Campfire Chili

With the colder weather, a big bowl of hearty chili seems to warm the soul as much as the body. One of my favorite camp recipes is Campfire Chili. It's easy to make and is always a nice treat beside the campfire.

This recipe calls for grown beef already browned and drained for ease in transport and to reduce the chances of contaminating the cooler. I strongly suggest browning the beef before leaving, but if you are not able to then brown it first before starting with the rest of the directions.

Using either a camp stove or a camp fire with a grate, use a low heat. With a campfire, you want to be able to hold your hand above the grate for about five seconds or so before you can't stand it anymore. Many propane stoves cook a little hotter than I like, so I put a cast iron griddle under the pot to keep the heat at a manageable level.

What you will need:

• One lb browned ground beef, and/or venison
• One large can tomato sauce
• One regular can of each light and dark kidney beans
• One small onion, chopped
• Seasonings to taste (I use a blend of chili powder, garlic powder, and a little cumin)
• Half cup of each jalapenos and green peppers diced small (optional)

In a large pot, sautee onions in a little dab of oil or butter until translucent, and then add all remaining ingredients. If you like your chili pretty thick, drain the kidney beans before adding. Now and then I'll add a small can of crushed or chopped tomatoes, it adds a nice texture and taste. Seasoning to taste is something that is different for everyone, and I'll admit I've cheated and used the Caroll Shelby's chili mix from time to time (highly recommended!). I often premix the seasonings before leaving and take in a small container.


Stir your chili frequently to prevent burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan. If you used the pre-cooked burger, it's ready to eat in about 10 minutes or so. You can let this cook a little longer for better flavor. This camp chili recipe will yield several bowls, and can be cut down to a smaller size to fit your needs. Don't forget to pack the crackers!