Ingredients

  • Coffee rub ( makes 4 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon very finely ground coffee
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • For the Chili-Mac
  • 2 cups dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
  • water for cooking beans
  • 2 teaspoons finely ground coffee beans
  • 1 pound beef chuck roast, diced in 3/4 inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons of the coffee rub
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely diced serrano pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 14.5 ounces canned tomatoes with the juice
  • 12 ounces tomato or vegetable juice
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1/2 cup brewed coffee
  • 1 tablespoon agave nectar
  • 1 cup dried, small shaped pasta, cooked according package directions
  • green onion, sour cream and/or grated cheese for serving (optional)

Method

  • Combine all the ingredients and set aside.
  • Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
  • Cook the beans and the 2 teaspoons finely ground coffee beans in enough water to cover them by about 3 inches for about an hour or until tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Season the chuck cubes with 2 teaspoons of the coffee rub in a dutch oven or soup pot, browning them well in the olive oil.
  • Add the onion, green pepper, garlic, and serrano to the pot and saute until the onions soften.
  • Add the 2 tablespoons coffee rub, the cumin and cayenne and stir well.
  • Crush the canned tomatoes and add them along with the tomato juice and water. Bring to a boil and simmer all for about 45 minutes until the beef is tender.
  • Add the cooked beans, brewed coffee and agave nectar and simmer another ten minutes.
  • Add the cooked pasta and serve with the garnish if desired.