Easy Campfire One-Pot Chili: Perfect Outdoor Recipe
Welcome to your ultimate guide to making campfire one-pot chili. It’s the perfect outdoor recipe for any adventurer. Cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be hard, and this chili shows that.
The smell of smoky spices fills the air as you sit by the campfire. You’re with friends, enjoying the moment.
Chili con carne has a long history, starting in 1529 in Mexico City. Today, this easy camping recipe feeds 6 to 8 people. It uses a big onion, colorful bell peppers, and beans.
This dish is not just tasty. It connects us to a tradition that has lasted for centuries.
This one-pot meal is quick to prepare, needing less than 30 minutes. It’s great for RVs or quick campsite meals. Just pre-dice your veggies and pack them in reusable bags.
So, whether you’re at Acadia National Park or just having a backyard adventure, this chili is a must-try. It’s perfect for your outdoor cooking needs. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Campfire One-Pot Chili
Making Chili Con Carne by the campfire is fun. It’s even better with cast iron cooking. Here’s what you need for a tasty dish that everyone will love.
Essential Ingredients
Good Chili Con Carne starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 pounds of ground beef or turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 cloves of minced garlic
- 5 tablespoons of chili powder
- 2 tablespoons of ground chipotle powder
- 1 can of beer (or water)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 pound cannellini beans, soaked in water for at least 4 hours
- 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
- 1 pound raw hot Italian or chorizo sausage
- 1 jalapeño chile
- 3 tablespoons homemade chili powder or store-bought chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- Liquid smoke for that authentic smoky flavor
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup finely minced cilantro
- 2 8.5-oz boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix
Optional Toppings
Want to make your chili your own? Try these toppings:
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Avocado slices
- Vegan shredded cheese
- Sour cream or vegan sour cream
- Finely sliced scallions
- Cilantro for a fresh touch
- Tortilla chips for added crunch
These ingredients make a delicious, hearty meal. Enjoy cooking with cast iron!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Outdoor Chili
Making the perfect outdoor chili is simple and fun. Imagine sitting under the stars, enjoying a delicious Camp Chili. Here’s a guide to make every bite amazing.
Preparation Tips
First, gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready makes cooking easier. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Set up your cooking area and make sure your Dutch Oven Dishes are ready.
- Heat some oil in your Dutch Oven and sauté onions and peppers until they’re soft.
- Remember to brown any meats, like ground beef or pancetta, in the Dutch Oven to add flavor.
Cooking Instructions
After you’re ready, it’s time to cook. Follow these steps to make your Camp Chili perfect:
- Add beans, corn, and chili spices to the sautéed onions and peppers.
- Mix in your choice of salsa and water, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let the chili cook, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are well combined and the chili thickens. Simmer for five to ten minutes or until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding or omitting ingredients like jalapeño peppers according to taste.
- Optional: For an added texture, include plant-based meat or serve it over cornbread topped with shredded Mexican cheese and sour cream.
Cooking over a campfire needs patience and precision. But using a Dutch Oven makes it easier. Its heavy lid and thick walls are great for slow-cooking, making your chili rich and flavorful.
Why This Campfire Chili is Perfect for Outdoor Cooking
This campfire chili is great for outdoor cooking. It’s a One-Pot Meal. This means you don’t need to carry much or set up a lot.
It’s easy to make because you only need one pot. This makes cooking outside simpler. It’s the best for Convenience Cooking.
Benefits of One-Pot Meals
One-Pot Meals are simple and efficient for Outdoor Cooking. You only need one pot for this chili. This means less to wash and less hassle.
It’s also good for saving fuel. This is important when cooking outside. You can use a campfire or a portable stove.
Convenience of Ingredients
The ingredients are easy to use. You need canned beans, tomatoes, and dried veggies. They save time and don’t need to be refrigerated.
These ingredients are perfect for Outdoor Cooking. They make cooking easy and sustainable.
Adding spices like chili powder and cumin makes the meal tasty. You can cook it in about 30 minutes. This is great for camping.
This chili makes camping better. It lets you relax and enjoy the outdoors more.
Top Tips for Cooking Over a Campfire
Cooking over a campfire is an ancient art. Using these campfire cooking tips will make your outdoor meals a hit. Whether it’s a big pot of chili or your favorite dish, you’ll do great.
First, let your fire turn into coals for even heat. This is key to cooking your food right and avoiding burns. Wait until the flames go out and the wood glows before cooking.
Having the right gear is important. A strong pot, like a 10″ cast-iron Dutch oven, is great for campfire cooking. Cast iron spreads heat well and keeps warmth, perfect for simmering chili. Other materials like titanium, steel, and aluminum also work well.
When cooking, keep your pot at the right distance from the coals. Too close and it might get too hot. Tools like Dutch oven stands or grill grates help control the distance and heat.
Having the right tools and accessories is also key. Good utensils include six-in-one folding grill tools, steel tongs, and grill sets. Accessories like Dutch oven lid lifters, steel log grabbers, grill gloves, and digital meat thermometers make cooking safer and more efficient.
Remember, the right campfire cooking tips and gear make cooking outdoors fun. With practice and the right tools, cooking outdoors will feel as easy as in your kitchen.
Alternative Ingredient Options for Different Tastes
Making campfire chili is fun and easy. You can make it with meat or without. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal.
Meat-Based Variations
For a meaty taste, use ground beef or bacon. Choose 90% lean ground beef to avoid extra fat. Add 4 strips of bacon for smoky flavor.
This chili with meat has about 601 kcal per serving. You can also keep leftovers in the fridge for 4 to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
Plant-Based Alternatives
Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy this too. Use black and red kidney beans or plant-based meat. A 28-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds flavor.
Plant-based options are just as good as meat. They have lots of protein and fiber. This makes for a healthy, tasty meal.
Best Equipment for Making Campfire One-Pot Chili
Cooking chili over a campfire is fun and fills you up. You need the right tools for a great meal. A Cast Iron Dutch Oven and High-Quality Cooking Utensils are key for tasty and memorable food.
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
A cast iron Dutch oven is a must for campfire cooking. It keeps heat well and is strong. Overmont, Lodge, and even Amazon make great ones for campfire use.
These Dutch ovens cook food evenly and bring out great flavors. You can’t get these flavors with other materials.
High-Quality Cooking Utensils
Using durable camping gear is important too. Tools like long-handled spoons, silicone tongs, and Henckel knives are great. They help you cook safely and easily.
These tools are made for campfire cooking. They make mealtime fun and safe. They’re part of what makes cooking outdoors special.
Choosing the right tools like a cast iron Dutch oven and durable utensils helps you make perfect campfire chili. Enjoy cooking and the time around the campfire. The right gear makes all the difference.
Dressing Up Your Campfire Chili with Delicious Toppings
Enjoying warm chili by the campfire is special. Adding tasty toppings makes it even better. Sour cream and shredded cheese are great for creaminess and melting.
Diced onions add crunch and a bit of sharpness. Fresh cilantro brings freshness and a hint of citrus. Crispy tortilla strips or corn chips add crunch and fun.
Guacamole or pickled jalapeños add sweetness and tang. They balance the chili’s spice and add flavor. This makes chili a customizable meal for everyone.
One-pot chili is simple and adaptable. It’s also nutritious, with 521 calories, 51g carbs, and 31g protein. Next time, bring your favorite toppings for a fun campfire meal.
