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
Scale
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.
