This isn't my recipe, a buddy sent this too me today and thought I would share this with others here, you know this will be a toasty in the belly during winter months:
Ingredients:
- Meat: 1-2 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- Beans: 2 cans (15 oz each) of mixed beans (like a chili bean mix), undrained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 packet of chili seasoning mix (available at most grocery stores)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, pre-chopped green onions, etc.
Instructions:
- Preparation: Before you head out camping, you can chop the onion and bell pepper and store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container in your cooler. This minimizes the prep time at the campsite.
- Cook the Meat: Place a pot or large pan on your campfire grate or camping stove. Once it's heated, add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go.
- Add Veggies: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the meat. Cook until they're softened, about 5 minutes.
- Seasoning and Canned Goods: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and add the beans (also undrained). Sprinkle in the chili seasoning mix and stir everything to combine.
- Simmer: Allow the chili to come to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you're cooking on an open fire, you might want to use a cast iron pot or pan, as it distributes the heat more evenly and is durable for campfire cooking.
- Serve: Once done, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and top with any desired toppings.
For camping, using pre-mixed seasonings and minimizing the number of ingredients can make the process much smoother. Remember to pack all the essentials, including a can opener and cooking utensils!