Table of Contents
- Why This Tomato Bacon Mac & Cheese Works
- Weeknight Wins with easy recipes
- Flavor Story: Smoky Bacon Meets Tangy Tomato
- Make-Ahead & Reheat Guide
- Customizations for Families & Guests
- Serving Ideas for dinner recipes
- Storage, Freezing & Leftovers
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Creamy, cheesy, and smoky—this Tomato Bacon Mac & Cheese is comfort food that fits right into your best easy recipes.
- Ready fast and perfect for recipes for dinner, it satisfies kids and grown-ups alike.
- Easily adaptable: swap cheeses, add veggies, or spice it up and still keep it in the world of easy recipes.
Why This Tomato Bacon Mac & Cheese Works (Quick And Easy Recipes)
When you need easy recipes that deliver on comfort and flavor, this creamy macaroni with smoky bacon and bright tomato checks every box. It’s one of those easy recipes you’ll keep in rotation because it balances richness with a little tang, feels special without fuss, and comes together on a busy night. On Betty Cooks, I’m always after that sweet spot between cozy and practical, and this dish nails it.
Weeknight Wins with Quick And Easy Recipes
Created by Betty for Betty Cooks, this recipe is built for speed and satisfaction. As part of your go-to dinner recipes, it layers a velvety cheese sauce with a pop of tomato and crisp bacon so every bite feels indulgent yet doable after work. Consider it a reliable player among your easy recipes, the kind you can pull off even when the day runs long.
Flavor Story: Smoky Bacon Meets Tangy Tomato (Sweet Easy Recipes)
The bacon brings a savory, smoky note that pairs beautifully with juicy tomatoes—together they cut through the creaminess so the dish never feels heavy. It’s the kind of comfort that belongs in your recipes for dinner without leaning on complicated steps. If you love a classic mac but want a little personality, this combo delivers.
Make-Ahead & Reheat Guide (Air Fryer Desserts Easy Recipes)
To stay aligned with your air fryer desserts easy recipes mindset (fast and practical even on treat nights), assemble the mac ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Bacon can be cooked in advance and kept crisp separately, then folded in right before serving to keep that signature crunch.
Customizations for Families & Guests (Sweet Easy Recipes)
Want it bolder? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Need a veggie boost? Fold in peas or spinach for color and freshness. Hosting? Swap in a sharper cheddar or a touch of smoked gouda. These small tweaks keep the recipe firmly in the realm of dinner recipes while tailoring it to your table.
Serving Ideas for Dinner Recipes
Round out the plate with a simple green salad or roasted broccoli for balance. For heartier recipes for dinner, add rotisserie chicken on the side or top with buttered breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch. A drizzle of hot sauce is a great finish for heat lovers.
Storage, Freezing & Leftovers (Quick And Easy Recipes)
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the sauce. For freezer-friendly easy recipes, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Notes from Betty at Betty Cooks
Comfort food should feel easy, adaptable, and joyful. This Tomato Bacon Mac & Cheese brings all three—making it a dependable favorite in your lineup of easy recipes. Whether you’re planning cozy dinner recipes or simply craving something creamy after a long day, this dish has your back.
Tomato Bacon Macaroni & Cheese – Easy Recipes for Dinner
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels.
- Drain excess bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add butter and melt over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and half-and-half until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add diced tomatoes, cooked macaroni, and bacon to the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Serve warm.
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