Tuna-Macaroni Pie
Creamy tuna-macaroni pie combines tender pasta, savory cheese, and fresh tomato slices for a comforting, family-friendly dish full of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 (12 1/2 oz.) can tuna, drained ⓘ
- 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs (1 slice) ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 medium tomato, sliced ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large amount of boiling salted water until tender.
- Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter; stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add milk all at once and cook and stir until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in the chopped celery, chopped onion, and shredded Cheddar cheese; stir until the cheese is melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni.
- Break the drained tuna into chunks and add to the macaroni-cheese mixture.
- Mix in the soft bread crumbs and beaten eggs.
- Turn the mixture into a greased 12 x 7 1/2 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle tomato slices with salt.
- Arrange the tomato slices and cheese triangles on top of the macaroni mixture in the baking dish.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese triangles melt and the tomato slices are heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. If you're out of Cheddar cheese, try using Gruyère or Monterey Jack as a substitute. For a bit of crunch, mix in some crushed crackers or use panko breadcrumbs instead of soft bread crumbs. This dish is a comforting take on classic seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuna-Macaroni Pie with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish. For a light appetizer, consider starting with a small portion of Crab Cheese Dip to whet the appetite before enjoying the pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, but the oven method will help maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna-Macaroni Pie contains roughly 594 calories, with 25g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1192mg per serving (52% 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?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape like shells or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's package instructions to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can lighten this dish by using whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese. Additionally, you could replace part of the butter with olive oil and incorporate more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the mixture for added nutrition.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding 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).