Easy Oven-Baked Macaroni and Tomatoes

Turn a handful of simple pantry ingredients into a delicious, old-fashioned comfort food with this easy Oven-Baked Macaroni and Tomatoes recipe. Uncooked elbow macaroni bakes right in a flavorful mixture of juicy diced tomatoes, hot water, and butter, soaking up all the rich tomato goodness as it cooks. The result is a tender, saucy, and satisfying dish that requires very little preparation. Perfect as a hearty side dish or an affordable weeknight dinner, this nostalgic favorite is as simple as it is delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, including the juices
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart glass baking dish to keep the pasta from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Add the Pasta and Tomatoes

Spread the uncooked elbow macaroni evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Pour the diced tomatoes along with all their juices over the pasta. Add the hot water, making sure the macaroni is mostly covered.

Step 3: Season and Add Butter

Give the mixture a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the top, then scatter the small pieces of butter across the surface for extra richness and flavor.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, allowing the macaroni to cook and absorb the tomato mixture.

Step 5: Stir and Finish Cooking

Carefully remove the foil and stir the macaroni thoroughly. Check that the pasta is tender. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, allowing any excess liquid to cook down.

Tip: If the macaroni looks too dry before it is fully cooked, stir in a little additional hot water.

Step 6: Let Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5–10 minutes. This resting time allows the tomato sauce to thicken and settle around the pasta. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve warm.

Enjoy this simple, comforting macaroni and tomatoes dish, a timeless homemade favorite that’s full of flavor without requiring complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen!