Oven Baked Macaroni and Tomatoes

This oven baked macaroni and tomatoes is so easy to make for a weeknight meal. Simply dump dry macaroni in a baking dish, add some tomatoes and broth and let the oven do its magic. The macaroni will become tender after being baked in the tomato broth.

There is no boiling and draining macaroni with this recipe! No dirtying another pan or having to stand at your stove. This can be made with just 4 ingredients you most likely have on hand. An old fashioned comfort meal that everyone will love.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

When making this recipe I love how tender the macaroni becomes when baked in the tomatoes. It has that home cooked taste that you crave when eating simple recipes. Perfect for weeknights when you need a side dish or meal that doesn’t take much effort. Adding butter to this recipe will give your tomatoes a deeper flavor when baked.

Also I love that there are less dishes to clean! Having to only clean one casserole dish instead of a pot and strainer. Its always nice when a recipe calls for minimal dishes. All you have to do is throw your ingredients in a dish, cover and bake.

What You Will Need

Only 4 ingredients are needed to make this easy macaroni and tomatoes recipe.

Macaroni

Dry macaroni noodles. I used elbow macaroni for this recipe but any small noodle would work. You can even use shells if you prefer. Just know your cook time may vary.

Diced Tomatoes

You will need two cans of diced tomatoes. Be sure to use the tomatoes and juice they come in. The juice will help cook your dry macaroni. I like using diced tomatoes but feel free to use crushed if you prefer. Just make sure it has plenty of juice to cook the macaroni.

Broth

Using warm broth will help your macaroni cook evenly. You could use water but I think broth gives the dish more flavor. Feel free to use vegetable broth if making this recipe vegetarian.

How To Make Oven Baked Macaroni And Tomatoes

Follow these simple instructions to make this oven baked macaroni and tomatoes recipe.

Prepare Your Dish

Heat your oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will help keep your macaroni from sticking to your dish. It will also help with clean up.

Add Your Ingredients

Add your dry macaroni to your dish. Then add your diced tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine and make sure most of your macaroni is submerged in liquid.

Top With Butter

Add butter cut into small cubes and spread over your macaroni. You do not need to melt the butter before adding to your dish. It will melt as the dish is baking.

Bake

Cover your baking dish with tin foil and place in oven. Cook for 40 minutes. Half way through cooking remove your foil and give your macaroni a stir. Cover with tin foil and continue to cook.

Serve

For the last 5 minutes of cooking remove your tin foil and allow the dish to finish cooking uncovered. This will help some of the extra liquid to evaporate. Once your macaroni is tender remove from oven and give one last stir. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Make sure to keep your dish covered while the macaroni is cooking. The steam will help your dry macaroni become tender. If your dish is not sealed properly the steam will escape and your macaroni may still be firm. If that happens just add more broth or water. Cover and continue cooking until your macaroni is done.
• If you feel that your canned tomatoes are a bit acidic you can add 1 tsp of sugar to your broth. I like to add just a pinch and see if that is enough for me. You can always add more.
• Feel free to add shredded cheese to this recipe. You can add about 1 cup of cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking. It will melt over top and taste great. Great addition if you are making this recipe for cheese lovers.

Storage

• Store: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water. Warm until heated through. Your macaroni will absorb more liquid so you may need to add a bit more.

Serve With

• Garlic bread slices are great to dip in this dish.
• Side salad with italian dressing.
• Pork Chops or Roasted Chicken.
• Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley.

FAQs

Can I Use Water Instead of Broth?

You can use water if you do not have broth on hand. Your macaroni will cook but I think it will not be as flavorful. Add salt and maybe garlic powder to give your tomatoes and macaroni more flavor.

Why Is My Macaroni Not Tender?

Your macaroni may need more liquid or additional time in the oven. Make sure your dish was covered properly. If not your steam will escape and your macaroni will not become tender. Add water or broth to your dish. Cover with foil and cook for 10 more minutes. Check your macaroni before serving.