🔥 Firehouse Chili

Hearty. Spicy. Loaded with meat and beans. A bold chili that earns its name.

Ask any firefighter what fuels a long shift, and odds are you’ll hear the same answer: Firehouse chili. Born in station house kitchens across the country, this iconic dish isn’t just food—it’s tradition. It’s made in massive batches, shared over stories, and tweaked over the years into pure, meaty magic.

Our version of firehouse chili brings that tradition to your home. It’s thick, smoky, and spicy—with a slow-cooked richness that only gets better with time. Whether you’re making it for game day, a potluck, or just to feed a hungry family, this recipe brings serious flavor and serious comfort.

🛒 Ingredients

🥩 Meat Base

• 🥩 2 lbs ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
• 🧅 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 🌶️ 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
• 🧄 4 garlic cloves, minced

🍅 Tomatoes & Liquids

• 🥫 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 🥫 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 🥫 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 🍺 1 cup dark beer or beef broth (adds depth)
• 💧 1/2 cup water, as needed

🫘 Beans (optional but traditional)

• 🥫 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 🥫 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained

🌶️ Spices & Flavor

• 🧂 2 tbsp chili powder
• 🌶️ 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 🌶️ 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 🌿 2 tsp cumin
• 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 🟤 Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar (cuts acidity)

🌟 Extras

• 🧈 1 tbsp butter (optional for silkiness)
• 🌿 Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for garnish
• 🧀 Shredded cheddar, sour cream, crushed chips (optional toppings)

🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add onions, jalapeños, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes & Liquid

Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beer or broth. Mix well to deglaze the pot.

4. Spice It Up

Add all spices—chili powder, paprika, cayenne, cumin, salt, pepper—and brown sugar if using. Stir thoroughly to combine.

5. Simmer Low & Slow

Lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if it gets too thick.

6. Add the Beans

In the last 15–20 minutes, stir in the beans. Let them heat through and absorb flavor.

7. Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a pat of butter for smooth texture if desired. Serve hot with toppings of choice.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with cornbread, buttery rolls, or over rice
• Top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips