Macaroni and Tomatoes
The old-fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes recipe is a simple, southern side dish that takes a few basic ingredients, a dash of seasoning, and 20 minutes.
Homemade Southern Style Macaroni and Tomatoes
This old-fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes recipe is a classic, humble Southern side dish that comes together with simple pantry staples in just 20 minutes.
Growing up in the 80s, I lived through the era of far too many bell peppers and pimentos drowning every dish. But my daddy knew exactly how to balance comfort food.
While exploring the Branson, Missouri area and dining at Lambert's Cafe, you might have sampled their famous unlimited sides, including a decent bowl of Macaroni and Tomatoes. I've had it, but honestly? I still prefer my dad's version.
NOTE: One more thing... this is not intended to be an Italian pasta dish (which I love) so it lacks garlic, herbs, etc. Try it this simple way, I think you will be glad you did.
Ingredients
Seriously, how many side dishes have 2 ingredients (plus seasoning), 1 pot, and taste this delicious?
- Elbow Macaroni: The quintessential shape for this dish, though rotini or shells work great for catching the juices.
- Canned Stewed Tomatoes: Stewed tomatoes are the secret shortcut here because they already include celery, green peppers, and onions packed right into the can for instant flavor depth. (If you only have plain diced tomatoes, just sauté a little finely chopped onion and celery in the butter before adding them).
- Butter & Seasonings: A generous pat of butter, salt, coarse black pepper, and a pinch of sugar to cut the tomato acidity.
Pro Tips
Cook the elbow macaroni 1-2 minutes LESS than the boxed recommendations. This makes your final product the perfect al dente texture.
Stir pasta often to keep it from sticking to the pot and together.
For more tomato flavor, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
How to Make Macaroni and Tomatoes
- Boil the Pasta: 1-2 minutes under box directions. Cook your elbow macaroni in heavily salted water. Stop 1-2 minutes early for a perfect al dente texture. Drain the noodles, but do not rinse them-that beautiful surface starch helps the tomato sauce stick.
- Melt the Butter: Watch closely. In the same pot, melt your butter over medium-low heat. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't brown or burn.
- Build the Tomato Base: Simmer 3-5 minutes. Add the canned stewed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Simmer on medium-low until the raw tin-can taste disappears and the liquids reduce slightly. (Optional: Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste here for a deeper tomato punch).
- Toss and Marry: Heat through. Dump the cooked macaroni back into the pot with the tomatoes. Stir well and let it simmer for another minute so the noodles absorb all that seasoned, buttery tomato goodness. Garnish with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy.
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the tomato mixture and heat through. Allow the stewed tomatoes and seasonings to really get into the noodles.
Top with parsley for garnish if desired.
Variations
This is a great starter recipe that is tasty just the way I've shared it, but you can mix it up to make your tastebuds happy.
A couple of ideas for you to try:
- stir in some chopped, cooked bacon
- use bacon grease instead of butter to add richness
Storage
Put leftovers in a covered bowl and refrigerate for 3-5 days. To reheat, add a little splash of water to rehydrate the noodles.
Complete Your Southern Comfort Menu
Want to turn this simple side into an unforgettable, classic Southern feast? Pair it with these comforting favorites from the website:
The Perfect Starter: While the macaroni simmers, set out a sleeve of Ritz crackers and a bowl of my smoky, spicy Homemade Jalapeno Pimento Cheese for the ultimate appetizer.
The Main Event: Serve this pasta alongside a juicy Sous Vide Whole Chicken or crispy Air Fry Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
Sweeten the Deal: Finish dinner off with a warm slice of effortless Sweet Potato Dump Cake Recipe served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
New Recipes to Try
DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE? ❤️
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What to Serve Next? Build Your Perfect Southern Menu
Macaroni and Tomatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted water. Cook for 1-2 minutes less than the box recommends. Set aside to drain.
- In the same pot, melt butter.
- Add the stewed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for around 5 minutes or until liquids are cooked off a little bit.
- Add elbow macaroni to the tomato mixture and heat through.
- Adjust seasonings.
- Top with parsley for garnish if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- stir in some chopped, cooked bacon
- use bacon grease instead of butter to add richness
A great southern side dish!
Thank you for your support! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
I will try this this week! I tend to want to make pasta Italian seasoned always. This looks good.
Yes! So many Italian flavored pasta dishes that are tasty! Let me know what you think of this one after you give it a try. And thanks so much for your comment!
I like to add a little andouille sausage to it ! Great recipe!!