Sunday Recipes: Special Recipe: Lake Norman Firehouse Championship Chili – With Drink Pairings

Chili

Great chili isn’t rushed. It’s layered. It’s patient. It fills the kitchen with that unmistakable signal that something serious is happening. This recipe builds depth step-by-step—smoke, heat, richness, and just enough surprise to keep people asking, “What did you put in this?”

This version leans into bold flavor without gimmicks. It’s hearty, slightly smoky, deeply savory, and finishes with a subtle richness that separates average chili from unforgettable chili.

Ingredients

Base

• 2 lbs ground chuck (80/20 for flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Flavor Builders

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)

Depth & Richness

• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (secret weapon for depth, not sweetness)

Texture & Body

• 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained

Finish

• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Optional: splash of apple cider vinegar (½ tsp) to brighten flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Build the Foundation

Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add ground chuck. Let it brown undisturbed for 2–3 minutes before breaking it apart. This creates flavor.

Remove excess grease, leaving about 1 tbsp behind.

Step 2: Develop Aromatics

Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook 60 seconds. This activates the spices and deepens flavor.

Step 4: Build the Chili Body

Add tomato paste and stir until it darkens slightly (about 2 minutes).
Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cocoa powder. Stir well.

Step 5: Slow Simmer Magic

Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low.

Simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This is where ordinary chili becomes spectacular.

Step 6: Finish Strong

Add beans and brown sugar. Simmer 15 more minutes.

Taste and adjust:

• More salt = stronger flavor
• More chili powder = deeper chili character
• Tiny splash vinegar = brighter finish

Optional Toppings (Highly Recommended)

• Shredded sharp cheddar
• Sour cream
• Diced onion
• Jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips

Pro Tips That Separate Average From Legendary

• Use chuck, not lean beef — fat equals flavor
• Simmer longer if possible — 90 minutes is even better
• Tastes even better the next day — flavors deepen overnight
• Never boil aggressively — slow simmer keeps meat tender

Lake Norman Firehouse Championship Chili — An original LKNConnect recipe inspired by classic firehouse traditions.

Perfect Pairing:

Monday is National Margarita Day:

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe with an additional Recipe for Prickly Pear Sparkler

Click Banner for Margarita Recipes