Short Ribs Chili … Perfect for Saucy Short Ribs Leftovers!
Let’s jazz up traditional chili!
We’ve all had traditional ground beef chili, chicken chili, and white bean chili but, have you had Short Ribs Chili?! I developed this recipe to make the most of my Saucy Short Ribs Chili recipe I gave you last week. It is absolutely divine!!!
Of course like any good stew or soup, it can be prepared in advance and will actually taste better if you do. Served with Cornbread — recipe also below — or a crusty bread and you’re all set. If you insist, add a salad.
See recipes below, all perfect for your fall and winter dinner parties … Enjoy!


Dear Friends,
I suspect I know why you’re not entertaining as often as you’d like. You know how I know … by listening to my workshop participants.
The real reason many of us have pulled back from entertaining.
It’s not actually about time, money, or cooking skills—though those are often the reasons, there is an underlining reason that gets us.
Call it fear, anxiety, stress. It’s the things we worry about that put us into a state of unease.
We worry our home isn’t nice enough, our cooking won’t measure up, people will judge us. We worry we’re not interesting enough hosts or heaven help us, something will go wrong. The list is endless! I know this because I’ve had hundreds of honest conversations with women in my workshops, and the same themes emerge again and again.
- “I stopped having people over because I was comparing myself to those Instagram-perfect dinner parties. I convinced myself that if I couldn’t do it ‘right,’ I shouldn’t do it at all.”
- “I was terrified people would see the real me—the messy kitchen, the imperfect house, the simple food—and find me wanting.”
- “I kept waiting until I had the ‘right’ dishes, the ‘right’ space, the ‘right’ skills. That was five years ago.”
Here’s what I want you to know: Every single one of these women discovered they were enough exactly as they were.
The magic of hospitality doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from saying, “You matter to me, and I want to spend time with you.”
Your guests don’t remember the china pattern; they remember how you made them feel. They don’t critique your cooking; they appreciate your thoughtfulness. They don’t judge your home; they’re grateful for your welcome.
Listen, sweet friend. You don’t need a bigger house, fancier dishes, or gourmet cooking skills. You need permission to be yourself and the confidence to believe that’s enough.
Because you are.
Join me to transform how you entertain.
We start in two days, on Wednesday, September 17.
In my “30 Days to Effortless Entertaining” Fall Workshop, you’ll …
- How to shift from perfectionist hosting to authentic hospitality
- Why “gracious” creates more meaningful connections than “perfect”
- Simple strategies that build confidence with every gathering
- How to focus on what truly matters: your guests’ hearts
You will also receive a copy of my book, Effortless Entertaining and …
Exclusive Fall Bonuses
- Hosting Overnight Houseguests module (because longer visits deepen relationships)
- Entertaining with Wellness video series (because nourishing people feels good)
Two chances to transform your entertaining this fall:
- September 17th
- October 15th
What would it feel like to open your door with confidence instead of anxiety? To serve a simple meal with joy instead of apology? To create gatherings that feel natural and warm?
That’s what’s waiting for you.
Ready to get started?
Saucy Short Ribs Chili
YIELDS 2+ QUARTS
Ingredients
1 lb ground sweet Italian sausage
1 lg onion, chopped
1 12-oz can tomato paste
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp salt
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 48-oz cans San Marzano tomatoes,
crushed
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
½ cup red wine or beef broth

Directions
Pull meat from Short Ribs. Set aside.
With a slotted spoon, pull the pancetta and other solids from the Short Ribs sauce. Set aside.
Sauté sausage in large Dutch oven or Le Creuset.
Drain fat and add onions. Sauté until soft.
Add tomato paste, seasonings, and Dijon mustard.
Add San Marzano tomatoes and crush in the pot.
Add diced tomatoes.
Add pulled meat and solids from Short Ribs. Do not add the sauce from the short ribs.
Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer for 2 hrs. Adjust seasonings to your preference. Add more wine, broth, or water to your desired consistency.
DeeDee’s Notes
- Recipe may be prepared in advance. Multiplies and freezes well. When enjoying from the freezer, you may want to add water to your desired consistency.
- When I prepare this chili, I prepare the Saucy Short Ribs a day or two in advance. Ed and I enjoy two of the Short Ribs and I use the remaining leftovers for the chili.
Jalapeño Cornbread
YIELDS 8 SLICES Suzie Lambeth
Ingredients
2 eggs, whisked
7 oz jalapeño pimento cheese, softened
1 tbsp grated onion
1 8.5-oz box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1 11-oz can yellow corn, drained
Directions
Prepare 9-inch pie pan or iron skillet with cooking spray.
Combine all ingredients. Pour into pan.
Bake at 350° for 20–25 min until golden brown.

DeeDee’s Notes
- Cornbread may be prepared earlier in the day. Cool and keep at room temperature. Warm to serve.
- Recipe increases well. When doubled, may also bake in muffin pan to yield 12 muffins.
Sources & Resources
MARTHA STEWART
Common DOP San Marzano Brands in the US
- Rosa: A pioneering importer with full DOP certification, often available online and in select Italian grocers.
- Nolano: Authentic San Marzano DOP tomatoes, praised for their rich flavor and certification. Available in specialty food stores and online.
- Mutti: Popular with Italian cooks and available at upscale outlets like Eataly. Mutti cans are marked “DOP” and are regarded for their flavor, though price is high.
- Danicoop: 100% DOP, hand-harvested and packed in Italy’s Agro Sarnese Nocerino region, found at specialty retailers and online.
- Strianese: DOP-certified and found at select gourmet and online sites.
- Flora: DOP San Marzano tomatoes grown in Mount Vesuvius volcanic soil, found online and at high-end grocers.
- DeLallo: Offers a DOP-labeled San Marzano tomato, sold by some grocery chains and online.
- La Fede: Available at select grocers, including Whole Foods Market.
I love a beautiful LeCreuset both for function and style. No need to transfer when ready to serve!
available here
If you’re unable to find the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, buy the whole tomatoes and crush in the pot with one of my favorite kitchen tools. This tool is also perfect when browning sausage and hamburger meats.
available here
available here

Did you know …
In Week 3 of the “30 Days to Effortless Entertaining” workshop, we cover Menus and Recipes to ensure you’re enjoying the party with your guests and not, scrambling in the kitchen.
To learn more and register for the workshop, click here.
Just a reminder! The Guide, 2nd Edition is included in the workshop 😍!
CINDY
We want to hear from you!
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