National Camping Month: Campfire Chili the Cowboy Way

There are few things a cowboy appreciates more than a cracklin' campfire, a sky full of stars, and a hearty pot of chili simmering over the flames.

Back in the days of cattle drives and open ranges, chuckwagon cooks needed meals that were simple, filling, and packed with flavor. Not much has changed. Whether you're camping in the mountains, parked beside a lake, or gathered around a fire pit in the backyard, chili remains one of the easiest and most satisfying meals to serve under the open sky.

This National Camping Month, we're tipping our hats to one of the greatest campfire traditions of all time: a big pot of chili made easy with Six Gun Chili Mixin's.

Why Chili Belongs Around Every Campfire

When you're out on the trail, nobody wants to spend all day cooking or washing a mountain of dishes. That's where chili earns its place in the chuckwagon hall of fame.

A good campfire chili is:

- Easy to pack
- Simple to cook in one pot
- Filling after a long day outdoors
- Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd
- Even better with a side of cornbread or a cast-iron skillet biscuit

And with Six Gun Chili Mixin's riding shotgun, there's no need to pack a whole saddlebag full of seasonings. Just one packet delivers the bold, hearty flavor that makes campfire chili a true Western classic.

The Cowboy's Campfire Chili Packing List

Before you hit the trail, make sure you've loaded up the essentials.

Campfire Cooking Gear

- Dutch oven or large cast-iron pot
- Long-handled spoon
- Can opener
- Knife and cutting board
- Camp stove or fire grate
- Bowls and spoons
- Cooler with ice

Chili Fixings

- 1 package Six Gun Chili Mixin's
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- Water
- Cornbread mix or crackers for serving
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions (optional)

Classic Cowboy Campfire Chili

Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just honest chili fit for a hungry crew after a day on the range.

Ingredients

- 1 package Six Gun Chili Mixin's
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- Water as directed on package

Directions

1. Build Your Fire

Get a steady bed of hot coals going, or fire up your camp stove. Set your Dutch oven over the heat.

2. Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef and onion to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add the Rest of the Fixings

Stir in the bell pepper, tomatoes, and beans. Add water according to the Six Gun Chili Mixin's package directions, pour it in, and give everything a good stir.

4. Let It Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the aroma rolls through camp, don't be surprised if folks start wandering over with empty bowls.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, or green onions if you've packed them. Serve alongside cornbread, crackers, or a warm skillet biscuit.

Campfire Cowboy Tips

Make It Ahead

Brown the meat at home and store it in a cooler. When it's time to cook, you'll be halfway to supper before the coffee pot cools.

Feed a Bigger Outfit

Double the recipe in a larger Dutch oven to feed the whole camp.

Turn Up the Heat

Pack a few jalapeños or a bottle of hot sauce if your trail crew likes their chili with a little extra kick.

Don't Waste a Bite

Leftover chili makes a mighty fine breakfast the next morning. Heat it up and serve it alongside eggs and potatoes for a meal that'll keep you going until sundown.

Gather 'Round the Fire

National Camping Month is about slowing down, getting outdoors, and making memories with family and friends. And just like the cowboys who came before us, some of the best stories are told around a campfire with a hot meal in hand.

So load up the gear, grab a packet of Six Gun Chili Mixin's, and set a course for the great outdoors. When the sun goes down and the stars come out, there ain't much better than a steaming bowl of campfire chili shared around the fire.

Happy trails, and happy camping from all of us at Six Gun Chili Mixin's. 🤠🔥🍲