Camp Chili, Tom-Style Recipe

Name: Camp Chili, Tom-Style
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons bacon drippings or 3 tablespoons cooking oil; 2 large red onions, coarsely chopped; 4 lbs ground beef; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans; 3 dried red chilies, roasted 1 minute and minced (or chili powder, to taste); 1 ¾ cups water (optional); 1 ½ tablespoons salt; 1 cup cornflour (optional); 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Servings: persons

3 tablespoons bacon drippings or 3 tablespoons cooking oil
2 large red onions, coarsely chopped
4 lbs ground beef
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans
3 dried red chilies, roasted 1 minute and minced (or chili powder, to taste)
1 ¾ cups water (optional)
1 ½ tablespoons salt
1 cup cornflour (optional)
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons brown sugar

1
Heat oil in a heavy dutch oven over medium heat, add onions and cook until they are translucent.
2
Combine the beef with the garlic, minced chili, cumin, brown sugar and oregano.
3
Add meat and spices to pot with onions.
4
Break up any lumps with a fork and continue to cook.
5
Add tomato sauce, water and salt.
6
Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
7
Stir in the corn flour/water to achieve desired consistency.
8
Cook 15 minutes longer, stirring.
9
The longer you let it cook, the more flavorful it becomes.
10
Adjust seasonings to taste.
11
Serve over rice or with crackers.

1553

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 tablespoons bacon drippings or 3 tablespoons cooking oil, 2 large red onions, coarsely chopped, 4 lbs ground beef, 3 garlic cloves, minced, and more.

Yes, Camp Chili, Tom-Style falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Camp Chili, Tom-Style

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions