Macaroni and tomatoes is a dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia and simple home-cooked goodness for many. This humble yet satisfying recipe, often passed down through generations, is a testament to making delicious meals with minimal ingredients. While variations abound, the core of macaroni and tomatoes remains wonderfully consistent: a comforting blend of pasta, tangy tomatoes, and a touch of savory richness, often enhanced with bacon grease for that signature depth of flavor. This recipe is a nod to those timeless, straightforward meals that families have enjoyed for years, reminiscent of the hearty, no-fuss cooking style that resonates with the spirit of the Pioneer Woman.
For this classic macaroni and tomatoes recipe, a few key ingredients stand out as non-negotiable. Canned tomatoes are essential, providing convenience and consistent flavor throughout the year. In fact, many cooks prefer canned tomatoes for this dish, appreciating their balanced taste. Macaroni, of course, is the pasta of choice, offering its familiar shape and texture to soak up the tomatoey goodness. And then there’s the bacon grease – the secret ingredient that elevates this dish from simple to extraordinary.
While butter can be used as a substitute, bacon grease imparts a smoky, savory depth that is truly characteristic of authentic macaroni and tomatoes. Saving bacon grease is a practice that aligns perfectly with resourceful home cooking, ensuring that no flavor is wasted and adding a touch of Southern charm to your kitchen repertoire.
Learn How to Save Bacon Grease
The beauty of macaroni and tomatoes lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Purists may prefer a straightforward approach, focusing on the core ingredients, while others enjoy adding their own personal touches. Onions, green peppers, or a sprinkle of cheese are common additions that can customize the flavor profile to your liking. However, for a truly classic experience, keeping it simple allows the essential flavors of tomato and bacon grease to shine.
Another frequently debated ingredient in macaroni and tomatoes is sugar. Many recipes call for a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. While some appreciate the tangy zest of tomatoes without added sweetness, others find that a pinch of sugar smooths out the flavors and creates a more rounded taste. If you prefer a sweeter macaroni and tomatoes, start with a teaspoon of sugar and adjust to your preference. Ultimately, the inclusion of sugar is a matter of personal taste and what you grew up with.
Whether you’re a fan of the simple, traditional recipe or prefer to experiment with variations, macaroni and tomatoes remains a beloved comfort food. Its ease of preparation and satisfying flavors make it a perfect side dish for family meals or a quick and comforting weeknight dinner. Embrace the simplicity, savor the taste, and enjoy this timeless classic that continues to bring smiles to tables everywhere.
Classic Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe
Author: Stacey Little
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large pot, melt bacon grease over medium heat. Add diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked macaroni to the pot with tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste. If desired, add sugar to taste (see notes).
- Serve warm and enjoy this classic comfort food.
Recipe Notes
For a sweeter dish, add sugar after mixing everything together. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary.
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