Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm and hearty dish to cozy up with, this Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe is just what you need! It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone together, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering. The tender short ribs simmered with spicy chicken sausage, combined with fire-roasted tomatoes, creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner!

This chili is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s comforting, filling, and just downright satisfying—exactly what we crave when the weather gets chilly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This chili comes together in simple steps, making it perfect for even novice cooks.
• Family-friendly: With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors develop overnight for an even tastier dish!
• Versatile toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
• Filling and nutritious: Packed with protein from the short ribs and chicken sausage, it’s a meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe:

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless short ribs (cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes))
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 jalapeno peppers (chopped; use serranos for hotter, or more to taste)
• 6 cloves garlic (chopped; or more to taste)

For the Chili

• 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)

For Flavoring

• 2 tablespoons chili powder blend (I’m using a hot New Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Hot sauce, to taste

Optional Thickening Agent

• 2 tablespoons corn meal (optional; for thickening – or use crushed or torn corn tortillas)

Toppings

Your favorite toppings for serving!

Variations

One of the best things about this chili recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Swap the protein: Consider using turkey or beef sausage in place of chicken sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicier: If you’re looking for a kick, add extra jalapeños or include some diced chipotle peppers.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the short ribs with mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.

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 your short ribs with salt and pepper before placing them in the pot. Searing them for 1-2 minutes on each side develops a beautiful brown crust that adds depth to your chili’s flavor. If your pot isn’t big enough, do this step in batches!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, add in your chopped onion and jalapeño peppers. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften up nicely. This step is essential because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness which enhances the overall taste of your chili.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Now it’s time to add garlic and Mexican chicken sausage into the mix! Cook everything together for another 5 minutes while breaking up the sausage as it cooks. This ensures all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Spices

Stir in your chili powder blend, Mexican oregano, cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cooking these spices for about one minute allows their essential oils to bloom, creating an aromatic base that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Pour in your beef stock while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of your pot. These bits are packed with flavor and will elevate your chili even more!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add back those reserved short ribs along with fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine all those tasty ingredients.

Step 7: Simmer Away

Bring your chili mixture to a boil before reducing heat. Cover it up and let it simmer away for about 2 hours—or until those short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Don’t rush this step; it’s where all those flavors deepen!

Step 8: Thicken if Needed

If you find that your chili is too soupy after simmering—no worries! Stir in corn meal gradually while simmering again until you’ve reached your desired thickness.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, ladle your delicious chili into bowls and top with whatever goodies you love best—cheese, sour cream, avocado…you name it! Enjoy every comforting bite of this amazing Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Making chili is an art, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate this dish to a whole new level!

• Choose Quality Meat: Use high-quality short ribs for the best flavor and tenderness. The marbling in good quality meat breaks down beautifully during the cooking process, enriching your chili.
• Adjust the Heat: Start with one jalapeno and taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but it’s harder to tone it down if it gets too hot! This way, you can cater to everyone’s heat preferences.
• Let It Simmer Longer: If time allows, let your chili simmer longer than two hours. The flavors deepen and meld together beautifully, making every bite a delight!
• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix and match beans based on your preference. White beans or pinto beans can add a different texture and flavor profile to your chili.
• Use Leftover Chili: If you have any leftovers, use them in tacos or burritos the next day! It makes for a quick and delicious meal while reducing waste.

How to Serve Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Presenting this hearty chili is all about enhancing its robust flavors with complementary garnishes and side dishes. Let’s explore how to serve it up perfectly!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the dish.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast to the spicy chili, balancing out the heat beautifully.
• Shredded Cheese: A handful of shredded cheese melted on top gives an extra layer of richness that many enjoy.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic side is slightly sweet and pairs perfectly with spicy chili. Its soft texture complements the heartiness of the dish.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: The creaminess of guacamole alongside crunchy tortilla chips creates a delightful texture contrast while bringing additional flavors to your meal.
• Rice: Serving the chili over rice can help absorb some of the spiciness while providing a filling base that makes it even more satisfying.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness to your plate and balances out the richness of the chili.

Now you’re ready to serve up this delicious Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili! Enjoy every mouthful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a fantastic option for busy weeks ahead.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Cool the chili completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-friendly containers or zip-top bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe without beans?

Absolutely! You can omit the beans if you prefer a meatier chili. Alternatively, feel free to add your favorite vegetables instead.

How can I spice up my Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe?

If you want more heat, consider adding extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also mix in spices like cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a smoky kick!

What toppings work well with this chili?

Some great toppings include diced avocado, shredded cheese (if not avoiding dairy), fresh cilantro, sour cream alternatives, or tortilla chips.

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

The cooking time is about 2 hours for tender short ribs. However, it’s worth it for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Final Thoughts

This Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe is truly special—it’s hearty, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish will surely be a hit. Happy cooking!