Macaroni and Tomatoes
Southern Macaroni and Tomatoes is a dish that’s both simple and satisfying, perfect for those times when you need a little taste of home. It has only 4 basic kitchen staples and takes less than 20 minutes to make.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 179kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 46 ounces tomato juice
- 14.5 ounce can diced or petite diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon salted butter or bacon grease
- Salt, Black Pepper, and Sugar amount as desired
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook elbow macaroni per package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- To a large saucepan, melt butter or bacon grease over medium heat. Add tomato juice and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta to the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the macaroni is heated through and has absorbed some of the tomato juice.
- Season with sugar and a seasoning salt blend or salt and black pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
Tips and Substitutions
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, or even diced ham. This turns the dish into a complete meal with added protein.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in or top with some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy variation. This adds richness and makes the dish even more comforting.
- Vegetables: Chopped green peppers or onions are a great addition for some folks. If using, add another tablespoon of butter or bacon grease, sauté ½-1 cup of your preferred vegetables until tender, then add the tomato juice and diced tomatoes.
- Seasonings: Add fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes. Garlic and garlic salt work great as well! I don't personally prefer sugar in my macaroni and tomatoes because I like the sharp flavor. However, some folks love adding a little sugar to cut back on the acidity of the tomatoes! I recommend starting with 1-2 teaspoons and adding more to taste.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, feel free to use them instead of canned diced tomatoes. Just chop them up and simmer them with the tomato juice to soften.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition
Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 103mg | Potassium: 548mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 837IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
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