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Campfire Chili

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  • #14975

Brace yourself for a chili that's as rugged as a night around the campfire. With a hearty mix of beef, sausage, and beans, it's a bowl of bold, unapologetic flavor.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  1-2 hrs
Rating: 4/5

1 review

ingredients

3 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound bulk hot sausage
3 medium onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cans (28 ounce size) whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped
3 cans (16 ounce size) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
toppings as desired

directions

Combine the ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven or other large pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef and sausage are browned. Drain off any excess grease.

Add the chili powder, flour, sugar, salt, and tomatoes to the Dutch oven. Mix well.

Cover the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the chili cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add the beans and cook for another 10-15 minutes.

Serve the chili in individual bowls, topped with grated cheese, chopped green onions, and/or sour cream (or other toppings).

recipe tips


Brown the meat thoroughly before adding other ingredients.

Drain excess grease after browning to keep the chili from being too oily.

Simmer the chili slowly to develop the flavors.

Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and burning.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Serve with a side of cornbread, crackers, or over rice for a hearty meal.

Experiment with different chili powders or smoked paprika for a unique flavor.

common recipe questions


Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats.

Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the meats and add more beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, and consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or corn.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

Adjust the heat by varying the amount of chili powder or adding ingredients like cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Chop them and add a bit of water if needed for the desired consistency.

What can I substitute for kidney beans?

You can use other beans like black beans, pinto beans, or a mix.

How long can I store the leftover chili?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Can I cook this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the meat and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Is it necessary to add sugar?

Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can reduce or omit it based on your taste preference.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld, making it a great make-ahead dish.

What are some healthy topping options?

Opt for low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and plenty of fresh herbs or green onions.


nutrition data

Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.


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reviews & comments

  1. tonynavajo04 REVIEW:

    i tried this recipe on my 3 daughters and fiance, and we absolutley fell in love with it. i used ground turkey instead of beef. The taste of ground turkey and hot ground pork together with every thing else was perfect.

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