Marilyn's Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes
Creamy, cheesy, and comfortingly nostalgic, Marilyn's Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes is the ultimate baked pasta dish that combines classic mac and cheese with a flavorful twist. Tender elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, then studded with sweet, tangy diced tomatoes for added depth. A golden, crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a hint of olive oil adds irresistible crunch to every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this oven-baked delight is ready in just 45 minutes and serves 6 generously. Satisfying and family-friendly, this mac and cheese with tomatoes delivers a unique take on a timeless classic, blending creamy indulgence with zesty freshness.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 14.5 oz Canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
Step 4
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 6
Gently fold the cooked macaroni and drained diced tomatoes into the cheese sauce until evenly combined.
Step 7
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Step 8
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Step 9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
Step 10
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Marilyn's Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1965.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3990.0 |
| Total Fat 207.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 115.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g | |
| Cholesterol 571.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6065.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 365.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 62.5g | |
| Protein 175.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 394.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3626.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2320.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories