Firehouse Chili

When the need to feed a large group arises, the best plan is to take a cue from the professionals. At firehouses all over the country, chili is one dish that reigns supreme. So much so that national contests are held to determine the best firehouse chili recipes. Chili is a popular choice when feeding groups of hungry firefighters for several reasons. It can be scaled up to accommodate larger groups, left in a slow cooker, or simmering on the stove for hours while people come and go, and it’s a delicious, hearty and satisfying bowl of comfort food.

Recipes for firehouse chili are as varied as the firefighters who make them and the regions they hail from. This big batch chili uses lean ground beef, tomatoes and kidney beans to deliver big on flavor and nutrition. It’s loaded with protein, fiber, iron, vitamin C and potassium; firehouse chili is one comfort food you needn’t feel guilty about filling a second bowl. Next time you’re hosting a tailgate, backyard bonfire, or a championship game, this firehouse chili will have your guests enjoying the spicy, tangy, beefy flavors of this recipe as much as the firefighters do.

Ingredients for Firehouse Chili

• Canola oil: For browning the meat. Olive or vegetable oil can also be used.
• Ground Beef: 90% lean ground beef has all the flavor you want with less saturated fat and calories.
• Onion: Chopped onion is added for the savory flavor it brings to the recipe. White onions are the most commonly used onion variety in Southwestern flavored dishes.
• Green Pepper: Slightly bitter and slightly sweet, green bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C and fiber and become delectably tender with the long simmering time.
• Kidney beans: Deep red with a creamy texture, kidney beans are a delicious choice for chili recipes. With the added benefit of protein and B vitamins, kidney beans help to tip the health scale in this chili.
• Stewed tomatoes: Three cans of stewed tomatoes are used as the tomato base of this firehouse chili recipe. Stewed tomatoes are cooked and seasoned before they are canned, resulting in a sweeter profile.
• Beef broth: One can of beef broth is added to enhance the beefy flavor and provide the necessary liquid.
• Chili powder: Ground red chili peppers are the base of this popular spice blend. Chili powder typically includes cumin, oregano, paprika and garlic, among other spices. You can use store-bought or homemade chili powder.
• Ground cumin: Nutty, smoky, earthy and aromatic, cumin is one of the quintessential flavors of chili.
• Garlic: Four minced garlic cloves add an aromatic flavor profile to the chili. Garlic is loaded antioxidants and vitamins and may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Oregano: Dried oregano is earthy, green and herbal. It brings a pungent, savory warmth to the recipe.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the beef

In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef in batches, stirring to brown the meat and break it into crumbles. Continue to cook until the beef is thoroughly browned with no pink showing. Remove the meat from the pot and drain the fat.

Step 2: Add the other ingredients

Add the onions and pepper to the Dutch oven and cook until tender and the onions are translucent. Return the meat to the pot and stir in all the remaining ingredients.

Step 3: Simmer and serve

Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the chili and cook until all the flavors are incorporated, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Give the chili a final stir and ladle into bowls when guests are ready to enjoy it.

Easy Firehouse Chili Variations

• Make turkey chili: Substitute ground turkey for the beef to create an even healthier version of this firehouse chili. If you don’t tell your guests, they may not even notice the lower fat replacement.
• Make it vegetarian:  To make a delicious vegetarian chili, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use mushroom broth instead of beef broth. You can also experiment with adding different vegetables and a variety of beans or hominy for additional flavor.
• Add toppings: To dress up this chili, add toppings to take the flavors over the edge. Try adding a dollop of Mexican sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices or chopped cilantro. You can also try topping it with traditional pozole garnishes, like sliced radishes, chopped cabbage or lime juice.

How to Store Firehouse Chili

Place any leftover chili in airtight containers and refrigerate for three to four days. To reheat, place the leftover chili in a saucepan over medium heat for five or six minutes. You can also put it into a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat it for two to three minutes.

Can firehouse chili be frozen?

If you plan to use up the leftovers at a later date, you can freeze this firehouse chili recipe for up to three months in a sealed zipper bag or container. Follow these chili freezer tips to get the best results.

Firehouse Chili Tips

Do I need to cover the chili while it cooks?

What can I serve with firehouse chili?

Chili is terrific by itself or with a few added garnishes, but a delicious, spicy Mexican cornbread is a terrific companion if you’re looking for sides to create a full meal. Serve it with a simple garden salad for a crispy, fresh counterbalance in flavors and you’ll be ready to feed the entire firehouse.

Can I make chili mac with this recipe?

You definitely can. Turn this firehouse chili into chili mac simply by ladling the chili over cooked pasta and sprinkling some shredded cheese over the top of the bowl.