Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your heart and fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, then this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe is just what you need. This chili is a delightful mix of tender beef short ribs and flavorful Mexican chicken sausage, bringing together rich flavors that make it perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply enjoying a quiet weeknight dinner, this chili is sure to become a cherished favorite.

The best part? It’s easy to throw together, and the slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can even prepare it ahead of time, making it an ideal option for busy days when you want something hearty without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling: This chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal for everyone.
• Simple ingredients: With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, this recipe keeps things uncomplicated while delivering big flavor.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can whip this up in advance, letting the flavors deepen overnight for even better taste.
• Family-approved: Everyone from kids to adults will love the savory goodness of this chili—perfect for all ages!
• Customizable toppings: Top your chili with your favorites like cheese, avocado, or fresh herbs for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should feel accessible and enjoyable! Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this scrumptious Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in developing that bold flavor we crave in a good chili.

For the Chili

• 2 tablespoon 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)
• 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’m using a hot New Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Hot sauce, to taste
• 2 tablespoons corn meal (optional, for thickening – or use crushed or torn corn tortillas)
• Your favorite toppings for serving

Variations

The beauty of chili is its flexibility! Feel free to tweak this recipe according to your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: If you prefer turkey or beef sausage instead of chicken sausage, go for it! Just adjust cooking times as necessary.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet corn to pack in even more nutrients and color.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the beef short ribs with mushrooms or lentils and omit the sausage for a delicious meat-free option.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add in some chipotle peppers or cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch!

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 generously with salt and pepper before adding them to the hot oil. Searing them helps create that beautiful brown crust that adds depth of flavor. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove them from the pot and set aside; we’ll bring them back shortly!

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Peppers

Next, add your chopped onion and jalapeño peppers to the pot. Cook them for about five minutes until they soften up nicely. This step builds a strong flavor base as those onions caramelize slightly.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Chicken Sausage

Now it’s time to stir in the chopped garlic and Mexican chicken sausage. Break up the sausage as it cooks for about five minutes until it’s mostly cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 4: Spice It Up

Stir in your chili powder blend, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cooking these spices for just one minute allows their essential oils to release fully—this is where all that amazing flavor starts coming together!

Step 5: Deglaze with Beef Stock

Pour in the beef stock while scraping any browned bits stuck at the bottom of your pot. Those bits are packed with flavor!

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Return those seared 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; we want all those ingredients mingling together.

Step 7: Simmer Away

Bring your chili mixture to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer gently for about two hours—or longer if needed—until those short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 8: Thicken If Needed

If you find your chili is too soupy at any point during cooking, simply stir in some corn meal or crushed tortillas. Let it simmer again briefly until thickened.

Step 9: Serve It Up

Ladle your delicious chili into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or fresh cilantro. Each serving is sure to bring smiles around your table!

And there you have it—your very own Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe! Enjoy every hearty spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Making chili is an art, and with these pro tips, you’ll be a chili maestro in no time!

• Sear the Short Ribs Properly: Taking the time to sear your short ribs creates a rich depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chili. Browning the meat caramelizes the surface, resulting in those delightful savory notes.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapenos or even a dash of cayenne. The beauty of this recipe is that you can tailor it to your preference, ensuring each bowl is just as spicy as you like.

• Let It Simmer Longer: For even more tender meat and flavor development, consider simmering your chili longer than two hours. The flavors meld beautifully with time, and your short ribs will become fall-apart tender.

• Thicken to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker chili, don’t hesitate to add more cornmeal or crushed corn tortillas. This not only helps with consistency but also adds an extra layer of corn flavor that complements the dish wonderfully.

• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with what you top your chili with! Cheese, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro can add great texture and freshness. Don’t be afraid to mix and match based on your personal tastes!

How to Serve Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Serving your hearty chili can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn a simple meal into a delightful feast for family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: These add a nice crunch and subtle onion flavor that brightens up each bite.
• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese melts beautifully over hot chili, creating a creamy richness that enhances every spoonful.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adding fresh cilantro gives a burst of freshness that balances the spices and adds visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all those delicious juices while adding a comforting touch.
• Avocado Salad: A light avocado salad with lime juice provides creaminess and acidity that cuts through the richness of the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a satisfying contrast to the soft texture of chili; they’re perfect for dipping!
• Rice or Quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa makes it even heartier while providing a nice base to soak up all those wonderful flavors.

With these serving ideas and tips in mind, you’re ready to create an unforgettable Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili experience! Enjoy every warming bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it stores well, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If you plan to eat it later in the week, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easy access.

Freezing

• Let the chili cool to room temperature before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label your containers with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
• For microwave reheating, warm in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I use different types of sausage in the Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for Mexican chicken sausage for a specific flavor profile, feel free to swap in another type of sausage that you enjoy. Just ensure it’s a variety that complements the chili’s spices.

How can I adjust the spice level in my Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe?

To increase spiciness, add more jalapeños or switch them out for hotter peppers like serranos. Alternatively, you can incorporate additional hot sauce during cooking or as a topping when serving.

What toppings pair well with this chili?

Some popular toppings include shredded cheese (dairy-free options are available), sour cream (or a plant-based alternative), chopped green onions, cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips for crunch!

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! You can omit the short ribs and chicken sausage entirely. Replace them with hearty vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms or even lentils for protein while keeping the flavor intact!

Final Thoughts

This Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort. The tender short ribs combined with spicy chicken sausage create a rich flavor that’s simply irresistible. I truly hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do! Gather your loved ones around the table and savor every bite together. Happy cooking!