Award Winning Short Rib and Chorizo Chili

Lora Lopez

Posted on September 8, 2025

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience with my Award Winning Short Rib and Chorizo Chili. This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of tender short ribs and spicy chorizo sausage, creating a chili that’s not only comforting but also packed with robust flavors. Perfect for cold nights, game days, or any time you crave something warm and satisfying, this chili is sure to impress your family and friends. With its blend of spices and a variety of beans, each bowl offers a delightful experience that keeps you coming back for more. Let’s dive into the world of this award-winning recipe that’s become a staple in many households!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Award Winning Short Rib and Chorizo Chili is not just another chili recipe; it’s a culinary masterpiece that elevates your typical chili experience. Here’s why you’ll love making this dish:

Flavor Fusion: The combination of short ribs and chorizo creates a unique depth of flavor that is savory and slightly spicy. Each bite is a burst of deliciousness!
Hearty and Filling: With generous portions of meat, beans, and vegetables, this chili is a meal in itself. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels by adding more jalapeños or using milder peppers. It’s versatile enough to suit everyone’s taste!
Easy to Prepare: While it may seem like a complex dish, the steps are straightforward. Just brown your meats, sauté your veggies, and let it simmer. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this chili is sure to be a hit. Serve it with toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese for an extra indulgence!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Award Winning Short Rib and Chorizo Chili not only tastes amazing, but it also brings people together. Cooking this chili is an experience in itself, from the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen to the satisfaction of serving a dish that everyone loves. Here are a few more reasons to try this recipe:

Great for Meal Prep: This chili stores well in the fridge and can be easily frozen, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Just reheat and enjoy during your busy days!
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beans and meat, along with vitamins from the vegetables, this chili is a wholesome choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Impressive Presentation: Serve it in a rustic bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro to impress your guests. The vibrant colors and hearty texture make it visually appealing.
Comfort Food with a Twist: While traditional chili is great, this recipe introduces a twist that your taste buds will appreciate. The combination of short ribs and chorizo sets it apart from ordinary chili recipes.
A Family Favorite: Once you serve this chili, it’s bound to become a family favorite, requested time and time again. It’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for any season.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before we get cooking, let’s gather our ingredients and essential utensils for making the Award Winning Short Rib and Chorizo Chili. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

2 lbs short ribs, cut into pieces
1 lb chorizo sausage, casings removed
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
2 jalapeño peppers, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Shredded cheese, for serving (optional)

Recommended Tools or Utensils:

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Serving bowls

With all your ingredients and tools ready, you’re set to make the best chili of your life. Now, let’s get into the cooking process!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these steps for preparing the Award Winning Short Rib and Chorizo Chili. Each step is designed to maximize flavor and ensure a delicious result.

Brown the Meats: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and chorizo, browning the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it develops the flavor. Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell peppers, jalapeños, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. This adds a wonderful aroma to your chili.
Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This step brings out the spices’ flavors and elevates the overall taste of the chili.
Combine Ingredients: Return the browned short ribs and chorizo to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything to combine thoroughly.
Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, and the short ribs become tender.
Shred the Meat: Once cooked, remove the short ribs from the pot. Shred the meat using two forks and return it to the chili. This step ensures that the meat is well-distributed throughout the dish.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

FAQs

What makes this chili award-winning?

The combination of tender short ribs and spicy chorizo, along with a perfect blend of spices, creates a rich and flavorful chili that stands out from traditional recipes.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this chili in a slow cooker. Brown the meats and sauté the vegetables in a pan first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What toppings pair well with this chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and jalapeños. These add extra flavor and texture to your chili.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the short ribs and chorizo with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth to make a delicious vegetarian chili.

Conclusion

The Award Winning Short Rib and Chorizo Chili is a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a gathering or enjoying it as a comforting meal at home, this chili is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience in the comments below, and let us know how your chili turned out! If you loved this recipe, consider sharing it with friends and family or trying out other delicious recipes from our blog, such as Garlic Parmesan Meatballs with Creamy Dip.