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Cozy Campfire Chili Recipe Easy Homemade Dutch Oven Comfort Food

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A comforting, smoky campfire chili made in a cast iron Dutch oven, perfect for chilly nights and outdoor gatherings. This easy recipe combines ground beef, beans, and spices for a rich, layered flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chipotle powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Optional garnishes: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare your fire or heat source: get campfire coals ready or preheat a grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C), which takes 20-30 minutes.
  2. Heat the Dutch oven over the heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and warm until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Push veggies to the side and add ground beef. Break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a bit for flavor.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes to toast spices and deepen flavors.
  6. Pour in diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  7. Cover the Dutch oven with lid and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Chili should thicken and flavors meld.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  9. Ladle chili into bowls and top with desired garnishes. Serve warm.

Notes

Use medium coals rather than high flames to avoid scorching. Toast spices in oil with tomato paste for deeper flavor. Stir gently and regularly to prevent sticking but avoid over-stirring to keep texture. Let chili rest 5-10 minutes before serving to deepen flavors. For vegetarian version, substitute beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: campfire chili, Dutch oven chili, easy chili recipe, smoky chili, ground beef chili, outdoor cooking, camping food

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/cozy-campfire-chili-recipe-easy-homemade-dutch-oven-comfort-food/