This recipe for macaroni and tomatoes is an easy, old-fashioned Southern side dish that is as classic as comfort food gets! Canned tomatoes mean there is virtually no prep time, and a little bacon grease gives this dish its signature smoky bacon flavor! If you haven't had macaroni and tomatoes before, give it a try and you might have a new favorite pasta side dish!
Classic Macaroni and Tomatoes
Macaroni and tomatoes is an iconic dish to many Southerners and it's easy to see why! It only requires a few basic ingredients, it's extremely budget friendly, and it can be thrown together in just 30 minutes!
The simplicity of this dish is what makes it amazing, and it is always a hit with kids and adults alike. Trust me, the smoky bacon flavor, tender macaroni, and juicy tomatoes are the unlikely pairing that will surely work its way onto your list of family favorite recipes!
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🥘 Ingredients
I like to jar bacon grease after cooking bacon so I always have some on hand. However, you can also buy it jarred at your local grocery store!
- Macaroni - 1 8-ounce box or 2 cups of uncooked pasta.
- Bacon Grease - 1 tablespoon of bacon grease (*see note).
- Petite Diced Tomatoes - A 28-ounce can with the juices.
- Salt & Pepper - ½ a teaspoon each, or more to taste.
- Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon with 1 tablespoon of cold water for making a slurry.
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*
🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
The macaroni and tomatoes will thicken a bit more as it cools, making it creamy and utterly delicious! Get out a large pot, a colander, and a silicone spatula for stirring.
- Boil. Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni as directed on the box. Then, pour into a colander in the sink and let drain.
- Melt bacon grease. As the pasta drains, return your pot to the stove top over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of bacon grease to the pot and let it melt, then add the 28-ounce can of tomatoes with juices and mix well.
- Season. Return the cooked macaroni to the pot. Season with ½ a teaspoon of both salt & pepper (more or less to taste) and stir to combine. Continue stirring until the pasta is heated through.
- (Optional) Add slurry. Make a slurry by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add the slurry to your pot and stir.
- Simmer and serve. Bring the macaroni and tomatoes to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then serve!
Macaroni and tomatoes is an easy side dish that pairs with just about anything! You can also serve it with some Jiffy jalapeno cornbread and make a meal out of it! Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes
- Bacon grease gives this dish it's signature smoky bacon flavor, but if needed you may replace it with butter.
- 1 teaspoon of sugar may be added for a touch of sweetness (this is often done in some old-fashioned versions of this recipe).
- If desired, you may saute onion to add (½ a yellow onion is best) and/or ½ a tablespoon of minced garlic. Saute these additions with the bacon grease.
- Storing: Leftover macaroni and tomatoes can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute, then add more time as needed.
🍝 More Pasta Dishes!
- Cream Cheese Pasta
- Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Ham and Pea Pasta
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
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📋 Recipe
Macaroni And Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (1 8-ounce box or 2 cups of uncooked pasta)
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease
- 28 oz petite diced tomatoes (canned, with the juices)
- ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (with 1 tablespoon cold water for making a slurry)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni as directed by the instructions on the box. Pour into a colander to drain, rinse under lukewarm tap water, and set aside.8 oz elbow macaroni
- As the pasta drains, return your pot to the stovetop over medium heat. Add the bacon grease to the pot and let it melt, then add the canned tomatoes with juices and mix well.1 tablespoon bacon grease, 28 oz petite diced tomatoes
- Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the pot. Season with salt & pepper and mix to combine. Continue to stir until the pasta is heated through.½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
- Make a slurry by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add the slurry to your pot and stir.1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Bring the macaroni and tomatoes to a simmer. Allow to simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly for a couple minutes, then serve!
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- 1 teaspoon of sugar may be added for a touch of sweetness (this is often done in some old-fashioned versions of this recipe).
- If desired, you may saute onion to add (½ a yellow onion is best) and/or ½ a tablespoon of minced garlic. Saute these additions with the bacon grease.
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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