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    Home » Dinner » Bacon Tomato Pasta Casserole

    Bacon Tomato Pasta Casserole

    Last updated on September 16, 2020. Originally posted on February 4, 2019 By Elaine 56 Comments

    487 shares
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    Bacon Tomato Pasta for Pinterest

    This is my grandmother Bena’s bacon tomato pasta casserole recipe.  It is an indulgently gooey take on mac and cheese but add some bacon and tomato sauce and you get the best comfort meal ever.

    A bowl of pasta with a salad and the casserole dish in the background

    This recipe has been passed down the generations.  My family members all make it and I’m sure future generations will make it, not even knowing who Bena was!  It is one of those time-tested, soul-satisfying recipes that, once you’ve eaten it, you just have to make!

    Can I make this recipe healthier?

    For myself, I don’t see a way to do it.  But that’s what makes it comfort food.  I feel that most comfort foods are not super healthy, which is partly why they are comforting.

    So, if you are looking for a comforting dish, this is the dish for you.

    Do I have to use Velveeta cheese?

    No!  My family does, but you could substitute with cheddar, muenster or others.  It’s okay to experiment, peeps!

    Do I have to use elbow macaroni?

    Nope.  Your favorite noodle should work just as well.

    I love casseroles!  What about you?  One of my all time favorites is the lobster casserole because I love seafood with a seacoast passion.  Christopher grew up land locked, so he’s more partial to my rice casserole.

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.

    How to make bacon tomato pasta casserole

    Pre-step

    Get a medium sized casserole dish.

    Step one

    Fill a stockpot halfway with water and salt it with 1 tablespoon of salt.  Turn the heat on medium high until it comes to a boil.

    Step two

    Gather the ingredients – large elbow macaroni, uncured bacon, Velveeta cheese, and crushed tomatoes. (B)

    Step three

    Add cane sugar to the tomatoes and stir to combine. (B)

    Pasta, sliced velveta cheese, chopped bacon, canned tomato ready to be used

    Step four

    Heat a sauté pan on medium/low heat and cook the bacon for 10 minutes, flipping it every few minutes.  Remove to a paper towel lined plate and blot the grease. Chop bacon to smallish pieces. (C)  Transfer bacon to the sweetened tomatoes and stir to combine.

    Step five

    Cut the Velveeta cheese in slices. (D)

    Step six

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Step seven

    Add elbows to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.  Transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

    Pasta drained in a colander

    Layer time

    Step seven

    Layer tomato mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish and add a few spoonfuls of elbows.  (E)

    Step eight

    Spoon some tomato/bacon mixture on the elbows.  Be generous. (F)

    Layers of pasta, tomato and cheese in a casserole dish

    Step nine

    Place cheese slices on the sauce. (G)

    Step ten

    Continue layering until you run out of pasta.  (three or four layers).  So, pasta, sauce, cheese.  Repeat.  (H)

    Step eleven

    Pour in some milk (I used almond milk) until you can see it reach halfway up the side of the casserole dish. (I)

    Step twelve

    Cover the casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes.  Once the timer dings, take the cover off and continue to bake it for another 30 minutes.

    A cheesy crust on the pasta in a casserole dish straight out of the oven

    Look at all that cheese.  I love the crispy bits.  My sister does not.

    Now, it’s time to spoon the bacon tomato casserole out and serve it to my adoring fan: Christopher.  🙂

    A big spoonful of pasta held over the casserole dish

    Yum.

    Close up of the bacon tomato pasta in a grey bowl

    So delicious.

    Overhead shot of a bowl and casserole dish of tomato pasta

    I hope you enjoy making this bacon tomato pasta recipe as much as we enjoy EATING it.

    What is your favorite casserole?  Leave me a comment as I’d love to know.

    And as always, may all your dishes be delish!

    If you’ve tried this Bacon Tomato Pasta recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below.  I love hearing from you!  You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

    A grey bowl of bacon tomato pasta on a beige napkin - square

    Bacon Tomato Pasta Casserole

    My grandmother's bacon tomato pasta casserole recipe is an indulgently gooey take on mac and cheese. Add bacon and tomato sauce and you get the best comfort meal ever.
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: bacon casserole, bacon mac and cheese, bacon tomato pasta
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 405kcal
    Author: Elaine Benoit

    Ingredients

    • ⅔ pound elbow macaroni
    • salt (for water)
    • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
    • 1 tablespoon sugar (heaping – my family loves 2 tablespoons – but I only put in 1)
    • 10 slices bacon (sautéed and chopped)
    • 1 pound Velveeta cheese (sliced and tear as you layer it in)
    • 1 cup almond milk (or any milk – this is approximate – after finishing the layering of the other ingredients, you will pour it halfway up the casserole dish)

