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    Home » Recipes » Soup & Stew

    5 Alarm Firehouse Chili Recipe

    Published: May 19, 2019 · Modified: Sep 2, 2022 by Laura Reigel · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump To Recipe Comments

    Classic beef chili is a super easy one-pot dinner. A warm bowl of homemade chili is perfect when topped with sour cream, onions, and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese. Serve this with your favorite tortilla chips.

    The Best Classic Beef Chili

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

    My family is a big fan of spicy food. Chili is on the top of that list.

    I was practically weaned on Tabasco sauce. I remember my dad eating it on everything! I'm not sure my mom appreciated it. She might have even taken offense to it. 

    Soup and stew recipes are probably one of my favorite things to make. Not only are they delicious, they allow you to make a batch that can either be eaten all week long or frozen to pull out for another week. 

    Chili is like the original meal prep recipe. It has lots of protein and healthy veggies. 

    What You'll Love About This Chili Recipe

    • Hearty. This chili recipe is hearty and has tons of flavor.
    • Chile con Carne. Chili can be made with all meat or you can make this recipe with meat and beans.
    • Make ahead. It's so easy to make a huge pot of chili ahead of time. You can warm it up any time for a healthy filling meal.
    • One-Pot Meal. Chili is the original one-pot meal.
    Easy chili recipe topped with fresh green onions.

    Recipe Notes

    Chili is an easy one pot recipe that can be made on the stovetop, in and Instant Pot and even in a Slow cooker. It's so versatile, filling, and it freezes beautifully.

    Ingredients

    • Meat. I like to use either coarse ground beef or diced chuck roast.
    • Beans. Beans are completely optional with this chili recipe. Try using pinto beans, black beans, red kidney, or a combination of these.
    • Tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are just fine here. I like to have chunky tomatoes in my chili so I opt for whole stewed tomatoes. For smoother chili, you can use diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.
    • Peppers and Onions. This recipe calls for peppers and onions. If you want spicier chili opt for using more of the spicier chilies.
    • Spices. Chili flavor comes from all the spices. Chili powder, cayenne, oregano, garlic, and onion powder.
    • Cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is the secret ingredient in my chili recipe. Cocoa gives this recipe a balanced flavor that is similar to a Mexican mole.
    a tortilla chip with chili and sour cream on it.

    FAQS and Variations

    Can you make chili with no beans?

    Yes, you can make chili without beans. Chili with no beans is usually called Texas Chili or Chili Con Carne. I'm a huge fan!

    You can even make this recipe with and leave out the beans if you prefer to have a no bean chili.

    What kind of beef is best for chili?

    Coarse Ground Beef — ground beef cooks quickly so you won't have to simmer your chili for a long time to get the meat tender. I like to use coarsely ground beef. You can usually find this in the meat counter. If you don't see it, you can ask your butcher if you can get some coarse ground chuck.
    Chuck Roast — On the stovetop, chuck will take about 90 minutes of simmering to get nice and tender. Chuck is the cut of meat that is most often used in a classic chili con carne.
    Brisket and Short Ribs are other options that will also work well in chili. Again these cuts of meat require a longer simmering time, but they are super flavorful.

    How to make the best chili sauce.

    Chili sauce is the foundation of the best chili recipes. No matter what kind of chili you are making, there is no argument that the chili sauce needs to be fantastic. Chili is a classic, comfort food recipe. Once you learn how to make a delicious chili sauce, then you can make this chili in three different ways, with just a few modifications.
    Classic Beef and Bean Chili (AKA 5 Alarm Chili)– make the recipe as is.
    Chili Recipe No Beans - follow the recipe as is but leave out the beans.
    Vegetarian Chili – Follow the recipe as is but skip the meat.
    The chili sauce in this recipe is the perfect blend of crushed tomatoes, fresh peppers, and spices. I like a spicy chili recipe. You can reduce the amount of cayenne if you want to keep your chili milder.

    How long does it take chili to cook?

