Juicy tomatoes and savory seasonings baked into this Tomato Macaroni And Cheese transforms the recipe into a next-level comfort food. Great for meal prep and ready in less than 1 hour!
Macaroni and cheese with fresh tomatoes
In this recipe for Tomato Macaroni And Cheese, I combine traditional cheese and noodles with fresh tomatoes and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This cheesy baked casserole has loads of fresh garden flavor, natural acidity, and pops of red throughout! All you have to do is cook your pasta, mix it together with the seasonings and tomatoes, then bake until it’s creamy on the inside and golden brown on top.
Have I mentioned it takes just 1 hour to throw together? Mac and cheese with tomatoes is the perfect weeknight meal, side dish, or weekday lunch! Even if you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can easily use diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes instead. Easy peasy!
How to make tomato mac and cheese
Baked mac and cheese with tomatoes is so easy to make. Plus, it tastes like you spent hours on it even though it takes minimal prep time and less than an hour to bake. Here’s how it’s done:
Boil your pasta according to the instructions on the package.
Add pasta into a greased casserole dish, along with a simple cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk and shredded cheese.
In a bowl, stir together the tomatoes, sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, pepper and thyme. Pour it on top of the noodles in the dish.
Tip: You can also substitute a can of diced or stewed tomatoes if you don’t have fresh tomatoes.
Top the casserole with breadcrumbs and bake until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
More mac and cheese add-ins
Tomatoes aren’t the only way to elevate a mac and cheese recipe. There are plenty of veggies, toppings, and sauces you can add to your everyday mac and cheese or into this dish to give it even more texture. Try out some of the suggestions below for the ultimate mac and cheese comfort food:
- Cooked chopped bacon
- Candied jalapenos
- Spicy tomato sauce
- Sauteed spinach or kale
- Canned beans
- Keto alfredo sauce
- Chopped hot dogs
- Kielbasa in tomato sauce
- Peas
- Crushed Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs
- Cooked ground beef
- Oven-baked frozen corn
Make-ahead tips
You can prepare mac and cheese days ahead of baking. Simply assemble the noodles, cheese, tomatoes, and seasonings in a greased casserole dish and seal it with a lid or cover it with plastic. When it’s time to bake, add the breadcrumb layer on top and then bake.
Storing and reheating leftovers
To store: Leftover tomato macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you’re storing it in a baking dish, make sure it’s wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
To reheat: Use a microwave if you’re reheating a small portion of this casserole. If you’d like to heat up the whole thing, cover the dish with foil and bake it in a 350ºF oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through.
More cheesy recipes to try
- Easy Lasagna
- Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese
- Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Tomato Pie
- Cheesy Green Pepper Bake
Pin for later:
Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
PrintIngredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes diced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray a 9×9 baking dish with nonstick spray or butter it.
- In a pot of salted water cook macaroni noodles according to the directions on box. Drain and pour noodles into the baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium high heat melt butter. Once melted add flour and stir until fully combined with the butter. Add milk and continue to cook, stirring often, until sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Add in shredded cheese and continue stirring until cheese is completely melted.
- Pour cheese sauce on top of noodles in baking dish and stir to combine and fully coat all the noodles.
- In a medium-sized bowl mix tomatoes, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, thyme and pepper. Pour on top of the noodles in baking dish and mix.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs on top and bake, uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven or OPTIONAL: If you want the top browned, put under the stove broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.
- Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
DORIS B says
Sounds delish. For a little kick, think I’ll add a can of rotel tomatoes instead of plain!!
Pamela says
Yum Doris, that sounds great!
CAPTAIN GEORGE DOWLING says
lol… Being an “Irishman”, that grew older, [Never “UP”!]; with MY SICILIAN,”PAISANS”!… WE WERE RAISED, EATING MACARONI & CHEESE, PREPARED THIS WAY?… LOL. Having my first taste of the Kraft, boxed version, at a friends house, [at about age 12?…], a white kid!….[ Non – Italian!]; for Dinner, i was perplexed, at why alot of kids, Raved about this method of preparation?… lol
Alexis @ Upside Down Pear says
This sounds soooo delicious and tomatoes are my favorite!!! I can eat them like apples. I can’t wait to try this 🙂
Peter @ Feed Your Soul Too says
I love adding different food items into my macaroni and cheese. I really like what you did and the topping looks great.
