Poor Man'S Macaroni And Cheese
A comforting and budget-friendly macaroni dish with tomatoes and melted Cheddar, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni noodles and chopped onion together until cooked.
- Drain the mixture and transfer to a serving dish.
- Add the canned stewed tomatoes and Cheddar cheese to the drained noodles.
- Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onion until caramelized before adding it to the pasta. You can substitute any short pasta for macaroni, such as penne or fusilli. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is versatile, so feel free to toss in some frozen vegetables or leftover meats.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Poor Man's Macaroni and Cheese as a comforting main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of hot sauce for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. For a crispy top, transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and broil briefly until golden.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor Man'S Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 483 calories, with 14g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 824mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, dice about 2-3 medium tomatoes and add them to the dish. You may need to cook them down a bit more to achieve a similar consistency to stewed tomatoes.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Poor Man's Macaroni and Cheese is a vegetarian recipe as it contains no meat. However, always check the cheese label to ensure there are no animal rennet ingredients if strict vegetarianism is a concern.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Simply complete the recipe up to the mixing stage, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat in the oven or microwave, and mix in the canned ingredients just before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).