Macaroni and Tomatoes

Macaroni and Tomatoes is a classic Southern favorite that only requires a six basic pantry ingredients and a few minutes to make. This easy side dish pairs with everything from chicken to pork and is always a winner! 

This version of Macaroni and Tomatoes is the one that my mother taught me, that she learned from her mother, who learned from her mother. You get the idea… right? It’s old school. It’s what I call “country cookin’” Those simple recipe that require only a few ingredients and stretch to feed a lot of people.  I have shared a few my favorites on the blog over time. Recipes like this Southern Style Skillet Corn, Slow Cooker White Beans and Ham, and my Easy Drop Biscuits. 

How to make Macaroni and Tomatoes: (scroll to bottom of page for full printable recipe card)

Ingredients: 

• Elbow pasta
• Stewed tomatoes
• Ketchup 
• Butter
• Sugar 
• Salt and Pepper 

Instructions: 

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions to al dente. This is usually around 8 minutes. Drain the pasta into a colander then return the pasta to the pot. 
2. Return the pot of the stove and turn heat to medium. Melt butter into pasta, stirring continuously to prevent macaroni from burning. 
3. Next add, strew tomatoes, ketchup, sugar, salt and pepper, Bring to a boil turn heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes. 
4. Garnish with parsley and fresh cracked pepper is desired. 

Substitutions and Variations:

• My Grandma always made this will bacon drippings. If you have that on hand swap the two teaspoons of butter for one teaspoon of bacon grease. 

• Add cooked diced ham or browned ground beef to turn this side dish into a main dish. 

• The sugar is optional. It does add a little sweet flavor to the recipe but it is not necessary if you want to leave it out. 

• Elbow pasta can be swapped for regular spaghetti noodles. 

How to store: 

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in a container with a fitted lids the fridge for up to three days. To reheat warm in the microwave in 45 second increments stirring between each sessions. 

Freezer: This recipe does not freeze well. I don’t recommend freezing it.  

I hope you and your family will love this recipe as much as we do! If you do try this recipe please come back and leave a comment letting me know how much you liked it! 

Happy Cooking Y’all!

Susanne 

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Print

Macaroni and Tomatoes

Macaroni and Tomatoes is a classic Southern favorites that only requires a six basic pantry ingredients and a few minutes to make. This easy side dish pairs with everything from chicken to pork and is always a winner!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword Macaorni and Tomatoes, Southern Recipe Favorites

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 159 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow pasta uncooked
• 2 tablespoons butter salted
• 1 14.5 oz can stewed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sugar optional
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions to al dente. This is usually around 8 minutes. Drain the pasta into a colander then return the pasta to the pot.
2. While the pasta is cooking if necessary cut or mash whole tomatoes into small pieces.
3. Return the pot of the stove and turn heat to medium. Melt butter into pasta, stirring continuously to prevent macaroni from burning.
4. Next add, strew tomatoes, ketchup, sugar, salt and pepper, Bring to a boil turn heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
5. Garnish with parsley and fresh cracked pepper is desired.

Recipe Notes

Nutritional information is estimated. Amounts will vary based on ingredient choices and serving sizes.

Nutrition Facts

Macaroni and Tomatoes

Amount Per Serving

Calories 159 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 8mg3%

Sodium 42mg2%

Potassium 84mg2%

Carbohydrates 27g9%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 97IU2%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 9mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.