Firehouse Chili For A Large Group
A hearty, flavorful chili perfect for large gatherings, packed with tomatoes, beans, meats, and spices, ideal for comfort food lovers and entertaining groups.
Ingredients
- 3 (46 oz.) cans tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomato paste
- 2 (28 oz.) cans seasoned stewed tomatoes
- 1 can chili powder ⓘ
- 6 (15 oz.) cans Brooks chili hot beans ⓘ
- 1 to 2 chopped bell peppers ⓘ
- 1 to 2 chopped onions ⓘ
- 5 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. smoked sausage ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground sausage ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large soup kettle, brown ground beef and sausage with chopped onions and bell peppers.
- Drain any excess grease from the meat and vegetables.
- Add tomato juice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, seasoned stewed tomatoes, chili powder, and chili hot beans to the kettle.
- Mix well and bring to a full boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer on low for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, or additional spices as desired.
- Serve hot with Fritos and grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with a mix of black beans and lentils. To enhance the flavor, let the chili sit overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the spices to meld beautifully. Serve with Fritos and grated cheese for a satisfying crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili hot, garnished with grated cheese and a side of Fritos for added texture. It pairs beautifully with a simple salad or cornbread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside a Reuben Sandwich In A Dish for a unique flavor combination that your guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Firehouse Chili For A Large Group contains roughly 266 calories, with 9g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (121% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving for a quick and easy meal.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by replacing the ground beef and sausages with a mix of your favorite beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of meat-based products for added flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and gradually add more to taste. You can also include diced green chilies or hot sauce for an extra kick. For milder chili, opt for sweet bell peppers and reduce the amount of chili powder.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).