Go Back Email Link
cracker barrel campfire beef recipe

Campfire Beef Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1.5 lb yellow potatoes, diced into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer and cook for 7 to 9 minutes total, turning once, until the edges are golden on at least 2 sides.
  2. Push the potatoes to the edges, add the ground beef to the center, and cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart, until no pink remains. Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the tomato paste and stir over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until it darkens to a brick color.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Add the smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Uncover and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes to tighten the sauce.
  6. Spoon into bowls and scatter chopped parsley over the top.

Notes

This dish reheats really well the next day once the sauce has had time to soak into everything, so don't hesitate to make the full batch even if you're only feeding 2. If you're cooking for kids or anyone heat-sensitive, just leave out the red pepper flakes entirely. The smoked paprika carries the "campfire" flavor on its own.