If you’re craving a comforting, homey dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic Southern favorite combines tender elbow macaroni with luscious, slightly sweetened tomatoes, creating a simple yet deeply satisfying meal. Every spoonful bursts with nostalgia, reminding us of family kitchens and slow, easy afternoons. It’s a dish that’s straightforward to make but packed with heart and flavor, perfect for cozy dinners or anytime you want a taste of timeless goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to delivering that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery comfort in your Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe. Each component plays its part to bring out the vibrant color, texture, and flavor that make this dish so memorable.
- Elbow macaroni: Use 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni for that classic, tender bite that holds onto the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Canned whole tomatoes with juice: 28 ounces of this pantry staple provide fresh, sweet, and tangy tomato flavor; breaking them by hand keeps the texture rustic and appealing.
- Sugar: Just 3 tablespoons balance the acidity of the tomatoes and bring a subtle sweetness that elevates the dish.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance all the flavors and season the pasta perfectly while it cooks.
- Butter: 2 to 3 tablespoons add richness and a silky finish, making every bite luxuriously smooth.
How to Make Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender—this usually follows the package directions closely but be sure not to overcook. The pasta should have a slight firmness to hold its shape when mixed with the tomatoes. Drain and set aside, so it’s ready to soak up all the delicious sauce in the next steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
In a large skillet, pour in the canned whole tomatoes along with their juice and break them up gently using a spoon or your hands. This rustic approach keeps the tomatoes chunky, giving the dish lovely texture and bursts of natural tomato flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Tomatoes
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir in the sugar and salt. These two ingredients are key to balancing the flavors—sugar tones down tomato acidity and salt enhances the overall taste. Stir everything well to ensure the macaroni is evenly coated.
Step 4: Simmer the Mixture
Turn the heat to medium and bring the macaroni and tomatoes to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom. This simmer allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the tomato’s bright, hearty essence.
Step 5: Finish with Butter
Reduce the heat, then stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt completely and swirl through the pasta and tomatoes to create a creamy, rich texture that ties the whole dish together. The butter also rounds out the acidity with a comforting mouthfeel.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give the dish a taste and adjust seasoning as you like—add a bit more salt or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper if you want to amp up the flavor. This is your chance to make the Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe exactly how you like it.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve your creation hot, with optional buttered bread on the side to sop up every last bit of that incredible tomato sauce. This simple presentation highlights the heartwarming nature of the dish.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chopped basil adds a lovely burst of color and fresh herbiness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, buttery pasta. A dusting of grated Parmesan also works wonders if you’re looking for a cheesy touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like collard greens, cornbread, or a crisp green salad. Their vibrant textures and flavors complement the creamy macaroni and tomato stew perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, or layer it in a casserole with cheese to make a baked macaroni and tomatoes casserole. This elevates the humble dish for special occasions or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but stirring halfway through helps heat it evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for the Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh ripe tomatoes can be a great substitute, but be sure to peel and seed them for a smoother texture. You’ll need about 3 to 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes to replace the canned amount.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like margarine or olive oil. The dish will still retain its creamy, comforting qualities without sacrificing flavor.
How can I add more protein to the Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe?
Try stirring in cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas or topping the dish with sautéed ground beef or shredded chicken. These additions boost the protein content and make it more filling.
What type of macaroni works best for this recipe?
Traditional elbow macaroni is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well. However, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can also work if elbow macaroni is unavailable.
Can I use less sugar or substitute it?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly for less sweetness or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. The sugar is important to balance acidity, so don’t omit it entirely.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe—it’s a dish that feels like a cozy visit to your grandmother’s kitchen, full of simple ingredients and generous flavor. I encourage you to try making this beloved recipe; it’s quick, easy, and delightfully nostalgic. Once you do, it may just become one of your family’s favorite comfort foods too!
Print
Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes is a comforting, classic Southern dish featuring tender elbow macaroni simmered with sweet and tangy canned whole tomatoes, sugar, and butter. This simple, hearty meal comes together quickly and makes a satisfying side or main dish perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Tomato Sauce
- 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes with juice
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Finishing
- 2 to 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prep the tomatoes: Pour the canned whole tomatoes, including their juice, into a large skillet. Use a spoon or your hands to break the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the skillet.
- Combine pasta and tomatoes: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir in the sugar and salt, mixing gently to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the mixture: Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the contents to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add butter: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the butter until it melts completely and is well combined with the macaroni and tomato mixture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt or freshly ground black pepper if desired to suit your preference.
- Serve: Dish the warm macaroni and tomatoes into bowls or plates. For added comfort, serve with buttered bread on the side, if you like.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- You can customize sweetness by adjusting sugar amount based on your taste.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream or sprinkle grated cheese before serving.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
