Uncle John’s Chili Mac is an incredibly hearty one-pot comfort food dish that will ignite your taste buds and satisfy even the biggest appetites!

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Uncle John’s Chili Mac: The Ultimate Hearty One-Pot Comfort Food Recipe

As the weather cools and cozy nights become the norm, our cravings inevitably turn to comforting, soul-warming dishes. And nothing quite hits the spot like a rich, savory, and perfectly spiced bowl of chili mac. This isn’t just any chili mac, though. This is Uncle John’s Chili Mac – a spectacular one-pot meal that promises to elevate your weekly menu and effortlessly feed a hungry crowd, whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a casual family dinner, or the ultimate game day feast.

Inspired by a truly passionate home cook, this recipe brings together the best of hearty chili and classic macaroni, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed to bring people together and leave everyone feeling satisfied.

The Inspiration Behind the Dish: Uncle John, The Amazing Cook

The genesis of this incredible Chili Mac recipe comes from a source dear to my heart: my brother-in-law, affectionately known as Uncle John. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a photo of this magnificent dish on his Instagram feed, and I instantly knew it had to be shared. Uncle John isn’t just a cook; he’s a culinary artist with a genuine passion for creating memorable meals. His kitchen is his sanctuary, a place where he conjures deliciousness for his family and any fortunate guest who walks through his door.

What sets Uncle John apart is his unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. He believes in doing things right, never taking shortcuts. Every dish he prepares is made from scratch, utilizing only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. This philosophy shines through in his Chili Mac, transforming a simple concept into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Why Uncle John’s Chili Mac Will Be Your New Favorite

I’ve made countless pots of chili in my day, but I confess, the idea of adding pasta had never crossed my mind until I saw Uncle John’s creation. The result is nothing short of spectacular – a truly satisfying dish that transcends traditional chili. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an event, a culinary masterpiece that boasts a unique blend of flavors and textures.

Protein-Packed Perfection

One of the standout features of this Chili Mac is its robust meat base. Uncle John ingeniously combines two types of beef: succulent beef stew meat and flavorful ground beef. This dual-meat approach provides an unparalleled depth of flavor and a wonderfully varied texture. The stew meat, slowly simmered to tender perfection, adds rich, melt-in-your-mouth chunks, while the ground beef creates a more traditional chili consistency. Together, they make for a truly satisfying and protein-packed experience.

A Symphony of Spices and Heat

The flavor profile of this Chili Mac is complex and vibrant. It’s generously seasoned with a thoughtfully chosen blend of spices, including ample chili powder, aromatic Mexican oregano, earthy cumin, pungent garlic, and a kick from both jalapeños and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The chipotle peppers, with their smoky heat and tangy adobo sauce, add a layer of depth that truly elevates the dish. Each spoonful offers a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, and smoky notes that will keep you coming back for more.

The Convenience of a One-Pot Wonder

Despite its rich flavor and impressive ingredient list, Uncle John’s Chili Mac is a remarkably convenient one-pot meal. Everything comes together in a single Dutch oven, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor development. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something substantial without a mountain of dishes, or for entertaining when you need a dish that cooks mostly hands-off, allowing you to enjoy your guests.

Essential Tips for Crafting Your Own Chili Mac

Creating Uncle John’s Chili Mac is a rewarding experience, and a few key tips can help ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. These insights, some directly from Uncle John himself, will guide you to a truly exceptional meal.

The Magic of Mexican Oregano

While regular dried oregano can be used, Mexican oregano offers a distinctly different, more citrusy and earthy flavor that truly enhances this chili. If you can find McCormick’s Mexican Oregano or a similar brand, I highly recommend it. Regardless of the type you use, always remember to crush the dried leaves between your fingers before adding them to the pot. This simple step releases their essential oils, intensifying their aroma and flavor, making a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Building Layers of Flavor

The secret to a truly deep and complex chili lies in building flavors gradually. Don’t rush the searing of the stew meat; a good sear creates a rich fond at the bottom of the pot, which will later be deglazed to add immense flavor. Similarly, allowing the onions and jalapeños to “sweat” under a lid helps soften them and brings out their sweetness before they caramelize, forming a delicious aromatic base for the spices.

The Beer Advantage: Deglazing and Depth

The addition of Negro Modelo beer isn’t just for deglazing the pot; it adds a subtle malty depth and complexity to the chili that you won’t get from broth alone. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, nuanced flavor. If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute with additional beef stock, but you might miss that signature layer of flavor Uncle John achieves.

