Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe: Homemade Comfort in a Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/vegetarian ground)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
• Diced green onions (optional topping)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional topping)
• Hot sauce (optional topping)