Fisherman'S Macaroni Casserole
A creamy seafood pasta casserole featuring salmon or tuna, sharp cheddar, peas, and a crunchy Cheez-Its topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups medium macaroni shells ⓘ
- salt
- 1 can salmon or 2 cans tuna with juice ⓘ
- milk ⓘ
- 1/2 package onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon spicy mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup early peas or frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup crushed Cheez-Its ⓘ
- parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in boiling salted water for 10 minutes or until tender; drain and set aside.
- Drain fish, reserving the liquid, and add enough milk to make 2 cups of liquid.
- Flake the fish into the cooked macaroni.
- In a bowl, combine fish liquid and milk, onion soup mix, pepper, spicy mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and sour cream; mix well.
- Add the mixture to the macaroni and fish, then fold in shredded cheddar cheese and peas.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed Cheez-Its on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you prefer a different protein, canned chicken can be a great substitute for salmon or tuna. Adding a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor. Adjust the amount of onion soup mix to taste, as some brands may be saltier than others. This dish is versatile and can be customized with your favorite seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner and pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside garlic bread. You can also garnish with additional cheese or a squeeze of lemon for extra zest. For more delicious ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) 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 Fisherman'S Macaroni Casserole contains roughly 270 calories, with 9g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1154mg per serving (50% 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 fresh fish instead of canned?
Yes, you can use cooked, flaked fresh fish instead of canned. Just ensure it's fully cooked and seasoned well. You may also need to adjust the amount of liquid to ensure the casserole remains creamy.
Is there a gluten-free option for the macaroni?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions for the best texture. This makes the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).