Firehouse Chili

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat your grill to medium, about 35
2. 2
   Shape ground beef into large, flat patties. Grill patties until centers are medium rare, about 5 minutes on the first side and 3 on the second. As an alternative, you may cook the patties in a skillet, or just brown the meat in the chili pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon.
3. 3
   In a large (at least 7-quart) Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat, warm oil.
4. 4
   Add onions, carrot, bell peppers, jalapeno, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chickpeas. If you grilled the beef, add patties now and use a large spoon to break them up into bite-size chunks. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring often, 1 hour. If mixture seems too thick during cooking, thin it with a bit of water.
6. 6
   Check seasoning and add more salt or black pepper if you like.
7. 7
   Serve hot.