Loaded with chunks of beef short rib and Tex-Mex toppings, this chili is bodaciously beefy and down-right delicious. It is also a cinch to throw together, thanks to your trusty slow cooker!
Mine was pretty jazzy. Low key and filled with just the right amount of relaxation, when I wasn’t in the kitchen testing out recipes to share with you guys. 😉
Aaaaand it finally snowed here ❄!!
I was definitely jumping around like a little kid in a candy store.
And I might have stuck my tongue out, trying to catch all the little flurries the sky had to offer. 
I have been impatiently awaiting the arrival of the Low Sugar Living, Spring 2016 magazine in my mailbox so I could share this moment in time with you guys, and the day has finally come. Woot woot!
I am thrilled to be featured in such a delicious magazine and the NSN McDonald’s Buffalo Chicken Nuggets they chose to share are one of Boy’s favorite recipes.
Ever.
Here is to hoping this isn’t my one and only appearance in a magazine. (<– Fingers and toes crossed. Breathe being held)
Anyways, I’ll stop patting myself on the back now and get down to deliciousness. Chili.
Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Short Rib Chili with Chocolate Stout
Spoiler alert- if you like beans if your chili, this chili isn’t for you, my friend.
This is the type of stick to your ribs, bodaciously beefy chili that makes Boy’s heart go pitter patter.
He is a beef only, chili purist. And he gave this chili rave reviews.
Which was expected, because I made this chili specifically for him… and for all the “beef. it’s what’s for dinner” readers out there. 
The overall chili liquid isn’t too thick or too thin, it is velvety smooth with a hint of tortilla-y corn flavor, thanks to the addition of masa harina.
The chocolate stout adds a certain je-ne-sais-quoi to the chili. It isn’t over powering, but it definitely adds a little somethin’-somethin’.
While all the toppings are optional, they give the chili a tantalizing Tex-Mex flavor… and if you ask me they shouldn’t really be optional.
I mean, what normal person doesn’t want to load their chili up with more flavor. And tons of cheese??
Exactly.
You have to brown the cubes of short ribs first, transfer them to the slow cooker, then sauté the onions, garlic, and deglaze the pan.
It is one small step, but the amount and depth of flavor it adds to the chili is unreal. It is worth the 5 minutes.
Trust me.
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
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How to make Tex-Mex Short Rib Chili with Chocolate Stout👇
Loaded with chunks of beef short rib and Tex-Mex toppings, this chili is bodaciously beefy and down-right delicious. It is also a cinch to throw together, thanks to your trusty slow cooker!
- Spice Blend:
- 2 TBS Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt , plus more to taste
- 1 TBS Cumin
- 1 ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper , plus more to taste
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- Chili:
- 2 pounds Boneless Beef Short Ribs – cut into bite sized pieces (roughly ½ - ¾‘’ cubes)
- 1 Cup low sodium Beef Stock , divided
- 1 (12 oz.) Bottle Chocolate Stout
- 1 (14.5 oz) Can Fire Roasted Tomatoes , with juice
- 2 tsp Tomato Paste
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 large Yellow Onions – small dice (about 1 cup)
- 2 Cloves Garlic - minced
- 3 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil , divided
- 3 TBS Masa Harina
- Optional Garnishes:
- Jalapenos – sliced
- Cheddar or Jack Cheese – shredded
- Sour Cream
- Lime Juice
- Fresh Cilantro
- Avocado – diced
- Hot Sauce
- Tortilla Chips
- In a small mixing bowl combine all the spice blend ingredients. In the bowl of the slow cooker, add tomatoes, bay leaf and spice blend.
- Season ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil large stock pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the ribs and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker and repeat with another tablespoon of oil and remaining ribs.
- Reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil to the pot. Add onions and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Sauté until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add in the tomato paste and stir to coat the onions. Add in ¾ cup beef stock to deglaze, scraping the brown bits up off the bottom of the pan. Transfer to the slow cooker with the ribs.
- Pour the beer into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 ½ hours or until beef is tender.
- In a small bowl mix ¼ cup of stock with the masa harina. Mix well and add it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and continue to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve with optional garnishes and enjoy!
*Nutritional Information does not include optional garnishes.
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Shan says
September 18, 2019 at 6:31 pmDo you think I could add *some kind* of beans to this and still have it be this incredible?? I want to enter this into our family chili competition but still appeal to the bean lovers…
If so, what kind?! I’m thinking garbonzos sautéed with garlic and added in?!
Any advice is appreciated!!
Cheyanne says
September 18, 2019 at 6:55 pmHi Shannon,
To be completely honest, I have only tested and made this recipe according to the instructions.
However, if I was going to add beans, I’d probably opt for black beans to stay with the Southwestern/ Tex-Mex flavors. I’m not sure how much beans you are planning to add, but you may need to add more stock or broth to the chili.
If you are nervous, I’d consider making a test batch to ensure you knock it out of the park and win that competition!!! Good luck!
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says
January 23, 2016 at 2:53 pmThis chili looks incredible!! It’s cold out and it’s just the thing I want to bundle up with right now! Mmm <3 the short rib makes this chili all the more comforting and hearty, and that consistency looks perfect! By the way, big congrats on your magazine debut!!! You are a rockstar and so deserved it!! <33 xoxo
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
January 21, 2016 at 12:39 amThe only snow I get to see is if we take the dogs up on Mt Laguna to go hiking and it was there this past weekend. It’s an easy hour outside of San Diego and one of my favorite places to hike. The dogs love the snow and I love this short rib chili. It’s a beauty! Congrats again on the magazine spread… well deserved friend!
Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com says
January 20, 2016 at 11:05 pmcongrats on the magazine debut! no doubt it’s the first of many. this chili looks fab and even though i love beans, no way does this bowl of deliciousness need them. i’ve been cooking with beer this week too! we’re like minded for sure! cheers!
Zainab says
January 20, 2016 at 10:12 pmCongratulations on the magazine feature!! That is so stinking amazing! Also, girl I am sick of the snow already. there is 20inches of it between me and work urghh. I need to try beer in my chili. Pinned this recipe to try later!!
Cailee says
January 20, 2016 at 6:23 pmCongrats on the magazine article!! That’s so exciting! Also, this looks amazing! Love the avocado on top! YUM! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Keri @ Fashionable Foods says
January 20, 2016 at 5:03 pmHow the heck did I miss that Insta post?! CONGRATS Cheyanne! So happy for you – and I know it won’t be your last magazine appearance 🙂 This chili looks fab – I’m not a fan of beans in chili, so this makes my heart go pitter patter, too. Though, let’s be real – I’d eat any kind of chili, beans or no beans. Pinned!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
January 20, 2016 at 4:08 pmMajor congrats on your magazine appearance, girl!! That’s awesome. As for this chili: I WANT! Short ribs are my all-time fave and I’m sort of obsessing that you put them in chili. So smart. I must try this!
Asha says
January 20, 2016 at 1:37 pmFirst of all, I am super thrilled for you and I absolutely am jumping for joy. You must be so happy and excited. It is an amazing thing you’ve achieved my dear and I hope and wish that your food and pictures are in many more magazines.
This is such an amazing recipe and I love the color, so rich and delicious. The chocolate is always such a nice addition. I do love a beans in mine…I need to try this out my friend.
Pinned for sure.
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
January 20, 2016 at 11:15 amOooh! Love the idea of using cut up short rib in chili instead of ground beef. Sounds delish. It doesn’t snow here but it sure has been chili, so I could definitely use a good bowl of chili!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
January 20, 2016 at 11:15 amLOL… *chilly. 😉