Take this Slow Cooker Short Rib Chili to a chili cook off and you just might win.
I have a lot of chili recipes on my blog. I love chili in all its variations – vegetarian, turkey, beef, pork – I enjoy them all. But this Slow Cooker Short Rib Chili is the first recipe I have created that I would feel confident in taking to a cut-throat chili competition. The taste and heat level are just right, and the short ribs provide such a perfectly meaty depth of flavor.
HOW MANY CHILI RECIPES DO YOU NEED?
A lot! Chili can be basic or creative. A variety of chili recipes means something for everyone. In looking at my chili recipe collection I didn’t have one yet made with short ribs and so I just had to create one. Here’s the links to all the rest of my chili recipes:
- Crockpot Turkey Chili
- Vegetarian Chili
- Jimmy Fallon’s Crockpot Chili
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Chili
- Chili Verde
- Crockpot Cincinnati Chili
- Slow Cooker Double Pumpkin Chili
- Easy Crockpot White Chicken Chili
WHY SHOULD YOU COOK CHILI IN A SLOW COOKER?
All of my chili recipes are made for the slow cooker. This is because the chili powder and other seasonings blend and develop better flavor with slow cooking. They mellow! Which sounds like less flavor but you actually want the harsh bite of the chili powder to tone down a bit before eating. That’s why people often say chili tastes better the next day. Making chili isn’t a quick process but it’s definitely simple.
Tips for making Slow Cooker Short Rib Chili:
- I use English cut short ribs for this recipe. I can find those in the meat section at my local grocery, already packaged, with 4 to 5 ribs per package.
- Browning the short ribs in a non stick skillet similar to this means you don’t have to add additional oil or butter. The short ribs have plenty of fat already.
- You can make this chili one day ahead up through the step of shredding the meat off the bones. Add the beans and reheat the chili the next day in the slow cooker.
- Serve this chili topped with shredded cheese and sour cream.
- Use a 6 or 8 quart slow cooker similar to this one for this recipe.
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Slow Cooker Short Rib Chili
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs English-cut short ribs
- 1/2 large onion peeled and chopped
- 1 10 oz can beef consommé (or beef broth) I used Campbell's brand
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) I used Red Gold brand
- 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup apple butter
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 15 oz cans black beans drained
Instructions
- Turn the slow cooker on to high heat.
- In a large, non-stick skillet over medium high heat brown the short ribs (a few minutes per side). Transfer them to the slow cooker.
- To the same skillet add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- Add the beef consommé, tomatoes with green chilies, crushed tomatoes and all the seasonings. Bring to a simmer and add to the slow cooker so it covers the short ribs.
- Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
- Using tongs, remove the short ribs and bones from the chili. Using two forks, shred the meat and discard the bones and any obvious fat.
- Return the shredded beef short ribs to the slow cooker and add the drained black beans. Stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 30 - 60 minutes. Serve the chili topped with shredded cheese and sour cream.
Adrianne says
Yummmm! This recipe looks delicious and comforting at the same time! I could go a big bowl of this right now. I like the idea of taking the harsh bite off the chilli powder too. Cheers
foodtasticmom says
Thanks so much Adrianne!
Chef Mireille says
What a hearty and protein packed chili. This is the perfect comfort food for cold winter nights.
foodtasticmom says
I totally agree. Thank you!
Mary Bostow says
It is freeeezing here today, so chili is absolutely what I need. My husband would love this one, especially! 🙂
foodtasticmom says
Chili is a must for cold weather. Thanks Mary!
Veena Azmanov says
This is surely mouth melting. Amazing idea of using the slow cooker option. Looks super delicious.
foodtasticmom says
Thanks so much Veena!
Gloria says
I love my slow cooker, and chili. I have NEVER made it with short ribs. I WANT TO. OMG I can just imagine how could this would taste. Fantastic recipe for sure.
foodtasticmom says
I really appreciate your enthusiasm 🙂 Come back and let me know what you think. It’s a must make!
Jeff G says
Just made this. Amazing chilli! Saw recipe weeks ago. Got stocked yesterday. Got started late today, after 12noon, dont have 8hrs had 5 1/2. So 1st step completed w/ InstaPot. Browned ribs on saute, + onions, + consomme, + 1/2 tomatoes and + dry’s. Balance of ingredients went into crock pot same time. You dont say, but I rinsed the canned beans. 35ish minutes of pressure, pressure release left alone, then crock pot until 6:30. Tip: trim as much connect tissue from ribs before cooking, easier pulling. I forgot mustard but added it right at the end and I really like that additional layer in there, I was tasting for the final 2 hours of the simmer and the mustard made me smile .
Results: bright, deep meaty flavor w/ quick mild-medium burn, pot roast tender, cornbread dunkable, thick enough on day 1 (can’t wait to try tomorrow.) Overall a really easy , well balanced, helluva base chilli recipe. Anyone could easily crank this to 5 alarms with there favorite hot sauces or Caro Reapers I think it would hold that heat without losing its character. Really Nice one I’m keeping it.
foodtasticmom says
What a fantastic review! You taking the time to provide your experience with my recipe is what makes me smile. Thank you so much! 🙂
Millie says
I made this today, followed exact recipe w exception of adding some chopped garlic to the onion. We are really enjoying it but have a question: Why the apple butter? I cant decide what, if anything, it has added. Help me out, and thanks for a great recipe! Millie
foodtasticmom says
I guess the only way to tell is to leave the apple butter out the next time. In general with soups, stews and chilis, I’ll add some sort of sweet component. It generally enhances or balances the other flavors going on – spicy, umami, salty. I had apple butter on hand and to me, it made sense. Recipes are my creative process. But I definitely understand and don’t mind when my readers alter ingredients to their own tastes. I’m happy you enjoyed this chili!!