Get ready to fire up those camp stoves and dust off your Dutch ovens, because we're serving up the ultimate trailside comfort food - Overlander's Campfire Chili. This hearty, one-pot wonder is just the ticket after a day of conquering the American wilderness in your 4x4.
What's in the Pot?
This chili is packed with ground beef, a combo of kidney and black beans, and a symphony of spices, making it as robust as it is satisfying. It's slow-cooked over an open fire, letting all the flavors meld together into a rich, heartwarming dish that'll quench your trail-induced hunger.
The Best Part
It's a cinch to whip up, even when you're miles from the nearest kitchen. All you need is a trusty cast-iron Dutch oven, a campfire, and a little patience as the chili simmers to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Equipment
- Cast iron Dutch oven
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Fire extinguisher or water source nearby for safety
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Campfire
Find a safe and suitable spot for your campfire. Clear any debris or flammable stuff from the area. Gather firewood and kindling to get the fire going. Stack the firewood in a teepee or log cabin style. Use matches or a lighter to spark up the kindling and get the fire started. Let the fire burn until you've got a bed of hot coals.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Set a large cast-iron Dutch oven over the campfire. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small chunks with a spoon or spatula.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion turns translucent.
Step 4: Add the Good Stuff
Drain any extra grease from the pot if needed. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix.
Step 5: Let It Simmer
Pop the lid on the pot and let the chili simmer over the campfire for about 30-45 minutes, giving it a stir now and then. Adjust the fire's heat if needed to keep a steady simmer. Give the chili a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once the chili is cooked to your liking, pull the pot off the campfire. Let the chili cool a bit before serving. Scoop the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions if you like. Serve the campfire chili with cornbread or a hunk of crusty bread on the side.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks - a belly-filling Overlander's Campfire Chili that'll warm you up from the inside out. Remember, the best meals are those shared with friends under the vast American sky. Happy trails.