Chili Mac Cheese Recipe Ultimate Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons)
• 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce / 411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce / 227g) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni pasta
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (710ml) milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups (400g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp cheddar recommended)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)