Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe (2024)

By: Author Julia Jordan

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In this post I’m sharing how to make a classic Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe.

Y’all, this is one of those old times dishes that has carried on and still loved by many. Some would even consider it a comfort food.

This macaroni tomato recipe began back in the depression era. Times were tough for families and stretching out meals was necessity.

The macaroni and tomatoes would have been the main meal for many families or a side dish that could last for several days.

This is one of those very simple recipes and can certainly be customized to suit your own tastes with additional ingredients.

With as few as three ingredients, you’ve got yourself a tasty pasta side.

I’ve read stories of mothers and grandmothers who would make this and sometimes add onion, diced spam, or ground beef. Bellies were full no matter how simple the meal.

Classic Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe

Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe (1)

There are a lot of possibilities with a can of tomatoes and frugal minded folks discovered them all. Including our beloved macaroni and cheese, which is a holiday staple these days.

Now I must go ahead and confess that I do one little extra thing to my macaroni and tomatoes recipe that most probably do not. That doesn’t mean that it’s not right. It’s just how I like it.

My motto happens to be, the right way to make a recipe is how you like it.

So before anyone yells at me for not doing it right (the way you do it), I like to add a little bit of a thickening slurry at the end to thicken up those tomato juices.

It really coats the pasta better, in my humble opinion. That is totally optional and you certainly do not have to do it.

Diced Tomatoes Side Dish

One consensus among cooks is that this dish requires a little bit of bacon grease. I whole heartily agree!

The bacon grease add another layer of flavor and a bit of smokiness. I keep a jar of bacon grease in my refrigerator at all times. It is the star ingredient to many recipes.

Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe (3)

This one pot dish is really easy to make. With as few ingredients as the elbow macaroni, bacon grease, a can of diced tomatoes and some salt & pepper you’ve got the makings of a fine meal.

I add a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavors. Just a pinch does the trick. There is no need to go making a sweet pasta side dish.

Embellish the recipe further however you like. You’re the home chef at your house and you’ll be the one eating it after all.

Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe (4)

Below in the printable recipe card I’m sharing how I make this dish. I’m going through it step by step and giving you the list of ingredients you’ll need.

This tried and true humble dish turns out perfect every time.

Yield: 1 Pasta Side Dish

Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe (5)

Classic macaroni and tomatoes is the budget friendly dish that has been around for generations. Keep it simple as a side dish or jazz it up and make it a meal.

Cook Time30 minutes

Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Box of Elbow Macaroni (about 2 c, uncooked)
  • 1 tbs Bacon Grease
  • 28 oz Can of Petite Diced Tomatoes, with the juices
  • Salt, to taste
  • Cracked Black Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Sugar (optional)

Thickening Slurry

  • 2 tbs Cold Water
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni pasta according to box directions; drain well.
  2. While the pasta drains, return the pot to the stove (over medium heat); add bacon grease and melt then and canned diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
  3. Add the cooked macaroni to the tomato mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and pinch of sugar. Stir until heated through.
  4. Next, if using the thickening slurry; combine the cornstarch with cold water and add the pot. Stir and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the juices are thickened (about 10 minutes).

Notes

This side dish can be kept simple or other ingredients such as diced onion, basil, garlic, ground beef or diced spam could be added to make it a meal.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

0.5 cup

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 95Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 108mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 2g

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I know that you’ll enjoy this delicious side as generations of families have.

If you try it, please stop by and let me know how you enjoyed it. I love hearing from you.

You might also enjoy this recipe for Baked Tomato Mozzarella Melts from Southern Plate.

Home » Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe

Author of Julia's Simply Southern

Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe (16)

About Julia

Hey Y'all! I'm Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia's Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of macaroni and tomatoes? ›

If you grew up in the South, chances are you were served macaroni and tomatoes at home at some point in time. This dish may have originated during the Great Depression, when its short, affordable ingredient list made it an easy dinner for families to put on the table.

What to add to mac and cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

How to cook 2 cups of macaroni? ›

In a large kettle, bring water to a boil. Add macaroni; return to boil. Cook, uncovered, for 6-8 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Rinse and drain.

How to make Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

Who invented macaroni? ›

There's some debate over how the macaroni noodle came to be. Some claim that Marco Polo brought the noodles back to Italy after a trip to China in 1274. However, others maintain that the Etruscans (a pre-Roman civilization on the Italian Peninsula) invented the pasta.

What did macaroni mean in the 1800s? ›

A macaroni (formerly spelled maccaroni) was a pejorative term used to describe a fashionable fellow of 18th-century Britain. Stereotypically, men in the macaroni subculture dressed, spoke, and behaved in an unusually epicene and androgynous manner.

How many people does 2 cups of macaroni feed? ›

Measuring Elbow Macaroni

If using measuring cups, a single 2 oz. (57 g) serving is 1/2 cup of dried pasta. Two servings = 1 cup; four servings = 2 cups; six servings = 3 cups; eight servings = 4 cups.

How many cups of macaroni is enough for one person? ›

One serving of cooked pasta is typically 1 to 1 1/2 cups, but keep in mind that you'll likely be bulking up your dish with sauce and other extras like veggies or proteins. To determine how many cups to measure, home cooks can use Barilla's handy chart.

How long should you boil macaroni? ›

Boil 4 quarts of water for each pound of dry macaroni; if desired, add 1-teaspoon salt. Add macaroni and return to a boil. Cook uncovered approximately 9-11 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally, avoid overcooking.

Which cheese is best for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

Why do you add flour to homemade mac and cheese? ›

In our stovetop mac and cheese recipe, a bit of flour is add to the milk mixture to thicken the final dish.
  1. Learn how to make the best stovetop mac and cheese without a roux: How To Make the Best Macaroni and Cheese on the Stove.
  2. A great reason for grating cheese: How To Make Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese.

When did pasta meet tomatoes? ›

Although tomatoes were introduced to Italy in the 16th century and incorporated in Italian cuisine in the 17th century, description of the first Italian tomato sauces dates from the late 18th century: the first written record of pasta with tomato sauce can be found in the 1790 cookbook L'Apicio Moderno by Roman chef ...

Where did tomato pasta come from? ›

The first known use of tomato sauce with pasta appears in the Italian cookbook L'Apicio moderno, by the Roman chef Francesco Leonardi, published in 1790.

What did Italians eat before tomatoes and pasta? ›

The diet would have varied depending on region, as well: fish featured heavily near the coast, while inland communities would rely more on pork and wild game. Foods would be flavored with things like garlic, onion, and pepper, and olive oil has always held a central role in the region's cuisine.

Where did potatoes and tomatoes originate? ›

How and when were the potato and tomato (both native to Peru) introduced to Europe? Potato and tomato are two forms of the same plant that evolved differently in different heights in the Andean Mountains. From there they came to other parts of Americas.

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