Lori'S Firecracker Chili
Lori's Firecracker Chili delivers bold flavors with spicy peppers, savory beef, and hearty beans, perfect for chili lovers craving a fiery, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 2 or 3 pickles jalapeno peppers, chopped ⓘ
- water as needed ⓘ
- 15 1/2 oz. can red kidney beans (optional) ⓘ
- 1 lb. cubed round steak ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chili pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, brown the cubed round steak in oil with 1 medium chopped onion, 1 clove minced garlic, ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon chili powder.
- Add 2 cups water to the kettle.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook down until the liquid is almost gone.
- Set the cooked meat mixture aside.
- In the same or a separate large pot, sauté 2 medium chopped onions, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic until tender.
- Add the cooked meat mixture back into the pot.
- Stir in 2 cans (16 oz.) tomatoes, chopped, 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce, chili pepper, ground red pepper, oregano, and chopped pickles jalapeno peppers.
- Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Optional: Stir in red kidney beans.
- Simmer the chili for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. If you're short on time, you can substitute the cubed round steak with more ground beef or even shredded rotisserie chicken. This chili can also be made in a slow cooker for an easy, hands-off approach. Just add all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lori's Firecracker Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture. This chili pairs beautifully with *Bumble Bee Chili* for those who love diverse chili recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lori'S Firecracker Chili contains roughly 487 calories, with 16g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (263% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1688mg per serving (73% 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 this chili for later?
Yes, this chili freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop.
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).