The Best New York Firehouse Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring ground beef, sausage, saffron-infused broth, and smoky spices, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying spicy cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 1 lb. Italian sausage, skinned and crumbled
- 2 c. beef stock ⓘ
- 1 tsp. saffron threads ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 c. shallots, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can green chiles, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- black pepper, freshly ground ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- canned red kidney beans, drained (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy skillet, brown the ground round and Italian sausage.
- Transfer the browned meat to a 4-quart pot.
- In the same skillet, add beef stock and bring to a boil.
- Remove the stock from heat.
- Crumble saffron threads and add to the beef stock.
- Set the saffron-infused stock aside.
- Add chopped shallots, garlic, green chiles, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the browned meat.
- Stir well and cook until the shallots are softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cooked mixture.
- Add the saffron-infused beef stock to the chili.
- Simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Optional: Add drained red kidney beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a spoonful of brown sugar to balance the heat. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper and chili powder. Swap the ground round with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use a combination of ground beef and pork for more richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. For a complete spread, consider serving with a side salad or tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best New York Firehouse Chili contains roughly 790 calories, with 53g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (106% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and potassium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1358mg per serving (59% 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 make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors develop beautifully when made a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before refrigerating, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Is it possible to freeze leftover chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder. For additional flavor without the heat, consider adding some sweet bell peppers or a pinch of smoked paprika.
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).