to cook on a Solo Stove often include hearty soups and stews that can benefit from its efficient heat output.

• Chili: A classic choice, chili is ideal for a Solo Stove due to its one-pot nature and the ability to simmer flavors over time. It allows for the use of various ingredients, such as beans, meat, and spices, which all meld beautifully when cooked together.
• Lentil Soup: This nutritious option cooks quickly on a Solo Stove and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for solo cooking. The lentils provide protein and fiber, and the soup can be enhanced with vegetables and herbs for added flavor.
• Beef Stew: A robust meal, beef stew benefits from slow cooking, which the Solo Stove can accommodate. The high heat allows for browning of the meat, while the controlled simmering helps to tenderize the beef and blend the savory flavors of the broth and vegetables.
• Vegetable Soup: An easy and versatile option, vegetable soup can be customized based on seasonal produce or personal preferences. The Solo Stove’s heat is perfect for sautéing the vegetables before adding broth, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.
• Split Pea Soup: This dish is hearty and filling, making it perfect for colder days. The Solo Stove’s consistent heat allows the split peas to break down nicely, creating a creamy texture that’s comforting and satisfying.

What Are the Benefits of Cooking with a Solo Stove?

Cooking with a Solo Stove offers a variety of benefits that enhance outdoor meal preparation.

• Portability: The Solo Stove is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport for camping trips or backyard gatherings.
• Efficient Fuel Use: It burns wood efficiently, maximizing heat output while minimizing smoke, allowing for a cleaner cooking experience.
• Versatility: The Solo Stove can be used for various cooking methods, including grilling, boiling, and even baking with the right accessories.
• Environmentally Friendly: Using wood as fuel reduces reliance on fossil fuels and minimizes your carbon footprint, making it a sustainable cooking option.
• Enhanced Flavor: The wood smoke adds a unique flavor to meals that is difficult to achieve with traditional gas or electric stoves.
• Social Cooking Experience: The open flame creates a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for gatherings, fostering social interactions while cooking.

Portability: The Solo Stove is designed with portability in mind, allowing it to be easily packed into a vehicle or carried on foot during outdoor adventures. Its lightweight construction ensures that it won’t weigh you down, making it an ideal choice for those who love to cook on the go.

Efficient Fuel Use: The design of the Solo Stove promotes a secondary combustion process that burns wood more completely, resulting in less smoke and more heat. This means you can cook meals faster with less wood, making it a cost-effective option for outdoor cooking.

Versatility: Whether you’re searing steaks, boiling water for pasta, or even baking pizzas, the Solo Stove can handle it all. With the right accessories, such as a cast iron skillet or a grill grate, you can expand your cooking repertoire significantly.

Environmentally Friendly: By utilizing renewable wood as a fuel source, the Solo Stove helps reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional cooking methods that rely on non-renewable energy sources. This makes it a great choice for eco-conscious cooks.

Enhanced Flavor: Cooking over an open flame imparts a distinct smokiness to food, enhancing flavors in a way that electric or gas cooking cannot replicate. This unique taste is especially cherished by barbecue enthusiasts and outdoor chefs.

Social Cooking Experience: The Solo Stove not only serves as a cooking appliance but also as a social centerpiece. Gathering around a warm fire while preparing meals fosters camaraderie and creates lasting memories among friends and family.

How Can You Enhance Your Solo Stove Cooking Experience?

To enhance your Solo Stove cooking experience, consider the following best meals and techniques:

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilling vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus on a Solo Stove can bring out their natural sweetness while adding a smoky flavor.
• Campfire Pizza: Making pizza over a Solo Stove allows for a unique outdoor cooking experience, where you can customize toppings and enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family.
• Smoky Chili: Cooking chili on a Solo Stove infuses it with a rich, smoky taste that enhances the flavors of the beans, meat, and spices, making it a hearty dish perfect for cold weather.
• Roasted Marshmallows: No outdoor cooking experience is complete without roasting marshmallows, which can be easily done over the Solo Stove for a classic treat or an indulgent s’more.
• Stews and Soups: Using a pot on your Solo Stove allows you to make hearty stews and soups, where the slow-cooking method melds flavors beautifully, ideal for a satisfying meal after a day of outdoor activities.

Grilled vegetables benefit from the high heat and controlled flames of the Solo Stove, which helps to caramelize the natural sugars and create a delightful char. Toss them in olive oil and seasonings before grilling to enhance their taste further.

Campfire pizza can be achieved by using a cast-iron skillet or a pizza stone on your Solo Stove. Preheat the stone and then add your dough, sauce, and toppings, covering it to trap the heat for an evenly cooked crust and melted cheese.

For smoky chili, combine your choice of ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices in a pot over the Solo Stove. The flames not only cook the ingredients thoroughly but also impart a delicious smokiness that highlights the chili’s flavors.

Roasting marshmallows is simple; just hold them over the flames until golden brown, then sandwich between graham crackers and chocolate for s’mores. The Solo Stove’s design allows for easy flame management, making it perfect for this fun activity.

When making stews and soups, the consistent heat of the Solo Stove ensures that ingredients are cooked evenly and flavors deepen over time. Use a heavy-bottomed pot to withstand the heat and stir occasionally for the best results.

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