Who doesn’t love a big warm pan of comfort food on a cool and dreary day? This Creamy Tomato Baked Mac and Cheese is a new twist on an old classic. There are a lot of different variations of Mac and Cheese, but this is one that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
The secret to this recipe is the delicious creamy cheesy tomato sauce–not only does it taste great, but it has hidden nutrition powers thanks to canned tomatoes. These are a pantry superpower, and are teeming with vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Plus, canned tomatoes actually have a higher lycopene content than fresh, as the cooking and canning process enhances the availability of the nutrient, making it easier for your body to absorb. Additionally, tomato products are great shelf-stable products that are affordable and also good for the environment. What’s not to love about that?!
Creamy Tomato Baked Mac and Cheese is perfect for all occasions: from a quick family dinner, to a work potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
Creamy Tomato Baked Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love a big warm pan of comfort food on a cool and dreary day? This Creamy Tomato Baked Mac and Cheese is a new twist on an old classic. There are a lot of different variations of Mac and Cheese, but this is one that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Ingredients
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
3 Tbsp. all purpose flour
2 cups milk
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 (14 oz.) can stewed tomatoes with juice
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a sprinkling of salt to water and add in the macaroni pasta. Cook until it is a few minutes away from becoming al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Heat a medium-sized oven safe skillet over medium heat. Add in the butter and allow it to melt. Then mix in the flour until combined. Cook the flour for about 1 minute then, while whisking, pour in the milk. Heat the milk for about 5 minutes then mix in the salt, pepper, and tomatoes.
Bring the sauce to a simmer while stirring constantly. Cook for 5-6 minutes until it has thickened. Add in the cheese and mix until fully melted. Then add in the pasta and mix until well combined.
Top the mac and cheese with the breadcrumbs and transfer the pan into the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Enjoy!
For other delicious comfort food recipes, check out some of our favorites:
The most decadent tasting, yet lower in calories, Homemade Mac N Cheese You’ll Ever Make! Macaroni Pasta blended with Italian Blend Cheese, then Melted Into A Warm Cream Sauce with tomatoes, bacon, and blue cheese.
Mac and cheese is no longer only for the under 16 crowd. You’ll find variations of this classic dish on menus everywhere. While those menu options might sound gourmet and difficult to make at home, this does not need to be the case.
I am really excited to share with you my newest recipe: Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese with Bacon.
It sounds decadent, but with a few simple swaps, we keep calories and fat in line while adding a pop of color and nutrition boost with the addition of tomatoes.
Yield: 10 servings
Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese with Bacon
A savory Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese with Bacon recipe loaded with cheese, perfect for dinner or entertaining guests.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Ingredients
8 oz. elbow macaroni
3 cups 1% milk
15 oz. can diced tomatoes drained
1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
4 oz. blue cheese crumbled
1/4 cup bacon bits
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry ground mustard
1/2 tsp. pepper
Instructions
Cook elbow macaroni per box instructions, drain.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Whisk flour into butter, adding a little at a time.
Slowly pour milk into flour mixture, small amounts at a time, whisking until thickened before adding more. This step can take up to 15 minutes.
Add spices, then whisk in Italian cheese.
Stir in bacon, then elbow macaroni. Blend well.
Gently fold in canned tomatoes and blue cheese crumbles.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a week.
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