Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

This Short Rib and Chicken Sausage Chili Recipe is a bold and hearty dish that combines tender beef short ribs with spicy Mexican chicken sausage, creating a flavor explosion. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy family dinners, this chili stands out with its rich ingredients and robust spices that will warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of beef short ribs and chicken sausage adds depth to every bowl.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can create a mouthwatering chili.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields generous servings, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing for future meals.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños to fit your spice preference; it’s all about your taste!
• Rich in Nutrients: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is not just tasty but also nourishing.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you need to whip up this chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This is essential for simmering the chili evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, which saves time in meal prep.

Ingredients

This spicy chili is loaded with tender beef short ribs simmered with Mexican chicken sausage, fire roasted tomatoes, and the perfect blend of spices!

• 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
• 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

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 with salt and pepper.
* Sear them for 1–2 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust.
* If needed, do this in batches. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion and jalapeño peppers.
* Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Chicken Sausage

Add chopped garlic along with Mexican chicken sausage.
* Cook for another 5 minutes while breaking up the sausage until it is mostly cooked through.

Step 4: Bloom Spices

Stir in chili powder, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
* Cook for an additional minute to let the spices bloom.

Step 5: Deglaze Pot

Pour in beef stock while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Return the reserved short ribs back into the pot along with fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
* Stir everything together well.

Step 7: Simmer the Chili

Bring the chili to a boil.
* Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about two hours or until short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender. You may need longer depending on your stove.

Step 8: Thicken if Necessary

If you find that your chili is too soupy,
* Stir in corn meal and let it simmer until thickened as desired.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle into bowls and top each serving with your favorite toppings before enjoying this delicious chili!

How to Serve Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

Serving short rib and chicken sausage chili is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. This hearty dish can be paired with various toppings and side items to enhance its flavor profile.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A cool contrast to the spicy chili, adding creaminess.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melt beautifully over hot chili for extra richness.
• Chopped Green Onions: Freshness and crunch that brighten the dish.
• Avocado Slices: Adds a creamy texture, balancing the heat of the chili.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet and soft, perfect for dipping into the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips for scooping up the chili; great for added texture.
• Rice: A hearty base that absorbs the flavors of the chili well.
• Pickled Jalapenos: For an extra kick, these add both heat and tang.

How to Perfect Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

Perfecting your short rib and chicken sausage chili involves paying attention to details. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce enhances flavor; choose ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs whenever possible.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste as you go! Add more jalapenos or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier chili.
• Let It Simmer Longer: For tenderness, allow the short ribs to simmer longer than 2 hours if needed.
• Add Beans Last: To maintain their shape, add beans towards the end of cooking time.

Best Side Dishes for Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your short rib and chicken sausage chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered with garlic butter adds a savory crunch.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw provides a crisp contrast to the warm chili.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned veggies bring a smoky flavor that complements the spices in the chili.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a nutritious side option.
5. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy potatoes serve as a hearty base for serving chili on top or alongside.
6. Salad Verde: A light green salad dressed in vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili, it’s easy to overlook some key aspects that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Searing: Not searing the short ribs can lead to a lack of flavor. Always take a few minutes to brown the meat before cooking it in the chili to enhance its taste.
• Overcrowding the Pot: If you add too many ingredients at once, they won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything gets the right amount of heat and time.
• Neglecting Spice Measurements: Using too little or too much spice can ruin your chili. Start with the recommended amounts, and adjust according to your taste after simmering.
• Not Letting It Simmer Long Enough: Rushing through the cooking process compromises tenderness. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 2 hours so that flavors meld beautifully and the short ribs become tender.
• Ignoring Toppings: Skipping on toppings can make your dish less exciting. Try adding cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Make sure it cools completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30-40 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add broth if it gets too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe.

Can I use other meats in this chili recipe?

Yes! You can substitute beef short ribs with lamb or turkey for different flavor profiles while maintaining deliciousness.

Is this chili spicy?

The spiciness depends on how many jalapenos you add. For less heat, remove seeds or use fewer peppers; for more spice, add more!

How do I thicken my chili?

You can thicken your chili by adding corn meal or crushed corn tortillas as optional ingredients during cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day after allowing flavors to meld together overnight in the refrigerator.

What toppings work best for this chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or green onions for added freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Short Rib and chicken sausage Chili Recipe is not only hearty but also versatile enough to customize according to your preferences. With its rich flavors and comforting warmth, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different beans or spices based on what you enjoy most!