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Firehouse Chili

Name: Firehouse Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 16 servings (4 quarts).
Cuisine: North America, Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola oil; 4 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean); 2 medium onions, chopped; 1 medium green pepper, chopped; 4 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 3 cans (28 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, cut up; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons ground coriander; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano

24 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 1-1/2 hours

Makes

16 servings (4 quarts)

Updated: Sep. 15, 2023

As one of the cooks at the firehouse, I used to prepare meals for 10 men. This firehouse chili recipe was among their favorites. —Richard Clements, San Dimas, California

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil
4 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
4 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
3 cans (28 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground coriander
2 tablespoons ground cumin
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

In a Dutch oven, heat canola oil over medium heat. Brown beef in batches, crumbling meat, until no longer pink; drain and set aside. Add onions and green pepper; cook until tender. Return meat to Dutch oven. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until flavors are blended, about 1-1/2 hours.

Firehouse Chili Tips

Is it better to cook chili covered or uncovered?

While both methods are acceptable, simmering chili covered will prevent the juices from evaporating. If thick chili is your preference, simmer uncovered. And if you’re still hungry, check out our favorite Dutch oven recipes or more hearty chili recipes.

Can I use turkey instead of beef in this firehouse chili recipe?

Substituting ground turkey for all or part of the ground beef in this chili will provide a healthier option— and your guests might not even notice the difference! Either way, serve firehouse chili with your favorite Mexican cornbread and garden salad.

How do you store chili?

Enjoy firehouse chili for 3-4 days after making it or store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Research contributed by Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 354 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.