Papa Funk's Campfire Chili
Papa Funk's Campfire Chili is a rich, hearty Dutch oven recipe made with seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and bold chili spices. Slowly simmered over campfire coals, this comforting one-pot meal develops deep, smoky flavors that make it perfect for camping trips, hunting camps, tailgate parties, backyard cookouts, or cozy family dinners. Easy to prepare, highly customizable, and ideal for feeding a crowd, this satisfying chili is a timeless comfort food that's even more delicious the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Diced avocado
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Prepare a campfire and allow it to burn until hot coals form. If cooking indoors, use a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Add the onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the chili to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings before serving.
Notes
- Lean ground beef reduces excess grease.
- Simmering longer creates a richer flavor.
- Smoked paprika enhances the campfire taste.
- Dutch ovens distribute heat evenly.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- The chili thickens naturally as it cools.
- Freeze leftovers for quick future meals.