This Short Rib Chili recipe is overflowing with tender chunks of fall-apart beef, chocolate stout, and smoky, spicy Tex-Mex flavors for a delectably hearty bowl of wintertime goodness. This super simple beef chili with beer is outrageously delicious and only requires 15 minutes of hands-on preparation — the slow cooker or crockpot takes care of the rest!
Make Chili Spice Blend: In a small mixing bowl combine all the chili seasoning ingredients.
Brown Ribs: Season the short ribs generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a Dutch Oven, Large Pot, or Large Skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add half of the ribs to the hot pan. Cook, rotating the ribs occasionally, until seared and browned all over. Transfer the browned short ribs to the slow cooker. Then repeat the process, adding another tablespoon of oil to the pot and browning the remaining ribs.
Saute the onions and aromatics: 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 cook, stirring frequently, until caramelized.Deglaze the pot by adding in ¾ cup beef stock, and use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits up off the bottom of the pot. Transfer the veggie-stock mixture to the slow cooker with the ribs.
Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: To the bowl of the slow cooker, add tomatoes, bay leaf and chili spice blend. Then, pour the beer into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5 ½ hours or until beef is tender.
Thicken the Chili: In a small bowl combine the remaining ¼ cup of stock with all of the masa harina. Mix very well and the add it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and continue to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes. Taste the chili and adjust for seasoning.
Serve Beer Chili with Short Ribs: Ladle the chili into serving bowls and load it up with your favorite chili toppings, such as sour cream, sliced avocados, shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.