Tomato Macaroni Bake

Only because I make this all the time. As for the lack of creaminess many have complained about, while the macaroni is draining, simply had a half cup of whole milk to the pot, with a pat of butter, the grated cheese and allow to come to come to a simmer (no boil), then add the canned stewed tomatoes (you choose your personal favorite flavor) heat on medium then add the macaroni and let heat until heated through. No baking here. No cracker crumbs, no nothing else. It's a side dish at best. Once you start adding other ingredients, like onions, celery, etc., and baking it with cracker crumbs and additional grated cheese, it becomes a long drawn out process. This is designed as a one dish, "hey mom, I can make this in my dorm room" kind of dish. It can be made on a camping trip. STOP mucking it up with additions, another pot or pan, the requirement for an oven, etc. Gosh, way to "not keep it simple" many of you.  -  28 Apr 2009  (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)

This is a delicious recipe. Easy and fast, too. ***** +  -  07 Apr 2002  (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)

I was also raised on this type of mac & cheese. My mother used extra sharp cheddar and "chunked" it instead of shredding. She also added Italian Seasonings and garlic with Italian stewed tomatoes. My children now LOVE this and have become quite adept at making it themselves. We "fight" over the crispy top it makes.  -  05 Sep 2001  (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)