Tuna And Macaroni
Creamy tuna and broccoli mac & cheese, baked to golden perfection. Rich, buttery sauce with a hint of lemon balances the mild tuna, making a comforting family favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- In a covered 12-inch skillet, bring 1-inch of water to a boil and cook broccoli spears for 10 minutes or until tender; drain.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; stir until blended.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens slightly.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- In a 12x8-inch baking pan, combine cooked macaroni, drained tuna, and the sauce; stir to coat.
- Arrange cooked broccoli on top of the mixture.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the sauce before mixing in the macaroni and tuna. If you want to amp up the flavors, try substituting the broccoli with spinach or peas. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative. This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking for a quick meal option later.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna and Macaroni casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra boost of flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. If you're in the mood for more seafood recipes, check out Tuna Ala King for another delicious option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture and avoid drying out the casserole.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna And Macaroni contains roughly 995 calories, with 17g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2592mg per serving (113% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or shells, depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also great alternatives that maintain the dish's integrity.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter and use low-fat milk instead of whole milk. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to increase the nutritional value. Additionally, consider using canned tuna packed in water for fewer calories.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold.
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).