Elbows & Tomatoes – Classic One-Pot Budget Meal for Under $10

Elbows & Tomatoes

A budget-friendly classic that hits the spot every time

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 (28oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes (hand-crushed)
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil your elbows until just shy of al dente. Drain and return them to the same pot.
2. Add in the stick of butter and let it melt completely into the hot pasta.
3. Hand-crush the tomatoes directly over the pot, then pour in the rest of the juice from the cans.
4. Give everything a solid mix and season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Let it simmer on low for a couple minutes to let all those flavors marry. Done!

Notes & Serving Tips

This meal was a staple in my house growing up—simple, filling, and comforting. We still whip it up on busy nights or when the pantry’s running low. My kids top theirs with a little Frank’s Red Hot, while I like mine with a sprinkle of Locatelli and some crusty Italian bread and butter. Feeds the whole crew for under 10 bucks, and somehow it tastes even better the next day.