Tuna-Macaroni-Cheese Bake
Creamy tuna-macaroni bake with cheddar cheese and a golden topping, perfect for cozy family dinners or comforting gatherings, blending savory flavors and rich textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook macaroni as directed on package; drain and rinse.
- Stir celery into macaroni.
- Place half of the macaroni mixture into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch dish.
- Flake tuna into a large bowl.
- Combine salt, white pepper, and shredded Cheddar cheese with tuna.
- Sprinkle half of the tuna mixture over the macaroni layer.
- Repeat layers: first macaroni, then tuna mixture.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in flour along with remaining salt and white pepper.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in sour cream and chicken broth.
- Return to heat, stirring constantly, until sauce boils.
- Pour sauce over the layered mixture and dot with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes or until the sauce turns golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or additional sour cream to the sauce. You can substitute the elbow macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. If you want to boost the flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or mustard to the cheese mixture. This dish is also excellent with the addition of vegetables like peas or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuna-Macaroni-Cheese Bake with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Lickin' Good Pork Chops for a heartier dinner option. For an extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking or serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, heating in short increments until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna-Macaroni-Cheese Bake contains roughly 891 calories, with 18g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1667mg per serving (72% 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 cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend for added flavor. Just be sure to use cheese that melts well to achieve that creamy texture.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare ahead, assemble the layers in the baking dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the tuna and adding in cooked chickpeas or lentils for protein. You can also enhance the dish with sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
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).