    Depending on what kind of meat you are using, a pot of chili can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
    Ground beef will cook the fastest. You can have a pot of chili on the table in 30 minutes or less.
    Other beef cuts like chuck will take at least 90 minutes to get tender. Brisket and short ribs will take even longer than that. You can speed this process up by making your chili in an Instant Pot.

    How long does chili last in the fridge?

    Chili will last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to bring it to a boil when you reheat it. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

    How to freeze chili?

    I like to freeze chili in individual serving size portions. Having individual portions makes it super easy for anyone in the family to take one out of the freezer and reheat it. These are the containers I use.
    My second favorite way to freeze chili is to fill a large freezer bag about halfway full. Seal and lie flat. PRO-TIP: Seal the zip top closer 80 percent closed. The press the air out of the freezer bag before you lie it flat.  This method is an excellent space-saving method if you have a drawer in your freezer.

    How to reheat chili.

    To reheat chili from the refrigerator: 
    Remove it from the fridge, place in a saucepan.
    Heat on medium heat until it is bubbling, Approximately 5 minutes.
    Make sure you stir the chili frequently to prevent it from burning on the bottom.
    To reheat chili from the freezer:
    Remove the container of chili from the freezer.
    Set it in the sink, or on a towel for 10 minutes to thaw slightly. (It will sweat as it thaws)
    To speed up the thawing process, you can place the sealed container is a bowl of warm water. The container does not have to be completely submerged.
    Place the thawed chili into a saucepan. The chili can still be partially frozen.
    Heat on medium until it is bubbling, Approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
    Make sure you stir the chili frequently to prevent it from burning on the bottom.
    Microwave instructions:
    Alternatively, you can microwave the chili for 3 to 4 minutes on high.
    Microwave temperatures vary so make sure you check yours.

    hearty chili with sour cream, green onions, and tortilla chips

    Ways to cook chili

    Stovetop Chili

    I most often make my chili in my favorite Staub dutch oven.  If you aren't ready to shell out the money for a Staub I recommend the 6 quart Lodge Enameled Dutch Oven.  Lodge is a solid brand that really knows what it's doing when it comes to cast iron cookware.

    Instant Pot Chili

    These instructions also work for a Traditional Pressure Cooker and the Mealthy MultiPot.

    1. Use the sauté setting, on high to brown the meat, then add the onions and other veggies. Sauté for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender.
    2. Add the remaining ingredients and set to high pressure.
    3. Cook for 20 minutes if you are using ground beef.
    4. Cook for 35 minutes if you are using cubed chuck.

    Slow Cooker Chili

    Many people wonder if you have to brown the meat before you add it to a slow cooker. The answer is YES! You should always brown meat before you add it to your slow cooker. Browning the meat gives you a much better flavor.

    Brown the meat in a sauté pan. Add the onions and other veggies and continue to sauté until they are tender. Add the beef and vegetables to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients — cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.

    Chili is the perfect One Pot meal to make for meal prep.

    This beef chili recipe is high in protein and low in calories. Chili is great for meal prep because you make a large batch of it. It is easy to pack in reheatable containers and store in the fridge. Chili also freezes well.

    Chili with corn chips! Crunchy saucy bliss!

    What to serve with The World's Best Chili.

    Serve spicy chili with tortilla chips or corn chips. Or you can serve this with fluffy cornbread.

    I grew up eating chili on a big bowl of white rice, so that is another option.

    Fluffy homemade buttermilk cornbread recipe. Pictured in a cast iron skillet with a slice cut out and served with fresh wihipped honey butter.

    Other comfort food recipes:

    • Chili Verde
    • Easy Turkey Soup
    • Vegetable Soup with Lentils and Wild Rice
    • Vegan Lentil and Farro Stew
    • Pumpkin Spice Soup
    • Homemade Noodles with Broth
    • Spicy Chorizo Soup
    • Italian Pork Ragu
    • Guinness Braised Short Ribs
    • Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
    • Tomato, Garlic and Rosemary Foccacia

    ➽ Did you make this recipe? I love to see what's going on in your kitchen. Please show me what you're cooking. 🍳 Tag me @foodologygeek on your favorite social channel! Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. If you loved ❤︎ this recipe, please leave a five ★ review and a comment!

    a bowl of chili con carne with tortilla chips, sour cream and green onions.
    Favorite Saved!

