Grizzly Bear Campfire Chili with Smoky Chipotle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky chili inspired by bear-safe camp cooking, featuring chipotle peppers and a rich blend of beans and beef. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes turns ground beef, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground beef, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tbsp adobo sauce, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup drained kidney beans, and 1 cup drained black beans. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld together. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grizzly Bear Campfire Chili with Smoky Chipotle take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Grizzly Bear Campfire Chili with Smoky Chipotle?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grizzly Bear Campfire Chili with Smoky Chipotle?

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 Grizzly Bear Campfire Chili with Smoky Chipotle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Grizzly Bear Campfire Chili with Smoky Chipotle?

American beef 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.

Related recipes