DIY Camp Cooking meals: Dehydrated Chili (meat and vegan options)
Ready to start meal prepping for your next adventure? Have a food dehydrator? Here’s a hearty, delicious recipe!
DEHYDRATED CHILI (+VEGAN OPTION)
INGREDIENTS
1 medium onion (diced)
1 red pepper (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
4 tomatoes (diced)
1 can tomato paste (156 mL)
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons cacao powder (cocoa works too)
1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cane sugar (or any sugar you have on hand)
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper *optional
1/2 jalapeño (diced) *optional
1 pinch salt and pepper
1 can corn (12 oz, drained & rinsed)
1 can kidney beans (19 oz, drained & rinsed)
1 can black beans (19 oz, drained & rinsed)
CHILI BASE INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook onion and pepper on medium heat until tender. Add the garlic for the last few seconds.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, cacao, paprika, sugar, coriander, salt and pepper (plus the cayenne and jalapeño if you like it spicy).
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add in corn and beans. Cook until heated through.
- Let chili cool.
- Spread evenly onto dehydrator trays.
- Dry at 145°F/63°C for 8-10 hours. Chili is done when the beans are dry.
Note: Temperature and time can vary depending on your dehydrator. Be sure to read your manual. - Evenly package portions in air-tight containers. Store in a cool, dark and dry place.
Note: To store longer then one month, vacuum seal in bags or sealed canning jars.
MEAT OPTION: GROUND BEEF
INGREDIENTS
1lb of lean or extra lean ground beef.
1/2 tsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook ground beef (with no added oils or fats) and salt until completely cooked.
- Rinse ground beef under warm water. Blot it try with paper towel. It is important to try and remove as much of the fat as possible to ensure a safe and long storage life.
- Spread ground beef evenly onto your dehydrator trays.
- Dry at 145°F/63°C for approximately 6-7 hours. The meat will be hard and crumbly when it is dried properly.
Note: Temperature and time can vary depending on your dehydrator. Be sure to read your manual. - Evenly package portions in air-tight containers. Store in a cool, dark and dry place.
Note: To store longer then one month, vacuum seal in bags or sealed canning jars.
WHAT TO BRING TO ASSEMBLE YOUR MEAL
1 package of your dehydrated ground beef (omit for vegan chili)
1 package of dehydrated chili mix
1 cup rice (keep separate from meat and chili mixture)
COOK AT THE CAMPSITE
Pour dried ground beef and/or chili mix into a pot. Add 1 cup water and let sit for 5 minutes. Turn on stove and bring to a boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until the beans are tender. Add 1 cup of water, bring back boil. Add rice and simmer with the lid on for 5 minutes. *Note: Add more water to get to desired consistency.
Set aside to cool, serve and enjoy!