Description
This hearty Dutch oven chili is a perfect camping meal—one-pot, flavorful, and cooked right over the coals. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better outdoors.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, crackers
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over campfire coals or a grill grate.
2. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, and all spices.
5. Cover with the Dutch oven lid and simmer over medium coals for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
Cook over a ring of coals, not direct flame, for even heat.
Add a jalapeño for spice or a handful of corn for sweetness.
This recipe scales easily and reheats well for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Campfire Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: dutch oven camping recipes, campfire chili, outdoor cooking, one pot meal