Tomato Macaroni Cheese

It's not your Grandma's mac & cheese. Tomato and bacon bring exciting new flavors to a traditional dish. Courtesy of The Official Coobook of Central New Orlean's Tomato Post.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb elbow macaroni
• 4  medium tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1⁄2 lb bacon
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped onion
• 3  cups  shredded sharp cheddar cheese
•  milk, to cover
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Cook macaroni and drain. Slice tomatoes.
2. Cut up bacon in 1-inch lengths and fry with onions. Season with salt, red pepper and black pepper.
3. Layer ingredients in a greased 3 or 4 quart casserole, starting with the macaroni, then sliced tomatoes, sprinkle with drained bacon and onion, then cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top. Pour milk over layers to cover.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour until browned.