    Instructions

    • Fill a large sauce pan ¾ with water, add salt and bring it to a boil.
      salt
    • Sauté bacon until crispy (around 10 minutes) remove from pan, blot with paper towel to remove grease and cut in chunks.
      10 slices bacon
    • Open can of tomatoes and add sugar and bacon and stir to combine. You may have to transfer it to a mixing bowl to fit all the bacon. I just keep it in the can.
      28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon sugar
    • Preheat oven to 350 F.
    • The water should have come to a boil. Add elbows and cook for 10 minutes. It's okay for it to be al dente. Drain and run cold water over them to stop from cooking further.
      ⅔ pound elbow macaroni
    • Put a layer of tomato sauce on bottom of medium casserole dish.
    • Add a layer of elbows and ladle some tomato sauce over them. Be generous.
    • Tear the cheese into smaller pieces and place on top of sauce layer.
      1 pound Velveeta cheese
    • Repeat layering, you will have at least 4 layers ending with cheese.
    • Pour milk in until you can see it ½ way up the casserole dish.
      1 cup almond milk
    • Bake covered for 30 minutes
    • Uncover and bake for additional 30 minutes.
    • Serve
    • Smile
    • Enjoy

    Equipment

    casserole dish
    See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!

    Notes

    The milk measurements are approximate.  You want to pour in enough to reach halfway up the casserole dish.
    Helpful tips
    • I love Velveeta cheese in this pasta dish but if you prefer, you can make this with American cheese, sharp cheddar, muenster, or gruyere cheese.
    • Use as much or little cheese as you like. My philosophy for this comfort casserole is more is better.
    • Don’t like elbow macaroni? You can use penne, ziti, or any other noodle in this easy pasta dish.
    • You will be cooking the pasta as you fry the bacon, that way this dish will be on your table that much faster.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 1623mg | Potassium: 849mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 1060IU | Vitamin C: 12.2mg | Calcium: 504mg | Iron: 2.6mg
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    487 shares

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you,  if you click the link and buy. You can read my disclosure here.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kari

      February 08, 2016 at 1:11 pm

      I love finding family favorites like this! Yum!
      Kari
      http://www.sweetteasweetie.com

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 08, 2016 at 1:22 pm

        Thanks Kari!!

        Elaine

        Reply
    2. Catherine

      February 08, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      Mmm that bacon! Looks so good. 🙂

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 08, 2016 at 1:21 pm

        Thanks Catherine!

        Elaine

        Reply
    3. Valentina | The Baking Fairy

      February 08, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      Yum! Pasta, bacon, and cheese… all things I love. And I adore that it’s a family recipe, those are the best! Pinning for later!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 08, 2016 at 1:49 pm

        Valentina,

        Thanks so much! Happy Monday!

        Elaine

        Reply
    4. grace

      February 08, 2016 at 2:02 pm

      this is fantastic. it’s like the epitome of comfort food and even the images make me happy. 🙂

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 08, 2016 at 2:27 pm

        Thanks Grace!!

        It is a comfort food. My family and extended loves this casserole.

        Elaine

        Reply
    5. Natalie @ Obsessive Cooking Disorder

      February 09, 2016 at 1:03 am

      Aw your grandmother has such a cute name! Personally I’m all for 2100 when we have robots cleaning up the dishes 😉 Great recipe idea thanks!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 09, 2016 at 7:49 am

        I’m with you on the cleaning robots! Wish we had those now. 🙂

        Elaine

        Reply
    6. Carol Borchardt

      February 14, 2016 at 9:09 am

      This is something our kids and grandkids would really enjoy!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 14, 2016 at 10:03 am

        Thanks Carol,

        Elaine

        Reply
    7. Kristen

      April 04, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      WOW! Beautiful photos. Who knew that velveta cheese could look so pretty! Recipe looks tasty!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        April 04, 2017 at 4:27 pm

        Thank you Kristen. I know, Velveta a guilty preservative ridden cheese concoction that I love.

        Reply
    8. Christie

      April 04, 2017 at 4:05 pm

      Bacon is the perfect addition to this cheesy pasta.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        April 04, 2017 at 4:13 pm

        For sure Christine!

        Reply
    9. Kelly @ Trial and Eater

      April 04, 2017 at 4:06 pm

      Haha, it’s interesting to think about what cooking would be like in the year 2100! Great comfort food pasta dish!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        April 04, 2017 at 4:13 pm

        Thanks Kelly! It is one of my favorite comfort dishes to eat.

        Reply
    10. Sarah @ Champagne Tastes

      April 04, 2017 at 5:32 pm

      What a quick and easy dinner! Looks awesome!

      Reply
    11. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

      April 04, 2017 at 8:29 pm

      My heart just stopped! Wow! This looks fabulous!

      Reply
    12. Joyce

      March 23, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      I grew up with something similar. I can’t wait to see how this tastes!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 04, 2019 at 12:14 pm

        I hope you enjoyed it Joyce!

        Reply
    13. Tisha

      February 04, 2019 at 11:31 am

      So Cheesy!!! This is the perfect comfort dish!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 04, 2019 at 11:55 am

        Thanks Tisha! Indeed it is!

        Reply
    14. sue | the view from great island

      February 04, 2019 at 11:33 am

      What a winner Elaine…this is the kind of thing I could eat for every meal of the day, starting right now, for breakfast 🙂

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 04, 2019 at 11:54 am

        Thanks so much Sue! And yes, my family could eat it 3 meals a day!

