Firehouse Creole
A hearty Creole-inspired dish featuring ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cabbage, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger with diced onion and seeded, diced bell pepper in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add canned diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, Cheddar cheese soup, shredded cabbage, and one can of water to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture slowly for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with lentils or a meat alternative. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned if they're in season, but be sure to increase the simmering time to allow proper flavor development.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Firehouse Creole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a side salad, such as a classic Hellmann'S Seven Layer Salad, for a refreshing contrast. This hearty dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Firehouse Creole contains roughly 638 calories, with 19g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2668mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
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 freeze Firehouse Creole?
Yes, you can freeze Firehouse Creole. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese soup?
If you don't have Cheddar cheese soup on hand, you can substitute it with a homemade cheese sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Just add some shredded cheese to the mixture to maintain that cheesy flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat to the Firehouse Creole, incorporate diced jalapeños or a tsp of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. You can also use a spicier variety of diced tomatoes or a hotter brand of Cheddar cheese soup to enhance the flavor.
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).