By Elise BauerView →
BUDGET FRIENDLY
The Forgotten Southern Pasta That Costs Almost Nothing to Make
★★★★★
5.0 (220)|(2 Reviews)Elbow macaroni simmered with sweet stewed tomatoes, crispy bacon grease, and freshly cracked black pepper.
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By Stephanie A. Gunz (Recipe Developer)•Published May 15, 2026
⏱ 20 mins
Simply Recipes / Stephanie A. Gunz🔥 320 kcal
WHY MAKE THIS
- Costs under $5 to feed the entire family.
- Ready in 20 minutes using basic pantry ingredients.
BUDGET FRIENDLY
The Forgotten Southern Pasta That Costs Almost Nothing to Make
Also known as macaroni and tomatoes across the American South, this vintage pantry dish turns simple elbow pasta and canned stewed tomatoes into pure nostaglic comfort food in 20 minutes.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings4 servings
Scale Recipe:
📱Keep Screen Awake While Cooking
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) whole peeled or stewed tomatoes with juices
- 4 slices thick bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter & 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt & lots of black pepper
Directions
1
Cook macaroni and bacon
Boil macaroni until al dente. In a Dutch oven, crisp chopped bacon; leave 2 tbsp bacon drippings in pan.
2
Simmer tomatoes and pasta
Crush tomatoes into the pot with butter, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 mins. Stir in drained macaroni and bacon bits.
💡 CHEF'S PRO TIPS
- A tiny pinch of sugar cuts the acidity of canned tomatoes perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Per ServingCalories320 kcal
Protein10g
Carbs46g
Total Fat10g
Sodium: 480mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Community Reviews & Ratings
2 cooks have shared their thoughts on this recipe
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Sarah M.★★★★★
This has completely replaced my normal avocado toast! The beans blend so well you cannot even tell, and I stay full until lunchtime!
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David K.★★★★★
Great trick for adding protein without cooking eggs on busy mornings. Added a pinch of red pepper flakes and lemon zest—delicious.
