Plenty of flavor is packed into this hearty macaroni casserole! Tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots and crispy bits of bacon are tossed with pasta and Cheddar cheese, then baked with more cheese, dried basil and sliced tomatoes on top.
INGREDIENTS (for 4 servings):
- 2 slices bacon
- 4 cups macaroni
- 1 pinch dried basil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
In large pot, cook macaroni pasta in boiling salted water with a pinch of basil and one teaspoon of olive oil until al dente. Rinse with cool water. Drain.
Meanwhile, use a blender to mash the whole peeled tomatoes. In a large bowl combine mashed tomatoes, 1 cup of the grated Cheddar cheese, chopped bacon and bell green pepper, bacon, and chopped carrots. Mix well. Add the cooked macaroni and toss well to coat evenly.
Place in 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese and 2 teaspoons basil on top. Layer the sliced tomatoes over all.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.