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Are you ready to cozy up around the campfire with a hearty and delicious meal? Look no further than this Dutch Oven Chili Con Carne recipe! As a seasoned camping enthusiast, I’ve learned that there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili after a long day of outdoor adventures.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make, even in the great outdoors. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty dutch oven, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about a few key preparations you’ll need to make to ensure your dutch oven chili turns out perfect every time.

  1. Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. One of the secrets to stress-free campfire cooking is to do as much prep work as possible before you leave home. Measure out your spices, chop your veggies, and even brown your ground beef ahead of time. This will save you valuable time and effort at the campsite.
  2. Make sure you have the right equipment. In addition to your dutch oven, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment to make this chili. Don’t forget to pack a sturdy pair of tongs for stirring, a can opener for your beans and tomatoes, and a reliable heat source like a campfire or charcoal briquettes.
  3. Plan your cooking time. While this chili is relatively quick and easy to make, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to let it simmer and allow the flavors to meld together. I recommend starting your chili at least an hour before you plan to eat to ensure it’s fully cooked and deliciously flavored.

Now that you’re prepared, let’s get cooking!

Dutch Oven Chili Con carne recipe

Chili Con Carne

When it comes to camping comfort food, it doesn't get much better than a hearty bowl of chili con carne. This classic dish is perfect for those chilly evenings around the campfire.
Course Main Course
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven
  • 1 Long spoon for stirring
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting board

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground or cubed beef
  • 1 Onions diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 can kidney beens drained and rinced
  • 1 can tomato sause (or canned tomatoes that are chopped)
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • To start, brown the ground beef in your dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Once it's cooked through, add in the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  • Then, toss in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices.
  • Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • NOTE: If this is your first time cooking please note that the dutch oven can run dry, keep water nearby to add if needed.
  • If you like your chili on the spicy side, feel free to add in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. And don't forget the toppings! Some shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions can really take this dish to the next level.

Tips for Customizing Your Dutch Oven Chili

One of the best things about this chili recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Vegetarian? Simply swap out the ground beef for an extra can of beans or your favorite plant-based protein.
  • Like it spicy? Add in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
  • Cheese lover? Top your bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese.
  • Feeling fancy? Serve your chili with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or chopped fresh cilantro.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this chili your own!

I hope this Dutch Oven Chili Con Carne recipe becomes a new favorite for your camping adventures. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the campfire with good food and good company, and this hearty chili is the perfect way to bring everyone together.

So the next time you’re planning a camping trip, be sure to add this easy and delicious recipe to your menu. Your taste buds (and your camping buddies) will thank you!

If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. And if you have any favorite dutch oven camping recipes of your own, I’d love to hear about them!

Happy camping and happy cooking!

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