Campfire Chili Cheese Fries

Campfire chili cheese fries are a delicious and hearty dish often enjoyed during camping trips or outdoor gatherings around a campfire. This dish combines crispy french fries, flavorful chili, and melted cheese for a satisfying and indulgent meal. Here’s a basic recipe to make campfire chili cheese fries:

Ingredients for the Chili:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Fries:

• Frozen french fries or make your own using potatoes
• Cooking oil for frying

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chili:
   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
   • Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer the chili for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you’re making this at the campfire, use a campfire-safe pot or Dutch oven and cook it over the campfire, adjusting the heat as needed.
2. Prepare the Fries:
   • While the chili is simmering, cook the french fries according to the package instructions, either in an oven or a deep fryer. If you’re camping, you can use a campfire grate or a portable stove for frying.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two until it forms a paste (roux).
   • Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
   • Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Campfire Chili Cheese Fries:
   • Arrange a serving of cooked fries on a plate or in a serving dish.
   • Spoon a generous amount of chili over the fries.
   • Drizzle the cheese sauce over the top of the chili.
5. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like chopped green onions, jalapeños, or sour cream.

These campfire chili cheese fries are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for enjoying in an outdoor setting, whether you’re camping, tailgating, or simply having a backyard bonfire. Enjoy!

While camping at any of Kiefer Campgrounds, try this gooey recipe for campfire chili cheese fries!