Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty meal that warms both the body and soul, this Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe is just what you need! With tender short ribs and flavorful Mexican chicken sausage simmered together, every spoonful is packed with comfort. This chili is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying yet easy to prepare. It’s also perfect for family gatherings or game-day celebrations—everyone will come back for seconds!

What makes this chili special is not just its taste but the love that goes into making it. It brings friends and family together time and time again, making it a cherished recipe in our home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This chili is loaded with protein from the short ribs and chicken sausage, making it a complete meal in itself.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together easily, perfect for busy days.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and beans creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
• Customizable Toppings: Top it off with your favorites like cheese, avocado, or fresh cilantro for an extra layer of deliciousness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients can be part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili.

For the Chili Base

• 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)

For Adding Flavor

• 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 Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons chili powder blend
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Hot sauce (to taste)

Optional Thickening Agent

• 2 tablespoons cornmeal (or use crushed tortillas)

Toppings

Your favorite toppings for serving!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the Protein: Use beef chorizo or turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
• Change Up the Beans: If you prefer different beans, try using pinto beans or cannellini beans instead.
• Make It Spicy: Crank up the heat by adding more jalapeños or even some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

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. Searing them for 1-2 minutes on each side gives them a beautiful brown crust that adds deep flavor to your chili. If you need to do this in batches, that’s perfectly fine! Once seared, transfer them to a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Now it’s time to add some veggies! In the same pot, add chopped onion and jalapeño peppers. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften up nicely. This step builds a great flavor base for your chili.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Sausage

Next, add your garlic and Mexican chicken sausage. Break up the sausage as it cooks; you want it mostly cooked through after about 5 minutes. The aroma will be amazing at this point!

Step 4: Add Spices

Stir in your chili powder blend, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Cooking these spices for a minute helps them bloom and release their full flavors into the dish.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the beef stock while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step incorporates all those delicious flavors back into your chili.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add back your reserved short ribs along with fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir everything together; let those flavors mingle!

Step 7: Simmer Away

Bring your mix to a boil then reduce the heat. Cover your pot and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours—or longer—until your short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Keep an eye on it; if it gets too soupy, stir in cornmeal during the last few minutes of cooking.

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Scoop generous portions into bowls and let everyone top their chili with their favorites—cheese, avocado slices, fresh herbs—you name it. Enjoy every warm bite!

Pro Tips for Making Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

Chili is one of those comforting dishes that gets better with a few simple tweaks, so let’s make this recipe a true showstopper!

• Choose quality meat: Opt for well-marbled short ribs. The fat renders during cooking, making the chili rich and flavorful. Quality ingredients lead to a more enjoyable dish.

• Adjust the spice level: Taste as you go! If you love heat, add more jalapeños or hot sauce. If you’re serving guests with varying spice tolerances, keep the heat on the side to let everyone customize their bowl.

• Let it sit: After cooking, allow your chili to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and enhances the overall taste.

• Experiment with toppings: Get creative! Try avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or crumbled tortilla chips to add texture and freshness to your chili.

• Make it ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Prepare it in advance and reheat when ready to serve for an even tastier meal!

How to Serve Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

Serving chili is all about personal preference and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Here are some fun ideas for presenting your delicious dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro adds a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chili.
• Sour cream or dairy-free alternative: A dollop of sour cream (or its plant-based counterpart) provides creaminess that balances out the heat.
• Lime wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over your bowl brightens all the flavors and gives it a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic side is sweet and crumbly, perfect for soaking up every drop of your flavorful chili.
• Guacamole and tortilla chips: The creamy guacamole paired with crunchy chips is a delightful contrast that complements the heartiness of your chili.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch that balances out the richness of the chili.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa adds another layer of texture while making it even more filling.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create a memorable meal that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. Enjoy every spicy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it’s also a great way to have delicious, hearty meals ready to go. Here’s how you can store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the chili into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the chili cool to room temperature before freezing.
• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• You can also microwave individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this flavorful recipe that might help you out!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute short ribs with beef chuck or ground beef, or use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage for a lighter option.

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

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preferences. You can add more jalapeños or serrano peppers for extra heat, or reduce them for a milder version.

What toppings work well with this chili?

Some great toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream (or a dairy-free alternative), fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado slices. Get creative!

Can I make this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe in advance?

Yes! This chili actually tastes better when made ahead of time as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to any gathering or cozy night in. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your favorite toppings and spices. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas!