Slow Cooker Texas Chili

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 (4 oz) can diced green chili peppers
1 (14 oz) can beef broth
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
dash red pepper flakes (optional- but it adds flavor, not heat)

Directions:
In a large saucepan, brown ground beef and diced onion. Add to slow cooker. Dump remaining ingredients on top and cook on low for 4-6 hours (it really could go as long as 8 hours on low if you need it to). Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and a bag of Fritos corn chips – or any of your other favorite toppings!

Gouda Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

• 16oz elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 2 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 2 tsp worcestershire
• 1lb smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 5 slices bread (about 2cups crumbs)
• 3 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

1. Prepare macaroni according to package directions. Set aside.
2. In large pot, melt butter over medium high heat. Add skim milk and bring to near boiling. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle in flour. Whisk vigorously over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Mixture should be thick and boiling. Slowly add cream, while whisking. Add in salt, pepper, mustard and worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low and continue to stir for about 5 minutes.
3. In food processor, shred Gouda and Cheddar cheese. Add to pot, stir until thoroughly combined.
4. Add cooked macaroni to cheese mixture. Pour into a 13x9 dish.
5. In same food processor bowl (no need to wash it after shredding the cheese), process 5 slices of bread to a fine crumb. Add melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni. Top with crumbled bacon.
6. Bake uncovered in a 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.ENJOY!