Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, my Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe is just what you need! This dish has been a staple in my home for years, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the memories we create while enjoying it together. The combination of tender beef short ribs and zesty Mexican chicken sausage makes this chili simply unforgettable!

Grab a bowl and let’s get cooking! Trust me; once you try this chili, it will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip this up without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of chili! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
• Loaded with flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a rich, delicious taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are not only simple but also wholesome. Gathering them is half the fun! Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this delightful chili to life.

For the Chili

• 2 tablespoon 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, or more to taste)
• 6 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 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
• 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

This chili is incredibly flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these easy variations:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded chicken or turkey instead of short ribs for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Change up the beans: Use pinto beans or chickpeas for different textures and flavors.
• Make it spicy: Add more jalapeños or some diced chipotle peppers if you love heat!

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 adding them to the hot oil. Searing them for 1-2 minutes on each side creates a beautiful brown crust that adds depth of flavor to your chili. If your pot isn’t big enough, do this in batches. Once done, remove them from the pot and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

In the same pot, add chopped onions and jalapeños. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften up nicely. This step allows their natural sweetness to emerge, enhancing the overall flavor of your chili.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Chicken Sausage

Next, toss in the chopped garlic and Mexican chicken sausage. Break up the sausage as it cooks for about 5 minutes until it’s mostly cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible at this point!

Step 4: Spice It Up

Stir in your chili powder blend, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cooking these spices for about a minute allows their flavors to bloom beautifully throughout your dish.

Step 5: Build Your Base

Now it’s time to add some liquid! Pour in beef stock while scraping up any browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pot—this adds even more flavor!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return those delicious short ribs back into the pot along with fire roasted tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir everything together until combined.

Step 7: Simmer Away

Bring your chili mixture to a boil before reducing heat. Cover it and let it simmer away for about two hours—or longer if you want those short ribs meltingly tender! Keep an eye on it; longer simmering helps develop those wonderful flavors.

Step 8: Thicken As Desired

If you find that your chili is too soupy after simmering, stir in cornmeal or crushed tortillas as needed until you reach your desired thickness.

Step 9: Serve Up!

Scoop generous portions into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro!

Enjoy every delicious bite of this comforting Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe with loved ones around your table!

Pro Tips for Making Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Making a delicious chili is all about the little details. Here are some pro tips to take your Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili to the next level!

• Sear the Meat Well: Searing the short ribs creates a rich, caramelized flavor that adds depth to your chili. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for achieving a mouthwatering result!

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with one jalapeno pepper and gradually increase as you taste. You can always add more hot sauce later, but it’s hard to tone down spice once it’s in there.

• Let It Simmer Longer: For the best flavor and tenderness, let your chili simmer longer than two hours if possible. This allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully together, resulting in a richer taste.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh spices. This will enhance the overall flavor profile of your chili and make it truly unforgettable.

• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Whether it’s fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded cheese (if you’re including dairy), these additions can elevate your dish and offer contrasting textures.

How to Serve Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Serving up your Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to present this hearty dish that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the chili.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice right before serving enhances the overall flavor profile, giving a zesty finish.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado not only tastes great but also adds a nice texture contrast to the spicy chili.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This sweet and savory bread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
• Rice: A simple side of white or brown rice can help balance out the spiciness while adding an extra layer of heartiness.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up chili or enjoying on their own with a bit of salsa.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chili.

Enjoy crafting this amazing Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili; it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Its flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, making it even more delightful when reheated.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best quality, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while preparing this delicious chili!

Can I use other types of meat in this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! While short ribs and chicken sausage create a wonderful flavor combination, you can substitute with ground turkey or beef if you prefer.

How spicy is the Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted based on personal preference. Start with 2 jalapeños or serranos, and add more hot sauce as desired.

Can I add more beans to this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add additional beans like pinto or chickpeas for extra texture and protein.

What toppings go well with this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe?

Popular toppings include diced avocado, shredded cheese (or dairy-free alternatives), sour cream (or plant-based yogurt), cilantro, and chopped green onions.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy making it as much as I did, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy cooking!