3 of the Best Camp Chili Recipes for National Chili Day

Chili is a long-beloved American dish that inspires festivals and cook-offs, and endless debate among enthusiasts about top recipes. In fact, did you know that National Chili Day is on February 27th? Below are three easy camping chili recipes: traditional, meatless, and white bean. Try out all three to determine which is your favorite camping chili recipe to warm up by the fire.

Three Chili Recipes at a Glance:

1. Traditional Beef Chili - with little prep and clean-up, you’ll have a delicious, classic chili in less than an hour.
2. Vegetarian Chili - a flavorful, hearty chili that stands up to its meat counterparts.
3. White Bean Turkey Chili - a throwback to classic chili, this tomato-free recipe is loaded with protein and flavor.

 

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Recommended: Outdoor Winter Fun Ideas

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Easy Traditional Beef Chili

This dish has little prep and clean-up time, making it an easy fireside meal. Traditional chili will need at least a half-hour to cook, or can be kept over the flame longer for enhanced flavor.

A basic chili recipe like this one is a perfect starting point for creating your own personalized recipe. You can use any red meat in place of, or in addition to, lean ground beef. We recommend starting with lean beef or meat so that you don’t have to worry about draining off any of the fat (a higher fat content will require that the fat be drained off before adding the rest of the ingredients to avoid a too-oily chili). You can also play with the spices. Here we include the seasoning basics, chili powder, and cumin, but try your hand with other spices like cayenne pepper or oregano.

The best way to alter your chili is with the fixings. Chili with cornbread or rolls is always a winner. Other favorite sides include:

• cheddar cheese
• sour cream
• onions
• hot sauce
• avocado
• crackers or tortilla chips

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 16-ounce cans diced or stewed tomatoes
• 2 16-ounce cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper

 

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan or dutch oven, cook beef, onion, and garlic until meat is browned and onions and garlic are tender, about 12 minutes.
2. Add in remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer, uncovered. Cook for at least a half hour. Try increasing cooking times and reducing the heat for enhanced flavor.

 

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Recommended: Winter Cabins Near Great Ski Runs

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Vegetarian Chili Recipe

For a meatless meal by the campfire, vegetarian chili is the perfect hearty, healthy, and flavor-packed dish. The recipe below is great as is, or can easily be changed with the addition of vegetables like corn, cabbage, or eggplant. Or, try a package of your favorite faux meat for added flavor and texture.

The key to this vegetarian chili recipe, or any variation you try, is having plenty of beans, seasonings, and of course, lots of toppings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 16-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 16-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 16-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 28-ounce can stewed or fire roasted tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2-3 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions

1. If using a meat alternative, cook according to instructions on the package.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven, and add onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until soft.
3. Add garlic and jalapeño and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add tomato paste and stir, coating vegetables.
5. Add tomatoes, beans, broth, and seasonings. Salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, simmering for about 30 minutes.

 

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Texas-Inspired White Bean Turkey Chili

Chili should look red, right? Well, not necessarily. In fact, chili aficionados will tell you that true chili does not have tomatoes or even beans in it; the original dish, founded in southern Texas, was called chili con carne - or chili with meat. This white bean turkey chili recipe, sans the tomatoes, is a throwback to the dish’s Texas roots. Like the other chili recipes above, this chili can be altered with the addition of other veggies, like corn or mushrooms, or the use of taco seasoning. A white bean turkey chili is best topped with sour cream, avocados, and tortilla chips to bring out its southwestern flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 pounds lean ground turkey
• 1 4.5-ounce can diced green chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 tablespoon oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin
• 2-3 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 16-ounce cans of cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream

 

Instructions

1. Heat oil at medium heat in a pot or Dutch oven. Add onions, garlic, and meat, cooking for about 7 minutes.
2. Add diced green chilies, salt, cumin, oregano, chili powder, red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add beans, broth and bay leaf, and bring to a boil.
4. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in sour cream and cook for about 5 minutes.
6. Salt and pepper to taste.

 

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Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!

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Check with your Local Government Organization

Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state's latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.

For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.