The Ultimate Short Rib Chili Pot Pie Recipe: Comfort in a Crust

Hearty short rib chili pot pie delivers a comfort food experience that blends rustic charm with gourmet flair.

Slow-cooked beef transforms into tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels nestled beneath a golden, flaky crust.

Bold spices dance through rich layers of meat and vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors.

Winter nights call for this ultimate culinary embrace that warms from the inside out.

Unexpected ingredients spark excitement in each carefully crafted bite.

Seasoned home cooks and adventurous kitchen newcomers alike will find joy in assembling this crowd-pleasing dish.

Let this recipe become your new cold-weather companion and comfort food champion.

Why Short Rib Chili Pot Pie Packs Flavor

• Craft Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming dish that transforms classic chili into an exciting pot pie experience with tender short ribs and rich, robust flavors.
• Master Complex Cooking: Learn professional-level techniques like searing meat, deglazing pans, and creating layered flavor profiles through strategic ingredient combinations.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Perfect for gathering friends and family, this recipe offers a stunning main course that impresses with its gourmet presentation and deeply satisfying taste.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt spice levels, swap beans, or modify toppings to suit individual preferences, making it a versatile meal for diverse palates.

What You’ll Need for Short Rib Pot Pie

• Short Ribs: Rich, flavorful beef cut that provides tender and succulent meat for the chili.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat's natural flavor.
• Onions: Aromatic vegetable that adds depth and sweetness to the chili.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that intensifies the chili's rich flavor.
• Red Wine: Adds complexity and helps deglaze the pan, releasing delicious browned bits.
• Beef Stock: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the chili.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds moisture and bright tomato flavor to the dish.
• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Signature spice blend that creates a robust and warm chili flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor.
• Chipotle Peppers: Smoky and spicy peppers that bring heat and complexity.
• Jalapenos: Fresh peppers that add additional heat and brightness.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Adds freshness and texture to the chili.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that provides a fresh finish to the dish.
• Kidney Beans, Black Beans, Pinto Beans: Protein-rich legumes that add texture and substance to the chili.
• Corn Muffin Mix: Convenient base for creating a quick and flavorful cornbread topping.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create structure in the cornbread.
• Half and Half: Adds richness and moisture to the cornbread batter.
• Butter: Creamy, rich spread that adds flavor and moisture.

How to Prepare Short Rib Chili Pot Pie

Step 1: Develop Flavor-Packed Short Rib Chili

Start by generously seasoning short rib chunks with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and sear the meat in batches until each piece develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Remove and set aside. In the same pan, caramelize onions until they turn a rich, deep brown.

Stir in tomato paste and let it bloom for several minutes, releasing its intense flavor. Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Pour in beef stock, crushed tomatoes, and chipotle peppers for a smoky kick. Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic to create a complex spice profile.

Return the seared short ribs to the pan, and add chopped jalapenos and fresh tomatoes for extra brightness. Cover and slow-cook on medium-low heat until the short ribs become meltingly tender.

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Pinto beans

Finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Cornbread Topping

Whisk together corn muffin mix, eggs, and half and half until smooth.

Let the batter rest briefly to allow the ingredients to meld together, creating a light and airy texture.

Step 3: Whip Up Sweet Honey Butter

In a small bowl, blend butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until perfectly combined.

This will add a luxurious finishing touch to your pot pie.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Transfer the chili to a large baking dish and spread the cornbread batter evenly on top. Bake until the cornbread turns a gorgeous golden brown and the chili bubbles with excitement underneath.

Once done, drizzle with the honey butter and serve immediately.

Smart Tips for Short Rib Chili Pot Pie

• Let the short ribs simmer low and slow to break down tough muscle fibers, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat that's incredibly rich and flavorful.
• Mix different beans like kidney, black, and pinto for texture contrast and a more complex, hearty chili base that adds nutritional depth.
• Adjust chipotle peppers and jalapeños to match your heat preference, ensuring the dish suits everyone's spice tolerance without losing its robust flavor profile.
• Allowing the cornbread topping to rest for a few minutes helps ingredients meld, resulting in a more tender and fluffy texture when baked.

