Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and fills your stomach, you’ve come to the right place! This Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Just imagine a cool evening where you gather around the table with loved ones, bowls steaming in hand, and laughter filling the air. This chili fits perfectly into such moments, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering.

What makes this chili special is how the tender short ribs meld beautifully with the zesty chicken sausage and vibrant spices. It’s an award-winning combination that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: With beef short ribs and chicken sausage, this chili is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
• Easy Preparation: The steps are simple enough for any cook, making it a breeze to whip up for dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the robust flavors, and it’s an easy way to sneak in some beans and veggies!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this chili ahead of time, letting the flavors deepen as it sits.
• Perfectly Spicy: The blend of spices can be adjusted to suit your taste—add more jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it fiery!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and uncomplicated! For this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe, you’ll find that the ingredients are simple yet wholesome—perfect for a comforting bowl of chili.

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)
• 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 (hot New Mexican blend recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Hot sauce (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons corn meal (optional, for thickening)
• Your favorite toppings for serving

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Don’t hesitate to make it your own with these variations:

• Swap the protein: If you’re looking for something lighter, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of chicken sausage.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding chopped serrano peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Change the beans: Feel free to use different beans like pinto or chickpeas based on what you have on hand!

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 those short ribs with salt and pepper. Searing them for just 1-2 minutes on each side gives them a beautiful brown crust that adds depth of flavor to your chili. Don’t rush this step; it’s all about building layers of deliciousness! Once done, remove them from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add your chopped onion and jalapeño peppers. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften. This step is crucial because it helps release their natural sweetness, which will enhance your chili’s overall flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Next up, add in your chopped garlic and Mexican chicken sausage. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes while breaking up the sausage until it’s mostly cooked through. This creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!

Step 4: Spice it Up!

Now it’s time to stir in those fabulous spices: chili powder, Mexican oregano, cumin, along with some salt and pepper to taste. Cooking these spices for just a minute allows their oils to release their flavors fully—this is where magic happens!

Step 5: Add Liquid Gold

Pour in your beef stock while scraping any lovely browned bits off the bottom of the pan—those bits are packed with flavor! Then return your reserved short ribs back into the pot.

Step 6: The Main Event

Add those fire-roasted tomatoes along with black beans, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir everything together so that all those incredible ingredients get acquainted.

Step 7: Let it Simmer

Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours—or until those short ribs become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Trust me; patience pays off here!

Step 8: Thicken if Needed

If by chance your chili turns out too soupy for your liking, simply stir in some cornmeal during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help thicken things up nicely.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle portions into bowls and top off with your favorite toppings—avocado slices, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro would be perfect! There you have it—a bowl of warmth ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Creating the perfect chili is an art, and with a few expert tips, you can elevate this dish to a whole new level!

• Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality short ribs can make a significant difference in flavor and tenderness. Grass-fed or organically raised beef often has more depth of flavor.

• Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more jalapeños or switch to serranos for a hotter kick. Taste as you go to ensure it meets your heat preference.

• Let It Simmer: The longer you let your chili simmer, the better the flavors meld together. If time allows, try to let it cook for over two hours for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Thicken Wisely: If your chili turns out too soupy, cornmeal or crushed tortillas are fantastic thickeners that add texture without losing flavor. Stir them in gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

• Make It Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat before serving, and enjoy the enhanced flavors.

How to Serve Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe

Serving your chili is just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ways to present this hearty dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the chili.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top provides creaminess and tang that complements the spiciness beautifully.
• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar melts into the warmth of the chili, creating an irresistible gooey texture.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This sweet and buttery bread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all those delicious juices.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a delightful contrast to the soft chili while making for great scooping tools!
• Rice: Serve with fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal; it helps tone down the spice while providing additional texture.
• Avocado Salad: A simple salad with avocado, lime juice, and tomatoes offers a refreshing side that complements the hearty flavors of chili.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness with friends or family—perfect for any gathering or chilly evening!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili is perfect for meal prep and makes fantastic leftovers. You can easily whip up a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for future meals.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top as it will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste and texture.
• For easy access, consider freezing in smaller portions.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave on a low setting.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef stock or water to achieve your desired consistency.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious recipe? Here are some common queries!

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

Absolutely! While Mexican chicken sausage adds a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with other chicken sausages or even turkey sausage. Just be sure it fits within your dietary preferences.

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

The spice level depends on how many jalapenos (or serranos) you include. For less heat, remove the seeds or opt for milder peppers altogether.

What toppings pair well with this chili?

Some popular toppings include shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream (or dairy-free alternatives), chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips. Feel free to get creative based on your tastes!

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the short ribs and chicken sausage with plant-based options like mushrooms or lentils. Adjust the spices accordingly to maintain flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili! It’s a dish that warms not just your belly but also your heart with its rich flavors and comforting aroma. Enjoy this delightful recipe with family or friends, and embrace each spoonful of warmth it brings. Happy cooking!