Tomato Mac 'N Meat
A comforting and cheesy pasta dish featuring tender macaroni, savory ground meat, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
- Brown the chopped onion and ground meat in a skillet; drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the condensed Italian tomato soup, water, and pepper.
- Fold the drained cooked macaroni into the tomato mixture.
- If cheese topping is desired, transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top, and bake at 325°F until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the tomato mixture before folding in the macaroni. You can substitute ground meat with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked macaroni can speed up the process. For extra flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tomato Mac 'N Meat with a simple side salad, like Tillie'S Salad, to balance the richness of the dish. It also pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun twist, top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for bright flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, or place the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent drying out. Enjoy the flavors as they meld together even more after a day!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Mac 'N Meat contains roughly 545 calories, with 25g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 590mg per serving (26% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground meat with a plant-based meat substitute or even lentils for a hearty option. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor, making it a perfect fit for vegetarian recipes.
What can I use instead of Italian tomato soup?
If you don't have Italian tomato soup, you can use regular tomato soup and add Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme to mimic the flavor. For a homemade version, blend canned tomatoes with some spices to create a similar taste profile.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the Tomato Mac 'N Meat! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave.
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).