Chorizo Campfire Chili

Chili Recipe.jpg

This campfire chili recipe requires a few things: little prep, hungry friends and one campfire in the woods. It’s a meal made for a crowd. A hungry crowd that likes hearty food. It’s made for a day in the woods after the air starts getting chilly (no pun intended) and an evening around the fire.

The Goods

1 lb ground beef

1 lb pre-cooked chorizo links

1 yellow onion

1 can (16 oz) chili beans

1 can (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes

1 packet McCormick chili seasoning

1 can of beer


Sour cream

Shredded cheddar cheese

Sourdough bread


One skillet (warning, our skillet was filled to the brim, so be mindful of your size)

Aluminum foil (used to cover the skillet)

Can opener

Cutting board



Bowls (You’ve got options: mini sourdough bowls, paper bowls or large campfire mugs)

Meal Prep

You don’t have to do this, but if you want less time prepping at the campsite, here are a few things you can do. Before you head out, dice the onion and seal in a container or resealable bag. You can also remove the casing and chop the chorizo, placing it in a container or a resealable bag.

Packing Up

This is a car camping recipe, so packing is easier. Make sure you place the meat on ice in the cooler. Place all the other ingredients on top, making sure everything is properly sealed so melted ice doesn’t get in - nothing is more disappointing than soggy bread!

Campfire Time

Once you have camp setup and your fire going, here’s what you need to do for dinner:

Step 1: Take out all your ingredients. If you didn’t uncase the chorizo and dice the onions, do that now. Place the diced onions in the skillet over the fire. Add in the beer to help them sauté and soften.

Step 2: Let the onion soften, then add in the ground beef and chili seasoning packet. Halfway through browning the beef, add in the chorizo.

Step 3: When the meat has been browned, pour in the diced tomatoes and chili beans. If more liquid is needed, add in more beer.

Step 4: Cover the chili with aluminum foil and let the flavor meld together for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Once the chili is bubbling, it’s time to serve it up. Grab the bowl of your choice (hopefully you went with mini sourdough bowls), ladle in the chili and add your favorite toppings!

There’s nothing better than sitting around together with family and friends for a meal. I hope this recipe gives you a great memory around the fire!

Breana FischerComment