Company Tuna Bake
A creamy tuna casserole with macaroni, mushroom soup, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a savory, cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 small can white tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped pimento (optional) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons melted margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until tender, then drain.
- Blend the cream cheese and cream of mushroom soup until smooth.
- Stir in the drained and flaked tuna, chopped pimento (if using), chopped onion, prepared mustard, milk, and the cooked macaroni.
- Transfer the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Mix half of the dry bread crumbs with the melted margarine, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in a moderate 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of sour cream along with the cream cheese. If you're short on time, you can substitute the elbow macaroni with rotini or penne. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor. For a twist, try mixing in some frozen peas or corn. This dish is versatile and can easily be adapted to fit various seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting tuna bake with a simple side salad, such as Mary Lou's Easy Caesar Salad, for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or steamed vegetables. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside baked potatoes or a fresh fruit salad to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tuna bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Tuna Bake contains roughly 506 calories, with 17g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value) and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 693mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can easily substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it remains al dente.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Yes! You can lighten the recipe by using low-fat cream cheese and substituting whole wheat pasta for the elbow macaroni. Additionally, adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can boost the nutritional value while keeping the dish flavorful.
Can I freeze the tuna bake?
Yes, you can freeze the tuna bake before baking it. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).