Introduction
Easy One-Pan Tomato Macaroni Bake is a comforting and simple dish perfect for busy weeknights. Made with pantry staples like macaroni, canned tomatoes, and cheese, this recipe creates a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort and very little cleanup. Everything cooks together in one dish, making it both practical and delicious.
Ingredients
500 g elbow macaroni (dry).
1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes with their juice.
2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth.
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
Salt and black pepper to taste.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Spread the dry elbow macaroni evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish.
Pour the diced tomatoes and their juice over the pasta, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the tomato layer.
Pour the broth over the entire dish until the liquid just covers the pasta.
How to Make
Gently stir the ingredients in the baking dish so the seasoning spreads throughout the pasta mixture.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap steam, which cooks the pasta while baking.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the macaroni becomes tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variations
Meat Lover’s Version: Add cooked ground beef or sliced sausages before baking for a heartier meal.
Spicy Version: Add red chili flakes or use diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra heat.
Vegetable Version: Mix in fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
Tips
If the pasta looks too dry during baking, add a small splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
You can substitute elbow macaroni with penne, fusilli, or rotini if desired.
For a crispy golden cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
Calories: about 350 kcal.
Fiber: 4 g.
Protein: 14 g.
Carbohydrates: 58 g.
Healthy Benefits
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health.
Cooking meals at home allows better control of salt and preservatives compared to many packaged foods.
The dish provides complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy throughout the day.
Conclusion
Easy One-Pan Tomato Macaroni Bake shows how simple ingredients can turn into a comforting and satisfying meal. With minimal preparation and just one baking dish, it’s a perfect recipe for families, busy evenings, or anyone who wants a quick homemade dinner.