Tomato Macaroni Bake
A comforting baked macaroni dish with a rich tomato and cheese sauce, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs—perfect for family dinners and satisfying comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, lightly brown the chopped onions in butter.
- Stir in tomato soup, water, and 1/4 cup of grated cheese.
- Heat until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Mix the sauce with cooked macaroni.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and buttered bread crumbs on top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned and bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic or bell peppers with the onions. You can use any type of cheese you have on hand, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different taste. If you want a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. For a vegetarian version, ensure the cheese is rennet-free.
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato Macaroni Bake pairs beautifully with a side salad like Martha'S Lemon Supreme Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it with garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a more complete meal. For a heartier option, consider adding cooked ground beef or sausage to the macaroni mixture before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until warm, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Macaroni Bake contains roughly 1228 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it straight from the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Can I freeze the Tomato Macaroni Bake?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish without baking it, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This is a convenient way to have a home-cooked meal ready at a moment's notice.
What can I substitute for tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree mixed with a bit of broth and seasonings like basil and oregano for a similar flavor. This substitution will still provide a delicious sauce for the macaroni bake.
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).