Twenty minutes is all it takes to whip up a hearty campfire chili on your next camping trip. With just a few pantry essentials and basic cooking gear, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without the hassle of complicated preparation or excessive cooking tools.
The benefits are clear: you’ll have delicious, customizable chili without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Plus, this dish is easily made in a portable cast iron potmaking it a must-have for beginners diving into outdoor cooking.
Why Campfire Chili Is Ideal for Camping
For a cozy campsite dish, chili is hard to beat; it invites sharing and conversation after a day of outdoor activities. If you want to simplify your cooking experience, stick with the basic ingredients like canned beans and frozen vegetables, which help minimize waste while maintaining taste.
Savory Campfire Chili Recipe
This savory campfire chili comes out rich, hearty, and full of flavor, perfect for warming you up after a long day outdoors.
Prep time 10 minutes | Cook time 10 minutes | Total 20 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, or tofu for vegetarian)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a cast iron pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef (or chosen alternative) and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1 medium diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper, cooking until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 2 (15-ounce) cans of kidney beans, and 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Recipe Notes
This chili is great for leftovers as it stores well. Keep it in any airtight container in cooler storage for up to three days. You can also make it ahead of time and reheat it over the campfire. Swap kidney beans for black beans or add corn for a bit of sweetness.
Nutrition (per serving) Calories 520 | Protein 34g | Carbs 18g | Fat 32g | Fiber 3g | Sodium 890mg
Nutrition is an estimate based on the ingredients above.
Planning meals ahead can ease your camping experience. If you’re also dealing with camping gear decisions, I’ve got a detailed guide on choosing the right tent size here: 2 Person Tent vs 4 Person Tent.
If you’re ready to step into outdoor cooking, this campfire chili recipe is your best bet. It’s easy to follow, requires minimal cleanup, and uses a compact cooking setup. You’ll be impressing your fellow campers with your cooking skills in no time.
Curious about more camping meal ideas? Look for ways to make your outdoor adventure even more enjoyable, from breakfast to dinners and snacks. Additionally, for more tips on camping cooking gear for beginners, check out this resource.
See also our take on camping best choice.
We cover essential adventure in more depth separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook chili over a campfire?
To cook chili over a campfire, start by building a fire and allowing it to burn down to coals. Use a sturdy pot or Dutch ovenplace it over a grill grate or directly over the coals, and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
What ingredients are best for campfire chili?
The best ingredients for campfire chili include canned beans, diced tomatoes, ground meat (like beef or turkey), onions, bell peppers, and chili seasoning. Optional ingredients can add flavor and texture, such as corn, diced jalapeños, or even dark chocolate.
Can you make chili in a Dutch oven?
Yes, a Dutch oven is an excellent choice for making chili while camping. Its thick walls retain heat evenly, allowing for consistent cooking and excellent flavors as the chili simmers.
What is a simple camping chili recipe?
A simple camping chili recipe includes browning 1 pound of ground meat in a Dutch oven, adding 1 can each of diced tomatoes and kidney beans, along with 1 chopped onion and 2 tablespoons of chili powder. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes over the campfire and enjoy.
Is chili good for cold weather camping?
Yes, chili is a great choice for cold weather camping as it is hearty, nutritious, and warms you up. Additionally, its ingredients can be prepared in advance and cooked easily over a campfire.
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