When it comes to preparing a delicious and filling camping meal, it’s hard to beat Dutch Oven Chili Mac! Combining two classic camping meals, chili and macaroni and cheese, this hearty dish is sure to satisfy even the hungriest campers. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, easy to make and transports well, so you can enjoy it wherever you are. Dutch Oven Chili Mac is definitely a go-to dish for your next outdoor meal!
Ingredients
Meat
For this recipe, you’ll need some ground beef or turkey. About 1 to 1 ½ pounds should be enough, depending on how much chili you want.
Beans
Include a can of your favorite beans when making this easy Dutch Oven Chili Mac. For a more traditional presentation, try kidney beans. Otherwise, black beans, white beans, pinto beans and more are also great options.
Vegetables
To make the chili a little healthier, include some vegetables too. Onion, bell pepper, celery, jalapeño – whatever tickles your fancy can be added. Just chop them up into small pieces to make sure they cook evenly.
Spices
For flavor, you’ll need some seasonings or a chili mix. A teaspoon each of cumin, paprika and garlic powder will do the job. Plus, you can always add some chili powder, hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you want it to be spicier.
Sauce
Classic tomato sauce is a must for your Dutch Oven Chili Mac Recipe. Make sure to get a small can – a 16 oz. can should be plenty.
Macaroni & Cheese
For the macaroni and cheese component, you’ll need a half box of elbow noodles and some shredded cheese. Any type of cheese can go into the dish, so use your favorite.
Directions
Preparing the Chili
Bring your Dutch oven to medium-high heat on the stove. When it’s hot, add the meat and brown it with a wooden spoon until it’s all cooked through. Once it’s done, drain the grease, then add the chopped vegetables and spices. Let those cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, then pour in the tomato sauce.
Adding the Beans & Macaroni
Stir in the beans, then add a cup of water and let it come to a simmer. When the chili is heated through, add the macaroni and stir it in. Turn down the heat to low and cover the Dutch oven for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Finishing
When the macaroni is cooked al dente, un-cover the Dutch oven, sprinkle the cheese over the top, then stir it in until it’s melted and everything is combined. Serve into individual bowls and enjoy!
People Also Ask
Can I make Dutch Oven Chili Mac the night before?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just be sure to hang the Dutch oven off the campfire so that it doesn’t become too hot.
Can I use leftover chili in this recipe?
Certainly! If you have leftover chili, simply reheat it in the Dutch oven, then add the macaroni, cheese and other ingredients.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the chili mac?
If you like it spicy, simply add more chili powder, hot sauce or cayenne pepper. For a milder version, just leave out the added spices or reduce their quantity.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with your favorite vegan alternative, such as vegan crumbles or soy.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, Dutch Oven Chili Mac stores well in the freezer. Just be sure to cool it before transferring it to an air-tight container or bag.
Final Words
It’s not hard to see why Dutch Oven Chili Mac is a camping favorite. Not only is it super filling and flavorful, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Best of all, its versatile nature allows campers to get creative using whatever meat, beans and vegetables they have on hand. So next time you’re planning a camping meal, don’t forget about Dutch Oven Chili Mac!