Campfire Cowboy Chili Crockpot Edition
Table of Contents
Campfire Cowboy Chili (Crockpot Edition)
Fancy some proper grub while camping? This Campfire Cowboy Chili is your answer! It’s smoky, hearty, and perfect for a chill evening.
Think Texan chili but made easy with camping crockpot meals .
Why This Chili Rocks for Camping
This chili’s inspired by classic Texan recipes. It’s easy, which is key for outdoor cooking recipes . It's the perfect tailgate chili recipe .
It's packed with flavor from ground beef, bacon, and Southwestern spices. Imagine sitting around a campfire, telling stories while tucking into this beauty.
I swear, the first time I made this, I almost believed I could wrestle a bear!
This recipe is pretty simple. Browning meat, chucking everything into a portable slow cooker meal , and forgetting about it? Sorted! It takes about 20 minutes to prep and cooks in 6- 8 hours on low.
Or 3- 4 hours on high. This crockpot chili camping yields enough for 6-8 hungry campers.
Benefits That'll Make You Smile
Beans are full of fiber. This chili keeps you full and happy. It's a fantastic source of protein from the beef.
It's the perfect recipe for make-ahead camping meals . The warm chili is ideal on a chilly camping trip or for a campfire chili recipe .
It really is a total winner. It is one of the easy camping meals to make. The spices also give it a nice little kick.
This chili is special because it is truly camping food ideas crockpot . It's minimal effort with maximum taste. You're out in nature but eating like a king (or queen).
Let's get to the ingredients, shall we? You know you want to try these slow cooker camping meals now, don't you?
Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to make this awesome campfire cowboy chili, the kind of easy camping meals that'll have everyone licking their bowls clean.
We're making camping crockpot meals easy peasy!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: Your Shopping List
Okay, listen up, this is important. For our camping crockpot recipes , you're gonna need the right stuff. Here's the lowdown:
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) . Get good quality stuff. Honestly, the better the beef, the better the chili. Look for that nice, red color and minimal fat.
- Bacon: 6 slices , diced. Streaky bacon is king here for that smoky flavour.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup ). Any kind of onion works, but yellow onions are the most versatile.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, yeah?
- Bell peppers: 1 green and 1 red , chopped (about 1 cup each). Color makes it fun. Plus, you know, vitamins and stuff.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can . Trust me.
- Kidney beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , rinsed and drained. Gotta rinse 'em to avoid the gassy after effects, you know?
- Pinto beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , rinsed and drained.
- Black beans: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can , rinsed and drained.
- Diced tomatoes and green chilies: 1 (10 ounce/283g) can (like Rotel), undrained. This is where the zing happens!
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Low sodium is your friend, or you can add a bouillon cube for extra flavor.
- Chili powder: 2 tablespoons .
- Ground cumin: 1 tablespoon .
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon . Adds depth to your tailgate chili recipe .
- Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon (optional). Only if you like it properly spicy!
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Obvs.
Seasoning Notes: Get Your Spice On!
- Essential spice combo: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Seriously, don't skip these. That's your campfire chili recipe sorted!
- Flavor enhancers: Minced garlic and green chilies. They're game changers!
- Quick subs: No chili powder? Mix cumin, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder. Sorted! It could save your outdoor cooking recipes day.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
We're slow cooker camping meals , so nothing fancy!
- Large skillet. For browning the meat, obviously.
- 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker (crockpot). Essential for crockpot chili camping .
- Knife and cutting board. To chop stuff.
- Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring.
- Can opener. Yeah, you'll need that.
Camping is all about make-ahead camping meals , this recipe really nails it. Especially camping food ideas crockpot .
Campfire Cowboy Chili: Your New Camping Crockpot Meals Must Have
Honestly, who wants to eat sad, pre-packaged meals when they're camping ? Not me, and probably not you either. That's why I'm sharing my absolute go-to for slow cooker camping meals : Campfire Cowboy Chili.
It’s perfect. This isn't just any chili; it’s a campfire chili recipe reimagined for your trusty crockpot.
Prep Like a Pro for Easy Camping Crockpot Recipes
First things first, let's get organized. Chop your onion, bell peppers, and mince your garlic. Dice that bacon, too. This whole "mise en place" thing? It's legit.
Having everything prepped saves so much time later, especially when you're setting up your easy camping meals .
step-by-step to Crockpot Chili Camping Glory
Here's how to make this magic happen:
- Brown 1 pound (450g) ground beef and 6 slices of diced bacon in a skillet. Drain that grease, mate!
- Sauté 1 cup of chopped onion and 1 cup each of chopped green and red bell peppers for about 5- 7 minutes . Add 2 minced garlic cloves for the last minute.
- Chuck everything into your crockpot: the beef, bacon, veggies, 28oz (794g) crushed tomatoes, 15oz (425g) each of kidney, pinto, and black beans, 10oz (283g) diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1 cup (240ml) beef broth, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling brave.
