Firehouse Chili

Bold, hearty, and packed with flavor, Firehouse Chili is the ultimate comfort food for spice lovers and chili enthusiasts alike. This one-pot wonder combines ground beef and pork with a vibrant mix of diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic, simmered to perfection in a rich tomato base infused with robust chili powder, smoky paprika, and a touch of cumin. For those who crave extra heat, jalapeños and cayenne pepper provide the perfect kick. A surprise hint of dark chocolate or cocoa powder deepens the flavor, making this chili uniquely irresistible. Loaded with kidney beans and black beans for texture and heartiness, it’s a meal in itself. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this chili cooks low and slow for maximum richness, and it’s best served with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pair it with warm cornbread or enjoy it over rice for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the heat!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onion, diced
• 2 medium bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium jalapeño, minced (optional, for extra heat)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0 sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 0 shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to deepen in flavor.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 8

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the dark chocolate or cocoa powder to add depth of flavor.

Step 10

Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or spices.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Enjoy with cornbread, crackers, or over rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4874.5 grams (4874.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5547

Total Fat 335.10g	430%
Saturated Fat 120.90g	605%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.50g
Cholesterol 1071mg	357%
Sodium 10611mg	461%
Total Carbohydrate 301.90g	110%
Dietary Fiber 101.10g	361%
Total Sugars 93.20g
Protein 357.00g	714%

Vitamin D 6IU	30%
Calcium 1516mg	117%
Iron 65mg	358%
Potassium 10969mg	233%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.4%

Protein: 25.3%

Carbs: 21.4%