        Reply
    15. Andrea Metlika

      February 04, 2019 at 11:44 am

      Such a hearty and comforting pasta dish. My family will love this.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 04, 2019 at 12:00 pm

        Thanks Andrea! I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like this casserole!

        Reply
    16. Helen of Fuss Free Flavours

      February 04, 2019 at 12:02 pm

      This is a real winter warmer dish, so easy to make and ideal for a mid-week supper. Pasta dishes are so good, and this is a great take on a classic recipe.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 04, 2019 at 12:03 pm

        Thanks so much Helen!

        Reply
    17. Sonia

      February 04, 2019 at 1:26 pm

      This looks and sounds super delicious and flavorful! Perfect dish for a weekend brunch! Going to try this soon 🙂 yum

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 04, 2019 at 3:52 pm

        Thanks Sonia! I hope you enjoy it when you try it. It truly is a family favorite.

        Reply
    18. Gloria

      February 04, 2019 at 2:05 pm

      This is the perfect comfort food. We are pasta lovers in our house. This is perfect any night of the week. I would make a huge batch so that we could have leftovers in the week too. AND…bacon makes everything better!!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 04, 2019 at 3:52 pm

        Indeed it does Gloria! Thank you.

        Reply
    19. Aleta

      February 04, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      True to your name, this dish looks delish! Comfort food at its best, I can’t wait to make this for my family!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 04, 2019 at 3:52 pm

        Thanks Aleta!! 🙂

        Reply
    20. Anna

      February 06, 2019 at 8:28 am

      What a fantastic recipe with family history attached to it! Your step-by-step photos are so helpful! My other half loves anything with bacon and cheese, so this will definitely be making into our menu! And I’m with you on the crispy bits- I LOVE THEM ALL!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 06, 2019 at 11:45 am

        Hehe. Thanks, Anna! We’re kindred spirits! I hope you enjoy it when you make it. It’s creamier and cheesier than it looks!

        Reply
    21. Dominique | Perchance to Cook

      February 07, 2019 at 10:38 am

      Oh my gosh… you had me at these mouth-watering photos but then I saw there was bacon, tomato and cheese inside and now I have to have it!! YUM

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 07, 2019 at 1:12 pm

        Hehe. Thanks Dominque! I appreciate it.

        Reply
    22. Kylie | Midwest Foodie

      February 08, 2019 at 9:43 am

      I love old family recipes that are passed down through the generations! What a delicious meal and a great memory 🙂

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 08, 2019 at 1:54 pm

        Thanks so much Kylie! I appreciate it. I love family recipe!

        Reply
    23. Marisa Franca

      February 09, 2019 at 2:52 pm

      You’re right!! The dishes that are our favorites and past down generation to generation are not always the most nutritious but they are might tasty!! And I have to chuckle — I have the same casserole dish as you! I’ve had it since I got married many years ago. I like the addition of bacon to the tomato mac and cheese. A great main dish that is delicious and satisfying.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 11, 2019 at 9:40 am

        Thanks Marisa! I think we got the casserole dishes shortly after we were married. 🙂

        Reply
    24. Lorie

      February 09, 2019 at 10:07 pm

      I have a list of family and friends who will just drool over this one. So crazy simple and all the right flavors! Yum!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 11, 2019 at 9:38 am

        Thanks Lorie!! I hope they enjoy it!

        Reply
    25. Kathryn

      February 10, 2019 at 9:51 am

      This is great comfort food that would be so perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 11, 2019 at 9:45 am

        Thanks Kathryn. And yes, it’s so easy and perfect for weeknight dinners!

        Reply
    26. Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life

      February 11, 2019 at 2:15 am

      Pasta is such a great, busy weeknight option and I bet bacon really takes it to the next level! We’ll definitely have to give this a try.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 11, 2019 at 9:37 am

        Thanks so much Claire! I appreciate it. I hope you enjoy this recipe once you do try it.

        Reply
    27. Jagruti Dhanecha

      February 11, 2019 at 3:08 am

      This recipe is a keeper! Soul warming, delicious and filling. You are so lucky to have your Grandma’s recipe.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 11, 2019 at 9:05 am

        Thank you Jagruti! Yes, I treasure all of her recipes!

        Reply
    28. Jyothi (Jo)

      February 11, 2019 at 3:12 am

      I looooove flavour packed dishes and this pasta is just that. Pasta is great and with bacon it’s simply has be taste amazing. Love it

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 11, 2019 at 9:05 am

        Thanks so much Jo! I appreciate it!

        Reply
    29. Christopher

      February 15, 2019 at 5:12 pm

      This is truly major comfort food for me. Tasty recipe, too!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        February 17, 2019 at 7:42 pm

        Thanks Christopher! One of our family favorites!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Elaine! I'm so glad you stopped by. Here you will find lots of tasty cocktails, comforting food and inspiration for your next meal. I LOVE chocolate, almost all foods, blogging, photography and spending time with my hubby!

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