Baked Tomato Mac N Cheese Casserole

Baked Tomato Mac N Cheese CasseroleWelcome to easycrispyrecipes.com, your go-to source for mouthwatering and easy-to-follow recipes! Today, we’re diving into a comfort food classic with a twist—Baked Tomato Mac N Cheese Casserole. This dish combines the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the tangy freshness of tomatoes, creating a delightful blend of flavors that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s explore how to make this delicious casserole, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
  2. Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  4. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well.

Step 3: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is well coated.
  2. Gently fold in the drained diced tomatoes.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Baked Tomato Mac N Cheese Casserole!

Tips and Variations

Tips for Creaminess

  • How do you make baked mac and cheese creamy again? To keep your mac and cheese creamy, make sure you use enough cheese and don’t overbake it. If it becomes dry, you can add a splash of milk or cream before reheating.
  • Why is baked mac and cheese dry? Overbaking is the main reason mac and cheese can become dry. To avoid this, check your casserole around the 20-minute mark.
  • How do you keep baked mac and cheese from separating? Ensure your cheese sauce is fully emulsified before adding it to the macaroni. Using high-fat content cheese and milk helps maintain a creamy texture.

Variations

  • Baked Tomato Mac N Cheese Casserole Easy: For a quick version, use pre-shredded cheese and canned diced tomatoes with herbs for added flavor.
  • Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce and use stewed tomatoes for a nostalgic twist.
  • Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes on Top: Instead of mixing in the tomatoes, layer them on top of the macaroni before adding the breadcrumbs for a visually appealing dish.
  • Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese Good Housekeeping: Substitute the diced tomatoes with condensed tomato soup for a unique and creamy variation.
  • Mac and Cheese with Fresh Tomatoes: Use fresh, diced tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste.
  • Mac and Cheese with Stewed Tomatoes Origin: Stewed tomatoes add a slightly sweet and rich flavor, making the dish reminiscent of classic Southern comfort food.
  • Campbell’s Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese: Campbell’s tomato soup can be used to create a creamy, nostalgic version of this casserole.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the basic nutritional info per serving of Baked Tomato Mac N Cheese Casserole:

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg

Conclusion

This Baked Tomato Mac N Cheese Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of creamy cheese and tangy tomatoes makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

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