Best 6 The Best Firehouse Chili Recipes

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**Firehouse chili**, a hearty and flavorful dish, is a staple of American comfort food, often served at fire stations or chili cook-offs. This delectable chili boasts a rich, smoky flavor, a perfect blend of spices, and a satisfyingly thick consistency. With variations ranging from classic to vegetarian, this versatile dish caters to diverse preferences.

- **Classic Firehouse Chili:** This traditional recipe forms the foundation of all firehouse chili variations. It features ground beef, a medley of beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. The key to its success lies in the slow-simmered cooking method, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously.

- **Vegetarian Firehouse Chili:** Embracing a plant-based lifestyle, this vegetarian rendition substitutes hearty lentils and assorted vegetables for ground beef. It delivers a symphony of flavors and textures, making it an equally satisfying option for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.

- **Turkey Firehouse Chili:** Seeking a leaner alternative? Turkey Firehouse Chili comes to the rescue. Ground turkey replaces beef, offering a healthier twist while maintaining the chili's robust flavor profile. It's a perfect choice for health-conscious individuals or those seeking a lighter version.

- **White Chicken Firehouse Chili:** This unique variation introduces tender chicken and white beans, creating a creamy and subtly smoky chili. Its delicate flavor profile and slightly milder heat make it a favorite among those who prefer a milder chili experience.

- **Slow Cooker Firehouse Chili:** Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe utilizes the convenience of a slow cooker. Simply combine the ingredients, set it on low, and let the slow cooker work its magic. It's a hands-off approach that yields a comforting and flavorful chili with minimal effort.

These recipes showcase the versatility and appeal of firehouse chili, offering options that cater to different dietary preferences and cooking styles. Whether you're a chili aficionado or new to this classic dish, these recipes provide a culinary adventure you won't want to miss.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FIREHOUSE CHILI



Firehouse Chili image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 1h50m

Yield 16 servings (4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

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

Steps:

  • 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 354 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 657mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

FIREHOUSE CHILI



Firehouse Chili image

Provided by Food Network

Time 50m

Yield 10 to 15 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

12 ounces tomato paste
16 ounces tomato sauce
1 (24-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
3 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1/2 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons parsley
2 teaspoons oregano
1 (24-ounce) can pork and beans
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (24-ounce) can chili hot beans
1 tablespoon chipotle powder
1 teaspoon habenero chile powder
4 whole red habaneros
6 jalapenos
2 New Mexican chiles
1/2 pound elbow macaroni or spaghetti
1 pound steak, cut of choice
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1/2 (12-ounce) can or bottle of beer

Steps:

  • In a large kettle on low simmer combine tomato paste, tomato sauce, kidney beans, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, parsley, oregano, pork and beans, salt, pepper, chili hot beans, chipotle powder, habenero powder, habaneros, jalapenos, New Mexico chiles, and dry pasta and bring to a simmer. While that is simmering, grill the steak, and brown the pork and beef in a large saute pan. Drain the meat, season to taste, and add to sauce. Add the beer and cook for 30 minutes. Serve with crackers and cheese.
  • Serving suggestions: crackers and cheese.

FIREHOUSE CHILI GUMBO



Firehouse Chili Gumbo image

This recipe is adapted from the one that a Louisiana firefighter named Jeremy Chauvin entered into a national cook-off run by Hormel Foods in 2017, and that took home the prize for America's Best Firehouse Chili. It is not really a chili in the Texas sense of the word. There is a roux at its base - it's more like a chili gumbo, a bayou take on the original red. Serve with grated cheese and corn chips. Chauvin told me he was moved to enter the chili contest as a way to honor his brother Spencer, also a firefighter, who was killed in the line of duty in 2016. "I just want people to remember his sacrifice," he said.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Categories     soups and stews

Time 2h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
3 pounds ground beef, ideally coarse-ground
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons steak sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 large yellow onion, peeled and diced
2 medium shallots, peeled and diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
3 ribs celery, trimmed and diced
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 6-ounce cans tomato paste
2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
1 to 2 cups tomato juice
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon apple-cider vinegar, or to taste
2 tablespoons hot sauce, or to taste

Steps:

  • Make the chili. Heat the oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the beef, stirring often, until it has begun to brown at the edges. Using a slotted spoon, transfer browned meat to a bowl.
  • Pour off excess fat, turn heat down to medium and return the browned beef to the skillet or pot. Add salt, peppers, chile powder, turmeric, oregano and cumin, and stir to combine. Add steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce and diced tomatoes, and stir again. Cover the skillet or pot, and cook, stirring a few times, for 15 minutes or so.
  • Make the gumbo. Place a large pot with a heavy bottom over medium heat, and put the butter and oil into it. When the butter is melted and foaming, sprinkle the flour into the pan, and whisk to combine. Continue whisking until the mixture is golden brown, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Add the onion, shallots, bell peppers, celery and garlic, and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables have started to soften, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Make the chili gumbo. Add the beef mixture to the pot with the vegetables along with the tomato paste, tomato sauce, tomato juice and ketchup, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 45 minutes, then add apple-cider vinegar and hot sauce to taste. Take the pot off the heat, and serve, or allow to cool and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to cure. Heat before serving.