Tasty Spins on Short Rib Pot Pie Dish

• Mexican Street Corn Chili Pot Pie: Incorporate roasted corn kernels, queso fresco, and a sprinkle of chili powder into the chili base for a vibrant, street-style flavor profile.
• Green Chile Chicken Variation: Replace short ribs with shredded chicken, add roasted green chiles, and mix in a blend of monterey jack and cheddar cheese for a southwestern spin.
• Smoky Chorizo Fusion: Swap half the short ribs with spicy chorizo sausage, add smoked paprika, and top with crispy chorizo crumbles for an intense, rich version.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Edition: Substitute short ribs with a mix of black beans, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers, using vegetable stock and adding extra chipotle for depth and smokiness.

What Complements Short Rib Chili Pot Pie Best

Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a robust Zinfandel with bold fruit notes and moderate tannins that complement the rich, spicy short rib chili.

Craft Beer Match: Choose a hearty American Brown Ale with caramel undertones and mild hop character to balance the chili’s deep, meaty flavors.

Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic Old Fashioned using rye whiskey, which offers smoky, spicy notes that enhance the dish’s complex seasoning profile.

Refreshing Sidekick: Prepare a Mexican-style Michelada – a beer cocktail with tomato juice, lime, and spices that mirrors the chili’s vibrant, zesty elements.

Storage Tips for Short Rib Chili Pot Pie

Store leftover chili pot pie in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp the cornbread topping.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this short rib chili pot pie unique?

The recipe combines tender short ribs, multiple types of beans (kidney, black, and pinto), and a cornbread topping for a hearty and flavorful dish that blends traditional chili with pot pie comfort.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the number of chipotle peppers and jalapenos. You can also remove the seeds from jalapenos to reduce spiciness or add more for extra kick.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, the chili portion freezes exceptionally well. You can make the short rib chili in advance and store it for up to 3 months. Just add the cornbread topping fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Short Rib Chili Pot Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 46 1x

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Description

Hearty short rib chili pot pie delivers comfort straight from Mexican-inspired kitchen dreams. Robust beef, rich spices, and golden pastry merge into a soul-warming dish that welcomes you to savor each luxurious, flavor-packed bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2.3 pounds boneless beef short rib, cut into 1-inch pieces

Beans:

• 1/2 cup canned Goya kidney beans, drained
• 1/2 cup canned Goya black beans, drained
• 1/2 cup canned Goya pinto beans, drained

Chili Base Ingredients:

• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional)
• Oil for cooking

Cornbread Topping:

• 2 (8.5 ounces) packages corn muffin mix
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup half and half

Honey Butter:

• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Toppings & Garnish:

• 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar, shredded
• 1

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Instructions

1. Transform short rib chunks into flavorful chili by generously seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Create deep caramelization by searing meat in hot oil over medium heat, developing rich brown exterior for 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Use same pan to caramelize onions until golden and translucent, developing foundational flavor profile.
4. Intensify depth by incorporating tomato paste and cooking until deep burgundy color emerges, approximately 4-5 minutes.
5. Deglaze pan with robust red wine, scraping accumulated browned bits for complex taste layers.
6. Introduce beef stock, crushed tomatoes, and smoky chipotle peppers, creating hearty liquid base.
7. Enhance complexity by adding chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
8. Reintroduce seared short ribs, incorporating chopped jalapenos and fresh tomatoes for additional texture.
9. Simmer covered at medium-low temperature for 2-2.5 hours until meat becomes extraordinarily tender.
10. Shred meat into succulent morsels, folding in kidney, black, and pinto beans with fresh parsley.
11. Prepare cornbread topping by whisking corn muffin mix with eggs and half and half, allowing batter to rest briefly.
12. Create honey butter by blending softened butter, honey, and delicate salt.
13. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing for final transformation.
14. Complete assembly and baking process to achieve golden, bubbling perfection.

Notes

• Customize meat selection by using chuck roast or beef brisket for varied flavor profiles and textures.
• Reduce cooking time by using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, cutting down braising duration to 45-60 minutes.
• Swap traditional beans with alternative protein sources like lentils or quinoa for vegetarian adaptations.
• Create make-ahead friendly version by preparing chili base one day prior, allowing flavors to intensify and develop deeper complexity.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 46
• Calories: 508 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 356 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 114 mg