Let me introduce you to the ultimate Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole, a mouthwatering mix of creamy, cheesy pasta and savory tuna that's not only incredibly tasty but also surprisingly easy to make. This mac and cheese casserole is perfect for those days when I crave a comforting homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
I'll share my secrets for creating a quick baked mac and cheese that has a homemade touch and is guaranteed to impress your taste buds.
Ingredients Needed for This Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole
- 14 ounces macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cans (8 ounces) water-packed tuna, drained
- Bread crumbs (optional)
How to Make Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole
First things first, set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) so it's nice and hot when we're ready to bake. Now, get the pasta cooking. Just follow the package instructions for the macaroni, and when it's cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside.
Next, let's work on that luscious cheese sauce. Grab a large pot and melt some butter over medium-low heat. Once it's melted, add in the flour and stir it for a minute or two until it's combined and smooth. We're creating a roux here, which will help thicken the sauce.
Now comes the fun part—adding the milk. Pour it in slowly, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep simmering the sauce until it thickens. Then, it will be time to amp up the flavor by adding grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Let's not forget about the tuna! Add the drained tuna and the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix it all up. This combo is extremely heavenly with its creamy sauce and flaked tuna.
Now, grab a greased baking dish, around 7.5 x 12 inches, and transfer the tuna mac and cheese mixture into it. If you want to add a little crunch, sprinkle some bread crumbs on top. While it's optional, I highly recommend it.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake it for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy, take it out of the oven.
Serve the baked tuna mac and cheese hot. It's perfect for a cozy night in or sharing with friends at a potluck. Enjoy!
Expert Tips to Help You Make the Most of This Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole Recipe
- Customize your cheese: You can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. For example, try using sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a combination of cheeses to create your desired flavor profile.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of your casserole by adding vegetables such as peas, broccoli, or spinach. You can either mix them in with the tuna and macaroni or layer them in the casserole
- Spice it up: Add a little kick to your casserole by incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
- Add a crispy topping: In addition to bread crumbs, you can also use crushed crackers, French fried onions, or even crushed potato chips to create a crunchy topping for your casserole.
- Cook pasta properly: Be sure to cook the macaroni just until it's al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked in the casserole. Overcooked pasta may become mushy.
- Drain the tuna well: Ensure that you drain the tuna thoroughly before adding it to the casserole to prevent excess liquid from making the dish too watery.
- Pre-cook vegetables: If you decide to add vegetables to the casserole, consider blanching or steaming them before adding them to the dish. This will help them cook evenly and prevent undercooked vegetables in the final casserole.
- Allow the casserole to rest: Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the elbow macaroni to create a gluten-free version of this dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake the mac and cheese, remove the cover and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
📋 Recipe
Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole (Easy Recipe)
Ingredients
- 14 ounces macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- 2 cans - 8 ounces water-packed tuna, drained
- Bread crumbs - optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large pot set over medium-low heat. Add the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the drained tuna and cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish that is approximately 7.5 x 12 inches. Sprinkle the macaroni mixture with the bread crumbs (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Enjoy this delicious baked macaroni and cheese with tuna served hot.
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