Cast Iron Campfire Skillet Chili with Ground Beef and Beans
Hearty chili cooked over the campfire in a cast iron skillet with spiced ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for a filling outdoor meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs 80% lean ground beef, medium, diced yellow onion, medium, diced green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, 80% lean ground beef
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can, drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high campfire heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 1 medium diced green bell pepper, sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 5: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained and rinsed kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chili cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot with your favorite campfire sides.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cast Iron Campfire Skillet Chili with Ground Beef and Beans take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cast Iron Campfire Skillet Chili with Ground Beef and Beans?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 80% lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cast Iron Campfire Skillet Chili with Ground Beef and Beans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cast Iron Campfire Skillet Chili with Ground Beef and Beans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cast Iron Campfire Skillet Chili with Ground Beef and Beans?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
