How to Make Dutch Oven Chili Camping Recipe | Life in The RV (2024)

Cooking with a Dutch oven is often done over an open flame, which makes the Dutch Oven Chili recipe a great camping recipe.

CAMPFIRE COOKING: ONE-POT MEAL DUTCH OVEN CHILI RECIPEFOR EASY CLEANUP

Ahh, the smell of a campfire. And there is nothing better than cooking over hot coals on an open campfire.

Everyone has a favorite camping chili recipe. Don’t they?

It’s like Halloween. When the kids were little, we would head back to the house for some hearty chili and hot chocolate.

Sometimes it was cold outside and other times were warm.

Dutch oven cooking is the best way to make homemade chili and is the perfect camping meal with the best flavor.

My husband prefers his chili without beans, so I normally have to make a separate pot for him in addition to the classic chili.

He also likes a more spicy flavor.

The Dutch Oven Chili also makes a great recipe for game day and feeds a crowd easily on your next camping trip.

We have listed a few optional ingredients that can be added to the campfire dutch oven chili in order to make a more hearty meal.

Prep time 15 minutes

Cooke time 2 hours

Yields 8 servings

Cast Iron Dutch Oven Chili RecipeMain Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Salt, coarse kosher
• Black pepper
• Red bell pepper
• Green bell pepper
• Purple onion
• Minced garlicor garlic powder
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Oregano
• Bob’s Red Mill Masa harina(the secret ingredient)

Optional Toppings

• Sour Cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Dice onion

Optional Additions

• kidney beans
• black beans
• pinto beans
• white beans (use all the beans for a four bean chili)
• red pepper flakes
• jalapeno peppers
• green chilies
• onion powder
• Liquid smoke
• Green onions
• Canned tomatoes

If you don’t like spicy foods, I would not add any of the spices listed above.

For exact measurements, please see the recipe card below.

Optional Equipment Needed

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• Camp stove
• Enamel dutch oven
• Long Wood spatula

Faqs

Cooking with a Dutch oven is often done over an open fire, which makes the Dutch Oven Chili recipe a great camping recipe.

But, it can also be done over a closed grill, oven, instant pot, slow cooker, or stovetop.

If using an open flame via fire or grill, for best results, you’ll want to get the flame at medium heat with a low steady flame once the dutch oven is heated up.

If using the oven, set the oven to 350° f.

Pre-Prepping

If you want to make it easier on yourself once you get to the campsite, then prep your ingredients at home before you head out.

Chop your onions, and peppers, and place them in a ziplock baggie.

You can even add all your pre-measured spices in a small container so you aren’t lugging around all those bottles.

Frying up your hamburger ahead of time is also an option.

Once you get to the campsite and it’s time to eat, build your fire and dump everything into the pot and cook.

Campfire Tips

Cooking over charcoal briquettes or wood can be tricky when it comes to controlling temperatures.

One way to make that task a bit easier is to create a double burner of sorts.

When setting up your campfire area, make it extra wide.

Build your fire on one side of the campfire ring and then rake the burning embers over to the opposite of the fire pit.

Put your campfire grate over the embers as opposed to the fire.

This way, you can add as many embers as you need without running the risk of burning up your dinner as well as the bottoms of your cook pans.

How to Make the Best Chili Recipe

Get the Dutch oven hot over high heat.I season my iron pot with olive oil just like a cast iron pan.

Place ground beef in a large dutch oven and begin to spread it around.

Brown the meat, stirring it occasionally until you see no more red meat. Season beef with salt and pepper.

Remove the ground meat and drain (not rinse) excess grease. Set aside.

As the chili cooks, chop the onion and peppers into small pea size bits and add to the Dutch oven.

Sauté for 8-10 minutes until tender and onions translucent.

Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.

Incorporate the beef back and stir chili.

Add the remaining ingredients, the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, and mix it in.

Cover and allow a slow boil to start.

Remove the lid and add all the spices and mix in. Return the cover and let cook for 30 minutes over medium heat.

Remove the lid and stir in the masa harina. This will thicken the chili. Cover the chili and cook for 1 hour over low heat or 300°.

Remove and let cool.Allow extra time if adding in any of the ingredient additions suggested below.

Serve with shredded cheese, and sour cream on top of the chili, corn chips, tortilla chips, cornbread mix, and or crackers on the side.

Dutch Oven Beef Chili Recipes Variations

Substitute sweet Italian sausage or ground turkey.

My Chili is Too Watery

If your chili is too watery, add a small can of tomato paste. It will thicken up nicely. You can also add a can of tomato soup.

My Chili is Too Thick

If the chili is too thick, I add about a half cup of beef broth at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Storage Suggestions

I think chili always tastes better the next day as the flavors blend together overnight.

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Printable Recipe Card

Easy Dutch Oven Chili Recipe Conclusion

Whether you are cooking for the entire family or a small crowd, this is an easy recipe and family favorite.

The best part is that you can use it for chili dogs or frito pie.

Dutch oven recipes are perfect for cooler months and make a delicious meal.

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