Our top tips for making a delicious short rib chili are even better
As the weather starts to cool down, one of my favorite comfort foods is a big bowl of chili. I love trying new recipes, and this short rib chili is one of my recent favorites. It’s hearty, flavorful, and, best of all, easy to make.
To start, you’ll need some basic ingredients like ground beef, onions, and garlic. But the star of the show is definitely the short ribs. They add a richness and depth of flavor that takes this chili to the next level.
The key to making tender short ribs is to slowly cook them in low heat until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. It can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, so be sure to plan!
In the meantime, you can prepare your other ingredients and get your chili simmering on the stovetop.
Once everything is ready, it’s just a matter of ladling it into bowls and topping it with your favorite toppings. I like mine with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced green onions.
But feel free to get creative – chunky avocado or crispy bacon would be great additions too!
Chili is a great winter dish
When it comes to winter comfort food, chili is hard to beat. Hearty and filling, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day. But chili is more than just delicious; it’s also surprisingly good for you.
Loaded with protein and fiber, chili can help to boost your immune system and keep your digestive tract running smoothly. And because it’s packed with veggies, chili is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
What are short ribs?
Short ribs are a type of beef that comes from the brisket, chuck, or plate area of a cow. They are usually cut into rectangular or square-shaped pieces, with each piece containing a bone.
Why are they good in chili?
Chili peppers are a popular ingredient in chili, and for a good reason. Chili peppers add both flavor and heat to the dish, making it more enjoyable to eat.
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to boost metabolism and reduce appetite. As a result, eating chili can help you burn more calories and feel fuller for longer.
So if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to spice up your meals, be sure to give chili peppers a try.
Why You love short rib chili Recipe
- Short rib chili is the perfect comfort food.
- It is hearty and filling yet still light enough to enjoy on a warm day.
- The flavors are complex and well-balanced, with a hint of sweetness from the corn and a touch of heat from the jalapeños.
- The short ribs are cooked to perfection, falling off the bone and melting in your mouth.
- This chili is sure to become a new family favorite!
How to make short rib chili in 5 steps
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the onions, garlic, and chili powder and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, broth, and beer and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours until the short ribs are cooked through.
- Remove the short ribs from the pot and shred them with a fork. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir in the beans. Serve hot with sour cream and shredded cheese.
The Perfect Short Rib Chili Recipe
Short Rib Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. short ribs
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red pepper diced
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the short ribs. Cook for 3 minutes per side or until browned.
- Add the onions, garlic, red pepper, black beans, corn, tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until the short ribs are cooked through. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Expert Tips
Tip #1: Choose the right cut of beef
You want to choose a cut that has a good amount of marbling, which is the streaks of fat that run through the muscle. The fat helps to add flavor and tenderness to the chili, making it more enjoyable to eat.
Tip #2: Season the beef
The beef for the short rib chili recipe should be seasoned with salt, pepper, and chili powder. First, liberally season the beef with salt and pepper. Then, add chili powder to taste.
The amount of chili powder you use will depend on your personal preferences. If you like your chili to be very spicy, add more chili powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, add less chili powder.
Once the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings, set it aside and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Tip #3: Sear the beef
The searing process also helps to caramelize the exterior of the beef, adding depth of flavor. To get the best results, sear the beef in a hot pan until it is evenly browned on all sides.
Then, add the beef to the chili pot along with the other ingredients and simmer until the beef is cooked through. By taking the time to sear the beef properly, you’ll end up with a delicious and hearty chili that everyone will love.
Tip #4: Add aromatics
Aromatics are typically added at the beginning of cooking and include items like onions, garlic, and herbs. By adding these ingredients early on, they have a chance to release their flavor into the dish and infuse it with extra flavor.
For a short rib chili recipe, consider adding onions, garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. These aromatics will complement the rich flavors of the short ribs and create a truly delicious dish.
Tip #5: Use a slow cooker or Dutch oven
Short ribs are a tough cut of meat, but when cooked slowly and rubbed with spices, they become meltingly tender. The slow cooker also allows the flavors of the chili to meld together, creating a rich and complex dish.
To make short rib chili in a slow cooker or Dutch oven, simply brown the meat, then add it to the pot along with your favorite chili ingredients. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, then enjoy!
RECIPE FAQS
Q1. What kind of steak is best for chili?
For many people, the best part of chili is the meat. While any kind of steak can be used, some types are better than others. For example, flank steak is a good choice because it is lean and has a lot of flavors.
Another option is skirt steak, which is also very flavorful. However, skirt steak can be a bit tough, so it is important to cut it into small pieces before adding it to the chili.
Q2. What is the secret ingredient to amazing chili?
While some might say it’s all about the spices, others might argue that the key is in the meat. In reality, the answer is probably a bit of both.
The important thing is to find a balance between the different flavors so that none of them overpower the dish. With a little trial and error, you’ll soon find the perfect combination of ingredients to make your amazing chili.
Q3. What makes Texas chili different?
One key difference between Texas chili and other types of chili is the use of beef brisket. This cut of meat is tough and fatty, but when it’s slow-cooked in a stew of chilis and spices, it becomes meltingly tender.
Another signature ingredient in Texas chili is garlic. While most chili recipes call for just a few cloves, some Texas recipes use an entire head of garlic, giving the dish a potent aroma and flavor.
Finally, Texas chili is typically made with diced tomatoes, whereas many other regional styles omit them entirely.
Q4. Why is it called cowboy chili?
There are many stories about the origins of cowboy chili, a hearty stew made with beef, beans, and chili peppers. One tale claims that it was created by cowboys working on the Chisholm Trail, who needed a dish that was filling and easy to make.
Another story says that it was invented by a cook who was trying to stretch a small amount of beef to feed a large group of cowboys.
Q5. Do you have to put beef broth in chili?
Some people feel that the broth adds unnecessary calories and fat, while others believe that it enhances the flavor of the chili. Still, others argue that adding broth is simply a matter of personal preference.
So, what is the right answer? Ultimately, it depends on what you are looking for in your chili. If you are looking for a heartier dish with more depth of flavor, then beef broth is a good option.
Q6. What is the best cooking method for short ribs?
One popular option is braising, which involves cooking the meat in a covered dish with a small amount of liquid. This method helps to break down the tough collagen in the ribs, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
Another option is Slow cooking, which allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together over an extended period. This method is ideal for busy home cooks who want to prepare a meal in advance.
