Macaroni Cheese With Tomato Sauce
Macaroni Cheese with Tomato Sauce is a comforting, hearty dish combining creamy, cheesy pasta with tangy tomato sauce. The richness of the cheese complements the acidity of the sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer (for draining pasta)
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup tomato sauce preferably homemade or a good-quality store-bought one
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
Boil the Macaroni:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux (it should be a light golden color). Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the tomato sauce and granulated sugar, cooking the mixture for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Add the Cheese:
- Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese and tomato sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
Serve:
- Once everything is well combined, serve the macaroni and cheese hot. Enjoy your creamy and tangy macaroni with tomato sauce!