Beef and Chorizo Chili is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul on a chilly evening. Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this meal is a perfect solution for those busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Let the combination of beef and spicy chorizo together with beans create a delicious dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love Making This Beef and Chorizo Chili

This Beef and Chorizo Chili is not just easy to make; it’s also brimming with flavor. The tender beef short ribs and spicy chorizo blend beautifully. As it simmers, the aromas fill your kitchen, making everyone ready to dig in. What makes it even better is that it cooks mostly unattended. Set it on the stove and let the ingredients meld together into a warm, comforting feast.

With this recipe, you’ll save time. You can make a big batch and have leftovers for several meals. The nutrients from the beans and the goodness of beef come together to create a well-rounded dish. You can serve it on its own or pair it with whatever you have on hand. What’s not to love about a meal that brings everyone together around the table? Let’s dive into how to prepare this wonderful dish.

Ingredients You Will Need:

Before you start cooking, make sure you gather all the ingredients. Preparing your ingredients can save time and make the cooking process smoother. Here’s what you need to create delicious Beef and Chorizo Chili:

• 2 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 lb Mexican chorizo
• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• Olive oil

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to start cooking.

How to Make Beef and Chorizo Chili (3 Steps & Timing)

Making Beef and Chorizo Chili is straightforward. You can follow these simple steps and in just a few hours, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Browning the Meat

In a large pot, begin by heating some olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef short ribs, making sure to brown them on all sides. This will take around 5-7 minutes. Browning the meat seals in the flavor. Once browned, remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

Using the same pot, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir often for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor foundation for your chili. Next, add the Mexican chorizo to the pot. Cook it until browned, which should take an additional 5-6 minutes. This will give your chili a spicy kick.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Now, bring back the beef ribs to the pot. Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped bell pepper. This last addition adds color and crunch to your dish. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmer allows the meat to become tender and full of flavor.

Finally, stir in the kidney beans and let everything cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This helps the beans heat through and absorb some chili goodness. Serve hot and enjoy the heartiness of your Beef and Chorizo Chili!

Quick Sides & Serving Ideas

This chili is filling on its own, but if you want to make a meal feel more complete, consider adding a few sides. Cornbread is a classic pairing that complements the spiciness well. You can also serve it with tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or a simple avocado topping. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over rice or with a side of roasted vegetables.

If you have toppings on hand, diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro can elevate your chili experience. Let everyone customize their bowls for a fun, family-style meal.

Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)

One of the best parts about making a large pot of Beef and Chorizo Chili is the leftovers. This chili keeps well in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Just store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir often and add a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Place the cooled chili in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts

To make this process even easier, a little planning goes a long way. You can save time by prepping ingredients ahead of time. Chop your onions and garlic and store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also brown the meat a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

If you’re in a real rush, a pressure cooker can cut cooking time in half. Just adjust your simmer time accordingly. This way, Wednesday nights don’t have to be hectic, and you still get a flavorful home-cooked meal.

Smart Swaps & Variations

Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste and pantry. If you can’t find Mexican chorizo, regular pork sausage can work in a pinch, though the flavors will be different. For a healthier option, look for lean beef or turkey. Additionally, you can switch up the beans. Black beans or pinto beans are great alternatives.

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more beans or lentils. You can also load up on vegetables like zucchini or corn to keep it hearty and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility.

Beef and Chorizo Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili made with beef short ribs, spicy chorizo, and beans, perfect for comforting meals on chilly nights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Meat Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef short ribs Tender and flavorful meat.
• 1 lb Mexican chorizo Adds a nice spice to the dish.

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes (14.5 oz) Essential for the chili base.
• 1 onion, chopped Builds flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances aroma and flavor.
• 1 bell pepper, chopped Adds color and crunch.

Liquids and Seasonings

• 2 cups beef broth Base for the chili.
• 1 tbsp chili powder Adds heat and depth.
• 1 tsp cumin Complements the spices.
• Salt to taste Enhances overall flavor.
• Pepper to taste Adds seasoning.

Beans

• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed Provides protein and texture.

Cooking Oil

• as needed Olive oil For browning the meat and sautéing.

Instructions

 

Browning the Meat

• Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the beef short ribs and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
• Once browned, remove the ribs from the pot and set aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring often for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the Mexican chorizo and cook until browned for an additional 5-6 minutes.

Combining Everything

• Return the beef ribs to the pot and add fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in the chopped bell pepper.
• Bring everything to a simmer and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Finally, stir in the kidney beans and let everything cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
• Serve hot and enjoy your hearty Beef and Chorizo Chili!

Notes

This chili keeps well in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Serve with toppings like diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6g

Keyword beef, Chili, Chorizo, Comfort Food, easy recipe

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FAQs About Beef and Chorizo Chili

Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you as you make this delicious dish.