Simple Macaroni and Tomatoes is a classic dish many people remember from their childhoods. And while there are several variations, the basic recipe pretty much stays the same.
With this, three ingredients are a must in my paper – canned tomatoes, macaroni, and bacon grease. Canned tomatoes make it easy and best as a year-round dish. And I would prefer the flavor of the canned variety in this one.
Macaroni is quite cool. And the bacon grease, while it can be replaced with butter, is required for me because it gives the dish its signature savory, smoky flavor.
Some people add onions, some add green peppers, and some add cheese on top. I like it pretty simple. Which makes me add another ingredient… sugar. In all my time eating this dish, sugar is probably the most common other ingredient.
And while I do not care for it with the sugar myself, many people say it helps to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes. I happen to like that acidity, but if that is not your thing you can certainly add some sugar to the mix.
I’d begin by adding about 1 teaspoon of regular ol’ white sugar at the end with the salt and pepper and then add more to suit your tastes. In this case, I think it is just a matter of what you’re used to and if you’re used to this dish being sweet, then by golly you should add in some sugar.
Ingredients for Macaroni and Tomatoes
If you are cooking for four persons, here are the number of ingredients you should consider:
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sugar (optional – see note)
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Fill a big pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. When the water starts boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil.
Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about eight minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
Step 2
Enter the macaroni into a saucepan and place over medium heat; stir in the butter, bacon grease, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes with juice, and sugar; season with salt and pepper.
Stir while cooking until butter and bacon grease have melted and incorporated completely, 5 to 10 minutes; remove from heat, cover, and allow to sit about 20 minutes before serving.
Bottom Line
Macaroni and tomatoes is an amazing Southern favorite that only requires six basic pantry ingredients and a few minutes to make.
This simple side dish pairs with everything from chicken to pork and is always a winner!