Mac Cheese Tuna Dish

Transform your comfort food game with this irresistible Mac Cheese Tuna Dish—a baked casserole that combines the creamy richness of classic mac and cheese with the savory flair of tender, flaky tuna. This easy-to-make recipe features al dente elbow macaroni tossed in a velvety cheddar-Parmesan cheese sauce, perfectly seasoned and studded with protein-packed tuna. Topped with buttery golden breadcrumbs, this hearty dish is baked to bubbly perfection, making it a family-friendly dinner favorite. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-dish wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an elegant touch! Keywords: mac and cheese with tuna, baked tuna casserole, easy comfort food, family dinner recipe, cheesy pasta bake.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 ounces canned tuna (packed in water, drained)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.5 cups plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the salt and ground black pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well.

Step 7

Gently fold the drained tuna and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly combined.

Step 8

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1447.6 grams (1447.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3435

Total Fat 167.10g	214%
Saturated Fat 95.00g	475%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.70g
Cholesterol 559mg	186%
Sodium 5455mg	237%
Total Carbohydrate 266.60g	97%
Dietary Fiber 11.60g	41%
Total Sugars 36.20g
Protein 221.20g	442%

Vitamin D 442IU	2208%
Calcium 3261mg	251%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 1717mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.5%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 30.9%