Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by PorchLightReading
This easy campfire chili recipe is hearty, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. Perfect for family camping trips.
We try to camp as much as possible while juggling the kids school life and busy work schedules. Finding a balance can be a bit tricky, but one you figure it out it’s much easier loading up for a quick weekend trip.
During the cooler months we want warm comfort food that is easy, hearty, and flavorful. Something that doesn’t take a lot of time but tastes as if it does.
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- Table of contents: Campfire chili
- Ingredients
- How to maintain the campfire heat
- How to make campfire chili
- Chili toppings
- Campfire chili variations
- Chili packet substitute
- Cooking equipment we used
- Frequently asked questions
- Jump to recipe card
In fact, this campfire chili was so good that our oldest daughter asked for leftovers for breakfast! I could’ve argued or persuaded her to have a bagel or fruit instead, but really what’s wrong with a little breakfast chili?
CAMPFIRE CHILI RECIPE
When the cold weather hits and you’re gathered around a campfire, nothing beats a warm bowl of campfire chili. This easy, hearty campfire chili recipe is perfect for family camping trips and outdoor dinners.
Made with simple ingredients, fire cooked flavor, and customizable toppings. this one pot meal with become a favorite on every outdoor adventure.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef
- ½ onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 green pepper
- 1 chili seasoning packet
- 1 28-oz diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 TBS tomato paste
- 1 16-oz can pinto beans
- 1 16-oz can kidney beans
- 1 carrot
- 2 cups beef broth
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Maintain The Heat
A lot of the campgrounds we visit have really great fire pits with a grate that goes over one side of the pit. This is by far my favorite way to cook any camping meal. Since we usually have a fire going anyway, it’s nice just to heat up a pan and cook as we’re enjoying the fire.
I’ll have to admit, it’s not always efficient. There are several things that come into play that really makes my husband want to cook over a grill instead.
- Starting and maintaining a fire under a grate
- Damp conditions
- Wind/weather
With each camping trip you learn little tricks to make campfire cooking a tad easier. Since we are cooking beef, it’s important that it is cooked fully before adding any other ingredient.
After starting and maintaining a fire, you’ll start to get some great coals with good heat coming from them. This is the type of heat we’ll want to be cooking on. Along with continuing to add a log or two to maintain that heat.
How To Make Campfire Chili
Heat skillet- Place a large, deep, cast iron skillet or Dutch oven onto the grate directly over the heat. Allow the skillet to fully heat up. Using heat resistant gloves slide the skillet to indirect heat.
Cooking oil- Add a bit of oil to the skillet and then add ½ diced onion and one diced pepper . Cook until softened. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir until fragrant.
Brown the beef- Add the beef and your favorite chili seasoning packet. Fully cook beef to 160°F.
Since we’re trying to save on time and space, we’re making this chili with a seasoning packet. There are many great options out there with some being mild or spicy. Pick up your favorite one and save yourself a bit of hassle packing the extra spices.
Add remaining ingredients- Add one chopped carrot, 1-16 oz. can pinto beans, 1-16oz. can kidney beans, 1-28oz. can fire roasted tomatoes, 2 TBS tomato paste, two cups beef broth and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until combined and simmer for 20-25 minutes over indirect heat.
Simmer- The longer you’re able to let the chili simmer the deeper the flavors.
Chili Toppings
Some of the best chili toppings are a dollop of sour cream and a bit of cheese!
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced jalapenos
- Cilantro
- Fritos chips
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Campfire Chili Variations
Turkey chili variation- Use ground turkey instead of beef and add extra beans. It’s lighter but still hearty. Perfect for spring camping trips.
Vegetarian campfire chili- Skip the meat and add extra beans diced tomatoes, and vegetables like zuccini and mushrooms.
Carrots for the win- Carrots add a bit of sweetness, color and texture to this dish. Be sure to allow them to fully soften before serving. If carrots in chili just isn’t your thing, no problem. Just leave them out completely.
Chili Packet Substitute
Not interested in using a chili packet? That’s ok. You can easily make your own with just a few spices.
- 1 TBS chili powder
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. cumin
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
EQUIPMENT – DEEP 3 IN 1 CAST IRON SKILLET
Instead of using a dutch oven for this recipe we are using a large, deep, cast iron skillet. This 3 in 1 Cast Iron Skillet is one of my favorite camping must haves. It’s 3.5 inches deep which makes it great for chili, soups, pizza bites and so much more.
It also has a reversible grill/griddle lid. I love using the griddle over the fire for veggies and eggs, and even some delicious french toast.
We like to try and camp as light as possible, so finding a skillet that can be used multiple ways has been one of my favorite camping must haves.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make your own campfire chili seasoning by using chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder. This gives you control over heat leaves and flavor.
To cook chili over a campfire, place a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over hot coals or great. Brown meat first then add beans, tomatoes, and seasonings. Allow to simmer. Keeping the heat steady by maintaining hot embers rather than large flames.
Yes! A Dutch oven is one of the best ways to cook chili. It distributes heat evenly and can be placed directly over coals or hang over the fire using a tripod.
Campfire chili should simmer for at lease 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. If you have time, letting it simmer longer over low heat will create richer flavor. Just be sure to stir occasionally.
This campfire chili is so easy to make and done in under an hour if you’re able to get a nice fire going. It’s perfect for those cool evenings when the weather is crisp and you just need some warm comfort food before tilting your head back in your favorite camping chair with a nice book or some good music.
Campfire Chili Recipe
Campfire Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef
- ½ onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 green pepper
- 1 chili seasoning packet
- 28 ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 TBS tomato paste
- 16 ounce can pinto beans
- 16 ounce can kidney beans
- 1 diced carrot
- 2 cups beef broth
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a large, deep, cast iron skillet onto the grate directly over the heat. Allow the skillet to fully heat up. Using heat resistant gloves slide the skillet to indirect heat.
- Add a bit of oil to the skillet and then add ½ diced onion and one pepper . Cook until softened. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir until fragrant.
- Add the beef and your favorite chili seasoning packet. Fully cook ground beef.
- Add one chopped carrot, 1 can pinto beans, 1 can kidney beans, 1 28oz fire roasted tomatoes, 2 TBS tomato paste, two cups beef broth and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until combined and simmer for 20-25 minutes over indirect heat.
- The longer you're able to let the chili simmer the better the flavors.
Notes
- 1 TBS chili powder
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. cumin
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic power
- ½ tsp. oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- jalapenos
- cilantro
- fritos chips
Nutrition
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