Old-Fashioned Macaroni, Tomato, and Cheese Bake

This is a simple and inexpensive version of an old-country style dish just like grandma used to bake. It really takes you back a few decades. I combine macaroni, sharp Cheddar cheese, and petite diced tomatoes with other herbs and spices for a delicious old-fashioned favorite.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 53 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 8 mins
• Calories: 311 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 ½ cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco®)
• 1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes in juice
• 1 teaspoon brown mustard
• ¼ teaspoon paprika, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare an 8 quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink. Pour into the prepared baking dish and add the butter, Cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes; stir.

Step 3

Combine the eggs, milk, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, brown mustard, hot sauce, parsley, nutmeg, pepper, and salt in a food processor; pulse until smooth; pour over the macaroni. Sprinkle paprika over everything.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until the middle is set, 45 to 50 minutes.