THE BEST FIREHOUSE CHILI



The Best Firehouse Chili image

A friend gave this recipe to me and she got it off the internet as it was very similar to her husband's chile who happens to be a fire man. Refrigerate over night in pot before eating. Not essential, but I think it tastes better, as all of the ingredients blend and meld together nicely.

Provided by SueVM

Categories     Meat

Time 2h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 lbs ground beef or 2 lbs ground turkey
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes, juice included
2 (28 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans (or 1 can red beans and 1 can of pinto beans)
1 (12 ounce) bottle pilsner beer (or of your choice)
4 -6 stalks green onions, chopped
4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
1 large red bell pepper, diced
2 jalapenos (stemmed, seeded, and minced) or 2 serrano peppers (stemmed, seeded, and minced)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 cup water (or stock to thin out adding more if necessary)

Steps:

  • In a skillet, brown the ground meat, remove and drain well. In the same pan fry the onions, garlic, and peppers, until the onions are translucent and peppers begin to wilt.
  • In a large stew pot or Dutch oven, add meat and vegetables and stir over low heat.
  • Add spices and seasonings, stir.
  • Add crushed tomatoes.
  • Add kidney beans that have been drained and rinsed.
  • Add beer, stir.
  • Add water or stock (if needed) until desired consistency is reached.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer for approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours, stirring every so often.
  • Serve over rice with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese.

THE ULTIMATE FIREHOUSE CHILI RECIPE



The Ultimate Firehouse Chili Recipe image

I saw this recipe online some four or five years ago, modded it each time that I made it, and eventually came to the below listed version as my personal favorite. Seems as though it won some contest in California. Could be wrong on that, but that is all I remember. I love it. Maybe one of you all will like it too. Tips. The type of beer is up to you. The coffee, I use a dark roast or espresso. Decaf or regular, I just use what is around. Make sure not to use pickled red peppers. They need to be preserved in salt and water only. Preferably charred before being jarred. More details - please mince the poblanos and serranos, and rough chop the onion. Use an old, angry, bitter onion. I am serious.

Provided by Chef Valbowski

Categories     Steak

Time 10h

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 27

12 ounces tomato paste
16 ounces tomato sauce
1 (24 ounce) can red kidney beans
3 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon dried ancho chile powder
1/3 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons dried marjoram
2 teaspoons ground thyme
1 (24 ounce) can pork and beans
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon ground pepper
1 (24 ounce) can chili hot beans
1 teaspoon habanero sauce
6 serrano peppers
1 poblano pepper
2 (12 ounce) jars red peppers
4 tablespoons garlic paste
1 onion
1 lb steak, sliced thin
1 lb hot Italian sausage
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
12 ounces beer

Steps:

  • In a large crock pot set on low, combine tomato paste, tomato sauce, kidney beans, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, parsley, oregano, pork and beans, salt, pepper, chili hot beans, habenero sauce, serranos, Poblano chiles, and dry pasta (optional) and bring to a simmer. While that is simmering, in an oven set to 300 degrees, heat the steak, the pork and beef in a large pan- swimming in several cups of coffee, and bake about an hour and half. While that is in the oven, brown the sausages. Drain the meat, season to taste with whatever herbs and spices you want, bring to the burner and brown lightly in a large pan. Drain the meat, season once more and add to the rest of the items waiting in the crock pot. Add the beer and cook on the keep warm setting in the crock pot overnite.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624.1, Fat 28.9, SaturatedFat 10.3, Cholesterol 108.8, Sodium 1499, Carbohydrate 47.8, Fiber 13.6, Sugar 9, Protein 44.4

FIREHOUSE CHILI AND CORNBREAD CASSEROLE



Firehouse Chili and Cornbread Casserole image

Everyone knows that firefighters make the best chili--many using a recipe very similar to this--and the only way I know how to make that chili even better is by topping it with a cheesy cornbread crust. The cornbread crust is relatively sweet, which of course pairs perfectly with that spicy, meaty, savory chili.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup diced poblano pepper
3 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 (15 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
2 cups water, or as needed
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 (7.5 ounce) packages corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy®)
1 cup grated white Cheddar cheese, divided
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
¼ cup sour cream, or to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add onion, salt, and ground beef. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until meat is browned and crumbled into small pieces, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add poblano pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne, and oregano; cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. Measure water using the empty tomato cans and pour into the pot. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes before stirring in kidney beans. Continue simmering until bubbling and fragrant, about 30 minutes more. Taste for seasoning and adjust.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Place a deep 9x13-inch baking dish on a baking sheet. Transfer chili to the dish, being sure to leave at least 1 inch of space at the top. Stir to evenly distribute.
  • Whisk corn muffin mix, 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese, eggs, and milk together in a bowl until smooth. Spoon evenly over chili until the surface is covered. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cornbread crust is browned and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
  • Spoon or ladle into a dish and garnish with sour cream and cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 522.7 calories, Carbohydrate 47.2 g, Cholesterol 114 mg, Fat 24.6 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 28.7 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 1529 mg, Sugar 7.7 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Brown the beef and sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned on all sides. This will help to develop the flavor of the chili.
  • Add the onions, peppers, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened. This will add sweetness and depth of flavor to the chili.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
  • Add the beans and corn and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the beans are heated through.
  • Serve the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

Conclusion:

This Firehouse Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. The combination of beef, sausage, beans, and corn is sure to please everyone at your table. And the best part is, it's easy to make! So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this Firehouse Chili recipe a try.

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