The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for the Best Chili, According to a Firefighter

This easy upgrade results in a meatier chili with a rich flavor.

Aug 24, 2024 - 03:00
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The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for the Best Chili, According to a Firefighter
ladle of chili hovering over a pot of chili
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My father-in-law is a retired firefighter. He has shared many stories about his experiences over the years. He’s saved many lives and put himself in situations I would never consider. He’s a hero! Like most firefighters, his firehouse was his home away from home. It was a safe place, one where meals were often shared. There were plenty of “house specialties” like tater tot casserole and bottomless blueberry pancakes, but the chili was a dish he loved most. It was cozy and felt familiar. 

Fighting fires is serious business. So is making chili, especially at the fire station. The one-pot meal has to taste good and fuel the crew to do their job. How can you please a station full of firefighters with just one meal? Make a big pot of chili and make it filling.

It’s why my father-in-law’s fire station uses sirloin steak instead of ground beef in its chili. Here’s why you should, too.

chili on a bed of rice on a plate
Simply Recipes / Getty Images

How To Use Steak To Upgrade Your Pot of Chili

This special firehouse chili starts not with ground beef but with pieces of sirloin steak seared in hot oil before the remaining ingredients were added. Those big hunks of meat contribute to the flavor and texture, which makes the chili feel more “satisfying,” says my father-in-law.

Searing steak in a hot pan browns its exterior, adding richness and boosting umami. Simmering those chunks of steak in richly spiced broth tenderizes them so that each bite melts in your mouth. It's a smart move—those firefighters know what they are doing!

Luckily, this upgrade is easy to replicate at home. Purchase two pounds of sirloin steak and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the meat with salt and pepper and two or three tablespoons of all-purpose flour.

Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven. Tap off any extra flour and add the meat to the hot oil. Brown it on all sides and then remove it. At this point, you can follow your favorite chili recipe or give this one a try!

If you’re looking for a simple way to upgrade your pot of chili, consider using sirloin steak as your base. If it’s good enough for a firefighter, you know it’s good enough for you and your family and friends.