- Season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir.
- Cook on Low for 6- 8 hours or on High for 3- 4 hours .
This makes about 6-8 servings.
Pro Tips: Turning Average Chili into a Tailgate Chili Recipe Champion
Want to seriously up your chili game? Brown that beef and bacon. I know it's tempting to skip it, but trust me, it’s worth it.
It adds flavour like crazy. And if your chili’s too thin, take the lid off for the last hour to let it thicken naturally.
You know? Make it your own outdoor cooking recipes .
Remember, safety first, always. Keep raw meats separate. Cook until the beef is nicely browned, that's how you do make-ahead camping meals .
Transport your chili carefully if you're using a portable slow cooker meals , and make sure your campsite has the proper power supply.
Enjoy! Or as Bear Grylls probably says "Improvise, Adapt, Overcome". Enjoy these camping food ideas crockpot meal.
Recipe Notes for Your Camping Crockpot Meals
Alright, so you're itching to make this campfire chili recipe , eh? Ace! Before you start chucking ingredients into your portable slow cooker meals , let's go over a few bits and bobs to make sure your camping food ideas crockpot turns out champion.
I've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt so trust me on this one!
Serving Suggestions That'll Wow 'Em
First off, presentation. Think rustic! Ladle that glorious crockpot chili camping into enamel mugs. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped spring onions.
Serve it alongside some chunky cornbread. For a drink, an ice-cold beer or a hot cup of tea will complement that smoky flavor perfectly.
It's chef's kiss worthy.
Storage Tips Keepin' It Fresh!
If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), let that tailgate chili recipe cool completely. Pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It'll keep for up to three days , easy peasy. Fancy making it in advance for your make-ahead camping meals ? Freeze it! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in your slow cooker.
Don't leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours . Safety first, mates!
Variations: Get Creative with Your Camping Crockpot Recipes
Honestly, you can go wild with this! For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for some hearty lentils or extra beans.
It's spot on! Or maybe try a white chicken chili using shredded chicken instead.
Seasonal swappers can also be a banger. Think sweetcorn in the summer months or squash in the autumn for different flavors. You know?
Nutrition Basics Fueling Your Adventures
Alright, let's keep this simple. This slow cooker camping meals is packed with protein from the meat and beans, giving you energy for those long hikes.
It's got a good dose of fiber too, thanks to all those beans. But remember, it's also fairly high in calories, so balance it out with a good bit of exercise.
A rough estimate puts each serving at between 450-500 calories , but this can swing on toppings. It's a cracking outdoor cooking recipe , designed to fill you up and keep you going!
Right then, off you pop! Give this chili a go and enjoy the easy camping meals . With these tips, you're proper set for a brilliant camping crockpot meals adventure.
Happy camping, you legends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Campfire Cowboy Chili ahead of time for my camping trip?
Absolutely! In fact, that's the beauty of camping crockpot meals. You can cook the chili a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating. When you're ready to hit the road, transfer it to a well sealed container.
It's even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld - like a fine wine, but beefier!
What's the best way to transport this chili to the campsite without making a mess?
Leakproof containers are your best friends here. Use sturdy, airtight containers to prevent spills during transit. Consider using a cooler with ice packs to keep the chili at a safe temperature, especially if you're traveling for a longer period or the weather is warm.
Some crockpots even come with travel safe lids and locking systems a worthwhile investment if you're planning on more camping adventures!
I don't have all the beans listed. Can I substitute or omit some in this camping crockpot meals recipe?
Definitely! The bean combination is flexible. If you're missing kidney beans, use another can of pinto or black beans. You can even use cannellini beans. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the crockpot.
Don't be afraid to experiment sometimes happy accidents lead to the best recipes, much like finding a tenner in an old coat pocket!
How can I keep the chili warm at the campsite if I don't have access to electricity all the time?
If you're off-grid, consider using an insulated food carrier or a thermal cooker. A thermal cooker works like a giant thermos, retaining heat for hours. Alternatively, if you have a campfire, you can carefully reheat the chili in a Dutch oven over the embers, but be sure to monitor it closely to prevent burning.
There's nothing quite like the taste of food cooked over a campfire (if you can avoid the burnt bits!), but be cautious!
Is there a vegetarian version of this Campfire Cowboy Chili?
You bet! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant based ground "beef" crumbles or add extra beans and diced vegetables like sweet potatoes or corn. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it completely vegetarian.
You won't miss the meat, promise it's still a flavor explosion, even without the "cowboy" part!
How long does leftover chili last, and what's the best way to store it after my camping trip?
Leftover chili will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). When reheating, ensure the chili reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.
That way, your chili experience continues long after the tents are packed away!
Campfire Cowboy Chili Crockpot Edition
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 10-12g |