tuna casserole elbow macaroni recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best tuna casserole elbow macaroni recipe

I’ve been making this tuna casserole elbow macaroni recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never fails to satisfy. The combination of tender pasta, savory tuna, and creamy sauce is just right.

I love how easy it is to make, too – just cook the pasta, mix in some canned tuna, and top it all with a homemade cheese sauce. My kids devour it in seconds, and I’m happy to oblige them. This recipe has been passed down from my mom, who got it from her mom before her.

It’s a true family favorite that never gets old. One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is how versatile it is. We can have it for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion like holidays or family gatherings.

It’s also great for potlucks or when we’re in a pinch and need something quick. The best part is that everyone loves it – even my picky eaters! The key to making this dish work is using high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese sauce.

Don’t skimp on the good stuff; it makes all the difference. Now that I’ve shared my love for this recipe with you, I’m sure you’ll be hooked too! If you’re looking for a reliable meal that will please even the most discerning palates, look no further than this tuna casserole elbow macaroni recipe.

Tuna Casserole with Elbow Macaroni

4.8 from 1671 votes

A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory tuna, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Macaroni

8 oz elbow macaroni

Tuna Mixture

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Topping

1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain the macaroni using a colander and set aside.
5In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard.
6Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
7Add the cooked macaroni to the tuna mixture and stir until the macaroni is evenly coated.
8Transfer the tuna and macaroni mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
9Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
10In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and olive oil until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened.
11Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
12Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
13If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
9×9-inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier casserole, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the tuna mixture. You can also add frozen peas or corn to the casserole for extra vegetables.

This tuna casserole elbow macaroni recipe is a great dish to have in your meal rotation. It is easy to make, and it is a great way to use up leftover tuna and vegetables. It is also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. It is also freezer-friendly, so you can make a large batch and freeze individual portions for later.

When you are ready to eat, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat. You can also serve this dish as a side dish. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

It is also a great dish to bring to a potluck or family gathering. It is always a hit with both kids and adults.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Casserole with Elbow Macaroni

Q: What kind of pasta should I use?

This recipe works best with elbow macaroni – its short shape and rough texture help the cheese sauce cling to every bite.

Q: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

While fresh tuna can be delicious, it’s not necessary for this recipe. Canned tuna is actually preferred because it’s more convenient and retains its flavor well.

Q: How long does the cheese sauce take to prepare?

It only takes about 10 minutes to mix together the cheese sauce ingredients – just melt some butter and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until smooth.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with other ingredients?

Sure thing! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or carrots or even some diced ham if you like.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Nope – since it contains tuna, this one isn’t vegetarian-friendly.

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