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
Yum! I need to do more experimenting with veggies in mac and cheese. I think this recipe will be a great place to start! I’m anxiously awaiting my first homegrown tomatoes of the season, too. 🙂
whatjessicabakednext says
This looks divine!
Choc Chip Uru says
Tomatoes are made for mac and cheese, delicious addition 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Sarah & Arkadi says
yum! looks so comforting!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Tomatoes make everything healthier 😀 This dish sounds delicious! I’m loving this combination!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
obviously this mac n cheese is health food. I know I’ll feel super proud of myself when I make it like-look at me! Eatin tomatoes (and mac n cheese)! 😀
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
I always add some sort of veggie to my mac n cheese! Tomatoes are a lovely addition…even better if they’re fresh. Now I want some mac n cheese…
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
Who doesn’t love Mac and Cheese. Despite the fact there are many ways to prepare it, I have never done the tomato inclusion. Yay another excuse to make another batch of Mac and Cheese. You are my friend. Lol. Hey I am a gardener too. I am liking your gardening blogs also.
Monica says
Tomatoes are such a great way to wake up mac & cheese…I adore tomatoes in almost everything and it is a great mate for pasta. I can just imagine your tomato planting excitement. Our farmer’s market opened up last Sunday and it was just amazing to walk among all the fresh produce and herbs.
Sophie says
A yummy easy peasy recipe too! Yeah for tomato plants! I have 4 tomato plants in larger pots!
Kumar's Kitchen says
oh those lovely tomato saplings…beautiful…and this dish is an all time favorite comfort food with a tangy-sweet tomato twist…loved it,thanks 🙂
Jamie@Milk N Cookies says
I’m a mac ‘n’ cheese fiend, and I feel like I can always count on you to share a new mac ‘n’ cheese recipe! And yes, adding in some fresh tomatoes definitely makes it a healthy dinner (in my book, at least!)
Debra says
I thought I slathered on the sun screen Saturday as I worked in the garden planting our little tomatoes…..nope—I am nursing a horrendous sun burn. What ever lead me to wear a tank top?!?!?!? 🙂
Pamela says
Get that big brim hat on Debra! Sorry that happened, it’s the worst. 🙁
Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent says
Tomatoes and Mac n cheese combined is a genius idea…..can’t wait for the garden update!
Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Yes, yes I do love my veggies covered in cheese! That is the very best kind! And who doesn’t love a good mac n cheese recipe??? This one … it’s comfort food … sorta all grown up!
Mary Frances says
Of course I agree with you! One never argues with mac and cheese, you know 😉
Mary Frances says
Perfect comfort food. I like that baked macaroni and cheese has become more popular, it’s so much better with that crust!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I can never resist mac and cheese! Love the addition of tomatoes!
Michelle says
Yum! I love a cheesy breadcrumb crust. 🙂 As a result of your post, I have been Google searching different things like, “When is the best time to grow tomatoes in Portland?” Turns out, it is almost time! I have a bunch of notes I am currently writing down. The plan is to visit a nursery this week armed with a bit of knowledge before making any final decisions. 🙂
Pamela says
Grow Michelle grow! Can’t wait to see your veggies in a few months!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
This is one of my favourite comfort treats!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Love the addition of tomatoes to macaroni and cheese. Plus you can’t go wrong with a bread crumb topping!
Ashley says
It was pretty hot here this weekend – summer is definitely coming fast! And I love this mac and cheese – tomatoes are one of my favorites!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Just gorgeous Pam! Anything with tomatoes and cheese has to be incredible! Have a wonderful week!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
My hubby and I shared a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato added (on the inside and outside) today, Pamela, and somehow the tomato made it so much tastier. So … love this tomatoey version of macaroni cheese!
Also, soooo inspired by your tomato-growing. I would LOVE to be able to do that one day not too far away!