Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the home, this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe is just the ticket! This delightful chili is packed with tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs simmered alongside flavorful Mexican chicken sausage. It’s the perfect meal for those busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something hearty and satisfying. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a favorite that everyone will request again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this chili comes together easily, making it perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Loaded with flavor and warmth, this chili is sure to please everyone at the table—kids love it too!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prep it in advance for an effortless meal later on.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spices and slow-cooked short ribs makes every bite incredibly delicious. You won’t be able to resist!
• Customizable Toppings: Serve it up with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this scrumptious chili, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these up, and let’s get cooking!

For the Chili

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless short ribs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 jalapeno peppers (chopped; use serranos for hotter)
• 6 cloves garlic (chopped; or more if you love garlic!)
• 1 pound Mexican chicken sausage
• 1 cup beef stock
• 3 (15-ounce) cans fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained)
• 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder blend (I recommend a hot New Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Hot sauce (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional, for thickening – or use crushed or torn corn tortillas)

For Serving

• Your favorite toppings

Variations

One of the best things about this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences!

• Swap the protein: Use beef sausage or turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage for a different flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute short ribs with mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version that’s still packed with flavor.

How to Make Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper before searing them for 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. This step is crucial as it locks in flavor which enhances your chili’s taste.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once you’ve removed the short ribs from the pot, add in the chopped onion and jalapeño peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften. This process brings out their natural sweetness which balances out all those robust flavors in your chili.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Sausage

Stir in the chopped garlic and Mexican chicken sausage next. Cook for another 5 minutes while breaking up the sausage until it’s mostly cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible at this point!

Step 4: Add Spices

Now it’s time to stir in your spices—chili powder, Mexican oregano, cumin, along with some salt and pepper to taste. Allow them to cook for about a minute; this blooming process helps release their essential oils, intensifying their flavors throughout your dish.

Step 5: Deglaze with Beef Stock

Pour in the beef stock while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of your pan. Those bits contain tons of flavor!

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Return the reserved short ribs back into the pot along with fire roasted tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Give everything a good stir until combined.

Step 7: Simmer Away

Bring your chili to a boil before reducing heat—cover it up and let it simmer for about two hours! This slow cooking process allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together while making those short ribs tender enough to fall apart.

Step 8: Thicken If Needed

If your chili appears too soupy after simmering, simply stir in some cornmeal to thicken it up nicely.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle your delicious creation into bowls and top with whatever you fancy—cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs—the options are endless! Enjoy every warm bite of this amazing Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Making chili can be a fun and creative process, and with these pro tips, you can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Choose quality meat: Selecting high-quality short ribs and chicken sausage ensures a richer flavor and tenderness, making your chili truly memorable.

• Don’t rush the simmering: Allowing the chili to simmer for the full two hours (or longer) develops the flavors beautifully. Patience is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth consistency with the short ribs.

• Adjust spice levels: Start with fewer jalapeños or chili powder if you’re sensitive to heat. You can always add more hot sauce later, allowing everyone to adjust their bowls to their taste.

• Experiment with toppings: Adding different toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh cilantro can enhance both flavor and presentation. It gives each bowl a personal touch!

• Make it ahead of time: Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance for an easy meal that’s ready when you are.

How to Serve Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Serving your chili is just as important as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can create an inviting presentation that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness that complements the rich flavors of chili.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides creaminess that balances out the spiciness while adding a nice tang.
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on top of hot chili, creating a comforting layer of richness.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili. The sweet taste of cornbread contrasts nicely with the spiciness of the dish.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for scooping up chili or enjoying on their own with salsa or guacamole on the side.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty chili.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa adds extra texture and makes it even more filling—perfect for those chilly nights!

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili in style! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store your delicious chili for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to airtight containers, ensuring there’s minimal air inside.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, use within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Got questions about this recipe? No problem! Here are some common queries that might help you out.

Can I substitute other types of sausage in the Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! While Mexican chicken sausage adds a fantastic flavor, you can swap it with turkey sausage or any other chicken sausage you prefer. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the chili.

How long does this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe take to cook?

This chili takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes in total. The short ribs need time to become perfectly tender, so patience is key for an award-winning flavor!

What toppings do you recommend for this chili?

Some great toppings include chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese (or dairy-free alternatives), sour cream (or a plant-based version), and sliced green onions. Feel free to get creative!

Can I make this chili healthier?

Yes! You can reduce the fat content by using leaner cuts of beef or opting for turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage. Additionally, adding more beans or vegetables can boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making this Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili as I am! It’s a heartwarming dish that brings comfort with every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a chilly night or enjoying it as leftovers throughout the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and I can’t wait for you to try it!