Description
Firehouse Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, beans, and a bold blend of spices. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this comforting chili is ideal for cold days, holiday gatherings, or game day parties. With its rich, savory flavor and customizable spice level, this one-pot meal will become a go-to favorite for any occasion. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, undrained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute. - Brown the Meats:
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until browned, draining off excess grease. Combine both meats together. - Simmer the Chili:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, chili beans, and chopped green chilies. Mix well. - Add the Spices:
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix to ensure spices are evenly distributed. - Add the Liquids:
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine. - Simmer the Chili:
Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 1 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. - Serve:
Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, or hot sauce
Notes
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and Italian sausage, and add more beans or vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Extra Spice: If you prefer extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American