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 four basic pantry ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to make. It's a classic main course or side dish that we've been making for years.
There’s something truly special about Southern comfort food, and Macaroni and Tomatoes is no exception. With 4 simple ingredients, this dish transforms into a warm, hearty bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any occasion.
This macaroni and tomatoes recipe is a recipe that's been passed down through my family for generations. It's a classic Southern staple, especially when you're in a pinch since it's easy to make. It really is the perfect foolproof recipe for beginner cooks to try.
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This humble yet flavorful dish combines tender elbow macaroni with tangy tomato juice and sweet diced tomatoes. It’s a dish that’s simple to make but packed with flavor, making it a perfect hearty side dish or even a light meal on its own. It's one the whole family will love!
Whether you grew up eating this dish or are trying it for the first time, it’s sure to become a comforting staple in your kitchen. Complete the meal with these southern favorites, Salmon Patties, Old Fashioned Easy Squash Casserole, and Hoecakes!
Table of Contents
Why You'll Like this Recipe
- Quick and Simple Recipe. With just a few basic pantry ingredients, old fashioned macaroni and tomatoes comes together in no time, making it the perfect easy recipe for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly Meal. Made with pantry staples like elbow macaroni and canned tomatoes, it’s a classic dish that's a cost-effective way to feed your family.
- Versatile. Serve this macaroni and tomatoes recipe as a side dish with your favorite Southern mains, or enjoy it on its own as a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Comforting Dish. This classic southern dish is a taste of home, bringing back memories of family dinners and Sunday suppers.
Ingredients
Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card.
- Elbow Macaroni Noodles: The base of the dish, providing a tender and chewy texture that soaks up the tomato flavors. Its small size makes it perfect for mixing evenly with the sauce.
- Tomato Juice: Acts as the primary sauce, giving the dish its signature tangy flavor. It coats the macaroni, ensuring each bite is full of tomato goodness.
- Diced Tomatoes or Petite Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and depth to the dish, providing bursts of juicy tomato flavor throughout. The combination of tomato juice and diced tomatoes creates a perfect balance of smoothness and chunkiness.
- Salted Butter or Bacon Grease: Melts into the dish, adding a rich, savory flavor that complements the acidity of the tomatoes. It also helps create a smooth and glossy sauce. A tablespoon of bacon grease will add a smokey flavor.
- Optional: Seasoning Salt Blend, Salt, Black Pepper, Sugar: These seasonings allow you to customize the flavor to your liking. Salt enhances the natural flavors, pepper adds a mild heat, and a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed. Livia’s Seasoning Salt is my go-to blend.
TOOLS YOU'LL NEED
How to Make Macaroni and Tomatoes
- 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.
Southern Cook Pro Tips and Substitutions
We've been making this in our kitchen at home for so many years. It's a great recipe for any season. There are so many ways to customize macaroni and tomatoes, and even jazz it up a bit!
- 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.
- Give it a 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.
- Toss in some 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.
- Add your Favorite 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.
What to Serve with Macaroni and Tomatoes
Old-fashioned macaroni and tomatoes pairs well with fried chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf. It also works as a light meal on its own, especially with a side of cornbread.
Storage and Freezing
Store any leftover macaroni and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or tomato juice to loosen it up if needed.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or ditalini.
Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a little extra tomato juice or water to prevent it from drying out.
For added flavor, consider sautéing some onions or garlic in the butter before adding the tomatoes and macaroni. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
More Side Dish Recipes Like This
- Green Beans with Bacon and Onion
- Buttered Potatoes
- Savory Rice Recipe
- French Onion Hashbrown Casserole
Macaroni and Tomatoes
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.
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