Macaroni and Tomatoes: The Classic Southern Dish You’ll Love

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of macaroni and tomatoes—simple, hearty, and full of Southern charm. This classic dish has been a staple in many Southern kitchens for generations, and it’s easy to see why. With just a few pantry staples like elbow macaroni and stewed tomatoes, you can whip up a warm, flavorful meal that feels like home. Whether you grew up eating it or are trying it for the first time, this Southern comfort food recipe is a delicious reminder that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. In this post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, easy steps, and tasty variations to make this nostalgic favorite your own.

What Is Macaroni and Tomatoes? (A Southern Classic)

A bowl of Southern-style macaroni and tomatoes topped with fresh parsley

Macaroni and tomatoes is one of those beloved dishes that brings together simple ingredients and bold comfort. At its core, this classic Southern recipe combines elbow macaroni with stewed or canned tomatoes, simmered together with butter, salt, and pepper to create a rich, savory dish that’s both filling and nostalgic.

While it may sound basic, this humble recipe holds a special place in many Southern households. It’s often passed down through generations, each family adding their own twist—like a splash of hot sauce, crumbled bacon, or even a touch of sugar for balance. Some like it creamy with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of cheese, while others prefer it a bit brothy, almost like a tomato pasta soup.

What makes macaroni and tomatoes truly Southern isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the tradition and simplicity behind it. It’s a dish that stretches the budget, warms the soul, and comes together in one pot with hardly any fuss. Whether served as a main dish or a side next to fried chicken or collard greens, it’s an example of how Southern comfort food turns everyday ingredients into something truly satisfying.

So if you’ve never tried it before, or haven’t had it in years, now’s the perfect time to bring this old-fashioned macaroni and tomatoes recipe back to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Easy Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe

One of the best things about this Southern macaroni and tomatoes recipe is how incredibly simple the ingredients are. Most of them are probably already in your pantry or fridge, making this dish a go-to for last-minute meals or cozy weeknight dinners.

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this classic Southern comfort food to life:

Ingredients for easy macaroni and tomatoes recipe including elbow pasta, canned tomatoes, butter, and spices

🧂 Basic Ingredients:

Elbow macaroni: The traditional pasta shape for this recipe. It cooks quickly and holds the tomato flavor perfectly. You can also use other small pasta types like ditalini or shells if needed.
Canned stewed tomatoes: These are the star of the dish. They add a rich, slightly sweet tomato base. You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes, but stewed tomatoes offer more flavor right out of the can.
Butter or oil: Adds richness and a smooth finish to the tomato sauce. Some people also add a splash of milk or cream for extra creaminess.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning goes a long way here. You can also add garlic powder or a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic.

🧄 Optional Flavor Boosters:

Onion and garlic: Sautéed before adding the tomatoes for extra depth and aroma.
Red pepper flakes or hot sauce: For a little kick of Southern heat.
Bacon or smoked sausage: Adds savory, meaty flavor. Just cook and crumble before mixing in.
Shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese: Stir in at the end for a creamy, cheesy twist.

🌿 Fresh or Pantry-Friendly Swaps:

Fresh tomatoes: If it’s tomato season, feel free to use chopped fresh tomatoes instead of canned—just cook them down longer.
Gluten-free pasta: This recipe works great with gluten-free elbow macaroni if you need a wheat-free option.
Vegetable broth: Add a splash if you want a slightly thinner, more soup-like consistency.

This recipe is versatile, so don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or what you have on hand. The beauty of macaroni and tomatoes is in its simplicity—you can keep it classic or give it your own twist and it’ll still be delicious.

How to Make Macaroni and Tomatoes (Step-by-Step)

Making macaroni and tomatoes is as simple and comforting as the dish itself. With just one pot and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a hearty Southern meal on the table in no time. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process so that even beginners can cook it with confidence.

🥣 Step 1: Boil the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), usually about 7–8 minutes.
Drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Tip: If you’re looking for a high-quality pot for cooking, consider the Ninja C39500 NeverStick Hard-Anodized 4-Piece Cookware Set for an easy, non-stick cooking experience and consistent heat distribution.

🍅 Step 2: Simmer the Tomatoes

While the macaroni cooks, prepare the tomato base.

In the same pot (or a separate one), melt 2–3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add canned stewed tomatoes (with their juices), breaking them up slightly with a spoon if they’re in large chunks.
Season with salt, pepper, and any extras like onion, garlic, or a pinch of sugar if desired.

Let the tomato mixture simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Optional Add-ins: For more depth, add a splash of hot sauce, some red pepper flakes, or sautéed bacon pieces at this stage.

🍲 Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Add the cooked macaroni to the simmering tomato mixture.

Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—some people like to add a little more butter, a dash of milk, or even a handful of shredded cheese to make it creamier.

You can also decide on the texture here:

Want it thicker? Let it simmer a bit longer.
Prefer it soupy? Add a splash of vegetable broth or a bit of pasta water.

🧀 Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s heated through and seasoned to your liking, it’s ready to serve!

Spoon it into bowls as a main dish or serve it on the side with fried chicken, pork chops, or even greens.
Garnish with grated cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like.

Bonus Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day—just store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about macaroni and tomatoes is how incredibly flexible it is. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or getting creative, this Southern comfort dish can be customized to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have in the pantry. Here are some helpful tips, delicious variations, and serving ideas to make the most out of your meal.

✅ Tips for the Best Macaroni and Tomatoes

Use quality tomatoes: Canned stewed tomatoes or San Marzano-style diced tomatoes offer the richest flavor. If your tomatoes taste too acidic, add a pinch of sugar.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook the macaroni just until al dente. It will absorb some of the tomato liquid during the final simmer.
Add butter or oil last: Stir in butter just before serving to give the dish a silky, rich finish.
Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, and the flavors deepen over time. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

🔄 Delicious Variations to Try

Cheesy Macaroni and Tomatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese at the end for a gooey, creamy twist.
Meaty Additions: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or ground beef for a heartier meal. Smoked sausage or ham also pair perfectly with the tomato base.
Creamy Southern Style: Add a splash of heavy cream or milk for a rich, creamy texture. This variation is great if you’re going for a more indulgent comfort food feel.
Spicy Southern Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Perfect for fans of bold Southern flavors.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Main Dish or Side Dish: Serve as a simple main dish with a piece of cornbread, or offer it as a comforting side alongside fried chicken, meatloaf, or pork chops.
Add a Veggie: Pair with sautéed collard greens, green beans, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Soup-Style Option: For a cozier, more broth-based version, add vegetable broth or some pasta water to turn it into a macaroni and tomato soup.
Toppings Galore: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a sprinkle of cheese, or even crispy onions for a crunchy topping.