    5 Alarm Firehouse Chili

    Laura Reigel
    The best homemade chili recipe. This is a spicy chili made with five different kinds of peppers, crushed tomatoes and spices. Chili is a one pot meal that is true comfort food.
    PRINT PIN SAVE SAVED
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 2 hrs
    Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins
    Course Main Course, Stew
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 410 kcal

    Equipment

    • dutch oven
    • Instant Pot
    • slow cooker

    Ingredients
      

    Meat

    • 3 lbs Grass-fed ground beef (or cubed chuck roast)
    • 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
    • 2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Black pepper

    Veggies

    • 1 Red bell pepper finely diced
    • 1 White onion finely diced
    • 2 Anaheim peppers finely diced
    • 1 Pasilla pepper finely diced
    • 2 Serrano peppers finely diced
    • 2 jalapeño peppers finely diced
    • 5 cloves Garlic minced
    • 3 tablespoon Chili powder

    Canned Goods

    • 26 oz Strained tomatoes
    • 26 oz Chopped tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoon Tomato paste
    • 30 oz Kidney beans Optional
    • 15 oz Black beans Optional

    Spices

    • 2 teaspoon Kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoon Black pepper
    • 2 Bay leaves
    • 1 tablespoon Taco seasoning Foodology Geek Brand (See notes to make a batch)
    • 2 tablespoon Raw sugar
    • 2 tablespoon Unsweetened cocoa powder
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    Instructions
     

    • Heat the oil in a large stew pot or dutch oven.
    • Add the beef to the pan, add salt and pepper and toss well.
    • Brown well. 
    • Add the onions to the pan, sauté until golden in color.
    • Add the peppers, continue to sauté for 3-5 minutes, until tender and fragrant. 
    • Add the garlic. Sauté for a few minutes.
    • Add the chili powder and toss to coat. 
    • Add the tomato paste and toss to coat. Sauté to slightly caramelize the tomato paste.
    • Add the tomatoes and bay leaves.
    • Add the taco seasoning, sugar, and cocoa powder. 
    • Bring everything to a boil and then reduce chili to a simmer. Simmer for at least an hour. (Note: if you are using chuck roast you should simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is very tender. 
    • Add the beans and simmer for another 20 minutes or so. 
    • Remove bay leaves before serving. 

    Suggested Sides

    • cornbread
    • sour cream
    • cheese
    • chopped white onions and/or green onions

    Laura's Tips + Notes

    Foodology Geek Taco Seasoning Mix

    Adjust the cayenne pepper in the recipe to make it more or less spicy. 
    Makes about ½ a cup. 
    5 tablespoon chili powder
    3 teaspoon kosher salt
    3 teaspoon cumin
    2 tablespoon dried oregano
    4 teaspoon onion powder
    4 teaspoon coriander
    4 teaspoon paprika
    2-6 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    1 teaspoon black pepper

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 34gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 1125mgFiber: 12gSugar: 8gCalcium: 98mgIron: 7.5mg
    Keyword Beef, Make ahead, Meal Prep, one pot
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Snap a 📸 and share it. Tag me @foodologygeek and don't forget to hashtag #foodologygeek!

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    About Laura Reigel

    Laura is the owner and CEO of Foodology Geek. She holds a degree in Physiology and Neuroscience as well as a Certification as a Nutrition Coach. Laura uses her love of cooking and science to create healthy real food recipes that you'll love eating.

    As a certified recipe hoarder, and meal prep maven Laura is passionate about sharing her love for cooking easy from-scratch recipes. She also shares the occasional family recipe and all of the technical details.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jessica Robinson

      March 19, 2020 at 12:36 pm

      5 stars
      We love homemade chili! And this beef chili recipe was the BOMB!! So delicious and easy to make!

      Reply

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