Tomato Macaroni Cheese

Savor the comforting flavors of Tomato Macaroni Cheese, a delightful twist on the classic baked pasta dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness and the bright tang of tomato. Perfectly cooked macaroni is coated in a luscious blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, then layered with a rich tomato-garlic mixture enhanced by aromatic Italian seasoning. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs for added texture, this hearty casserole is baked to bubbly perfection. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pan crowd-pleaser is ideal for cozy family dinners or easy entertaining. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams macaroni pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500 milliliters milk
• 200 grams cheddar cheese, grated
• 100 grams mozzarella cheese, grated
• 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 50 grams breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 5

Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Set aside.

Step 6

In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni, tomato sauce, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta mixture.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if using) before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1645.9 grams (1645.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3200

Total Fat 164.40g	211%
Saturated Fat 87.40g	437%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.20g
Cholesterol 421mg	140%
Sodium 6072mg	264%
Total Carbohydrate 303.20g	110%
Dietary Fiber 20.20g	72%
Total Sugars 55.60g
Protein 136.50g	273%

Vitamin D 277IU	1383%
Calcium 3054mg	235%
Iron 15mg	82%
Potassium 2862mg	61%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 37.5%