Patience is a Virtue: Simmering for Tenderness

The long simmer is crucial for breaking down the beef stew meat, making it incredibly tender and allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Resist the urge to rush this step. Stirring every 20-30 minutes ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. If the chili becomes too thick during simmering, you can add a bit more beef stock to reach your desired consistency, though I’ve found the initial 6 cups usually suffice.

Perfectly Cooked Macaroni

The macaroni is added partially cooked, then finishes cooking directly in the chili. This method allows the pasta to absorb the incredible flavors of the chili, making each noodle a delicious vehicle for the sauce. Cooking it for just six minutes initially ensures it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the hot chili.

Serving Suggestions & The Next-Day Phenomenon

Uncle John suggests serving his Chili Mac with a side of homemade cornbread, and I wholeheartedly agree! The slightly sweet and crumbly cornbread is the perfect companion, ideal for soaking up every last drop of the rich chili sauce. But the possibilities don’t end there:

Classic Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, finely diced red onion, fresh scallions, and chopped parsley are all fantastic garnishes that add freshness and textural contrast.
Spice It Up: For those who love extra heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can take it to the next level.
Creative Sides: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness, or warm tortillas for scooping up the chili.

One of the magical qualities of this dish, like many great stews and chilis, is that it tastes even better the next day. As it rests, the flavors deepen and meld, and the sauce becomes richer and more concentrated. This makes it an excellent make-ahead meal for gatherings or busy weeks. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef stock if needed to loosen the sauce, and enjoy!

This Chili Mac is truly the perfect comfort food for any occasion where you need to feed a crowd or simply want a hearty meal. Think holiday get-togethers, winter weekends, or even the next big game day – it’s guaranteed to be a fan favorite. A huge thank you to Uncle John for sharing this incredible recipe!

If you’re craving more satisfying soups and stews, be sure to explore my Chicken Tortilla Soup, my Italian Wedding Soup, or my Tomato Tortellini Stew.

Uncle John’s Chili Mac

Author: Uncle John

Servings: 10 servings

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Uncle John’s Chili Mac is an incredibly hearty comfort food dish that’ll spice up any night of the week!

Prep Time
30 mins

Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins

Total Time
3 hrs

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegetable oil, divided
2 lbs. beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
2 lbs. ground beef
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 jalapeños, seeds and ribs removed and finely chopped
3 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, plus 3 tablespoons of the adobo sauce
6 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 heaping Tbsp. dried Mexican oregano, crushed a bit between your fingers
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 bottle Negro Modelo beer
2 28-oz. cans diced tomatoes, with their juice
6 cups low-sodium beef stock
1 lb. elbow macaroni
Shredded cheddar, finely diced red onion, sour cream, scallions and finely chopped parsley, for garnish, if desired

Instructions

In a very large Dutch oven, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Season the stew meat well with salt and pepper, then sear it in the oil. When well seared, about 7-10 minutes, remove the meat from the pot using a slotted spoon. Discard the oil and any rendered fat from the pot. (Uncle John says this is an appropriate time to treat yourself to half a lager!)
In the same pot, heat another 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeños, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat the veggies with the oil. Cover with a lid. Let the vegetables sweat and release much of their liquid, 7-10 minutes. (Time to enjoy the other half of your lager, if you followed Uncle John’s advice!)
Remove the lid and let the liquid mostly evaporate, then add the ground beef and brown until no longer pink. Add the chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir until well combined. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Add the chopped chipotle and adobo sauce.
Add the stew meat back to the pot with any accumulated juices. Add the Negro Modelo to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the liquid come to a boil and cook for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol. (Perhaps another lager for yourself is in order!)
When the Negro Modelo has reduced a bit, add the two cans of diced tomatoes with their juices and 6 cups of beef stock. Bring to a boil, then cover the pot with the lid, leaving a small space for the steam to release. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-2 1/2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes, until the stew meat is tender.
While the chili simmers, it would be the perfect time for another lager, or a break!
At the 2-hour mark, or when the stew meat is tender, give the chili a stir and add more beef stock if needed (up to 2 cups; I didn’t need to add any more than the initial 6 cups). Cover completely with the lid and turn off the heat. Adjust seasoning, if needed.
Boil salted water for elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta for six minutes to partially cook it, as it will finish cooking in the chili. When pasta is done, drain and add to the chili, stirring to combine. Let the pot sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the pasta to fully absorb the flavors. Ladle into bowls, top with desired garnishes.
Cook’s Note: You can substitute two glasses of wine for the three lagers you might consume during the making of this dish. Enjoy the process!

Nutrition

Keyword: Cheese, Chili, Comfort Food, Pasta, Beef Chili Mac, One Pot Meal

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Dish, Soup, Stew, Dinner

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