Tuna Macaroni

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Creamy tuna macaroni with cheesy shells, peas, and onion, baked to perfection—an easy, kid-friendly comfort dish packed with flavor and satisfying textures.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box Velveeta shells and cheese
  • 1 large can tuna in water
  • 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
  • 1 small onion
  • 1/2 can sweet peas

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Velveeta shells and cheese according to the package instructions.
  2. Drain the tuna and add it to the prepared macaroni and cheese, stirring to combine.
  3. Finely chop the small onion and stir it into the mixture along with the peas.
  4. Pour the mixture into an 8 x 8-inch casserole dish.
  5. Place cheese slices on top of the casserole.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream. You can substitute the tuna with canned chicken for a different flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, adding some diced jalapeños can elevate the dish. This recipe is similar to Easy Seafood Crepes in its comforting nature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tuna Macaroni hot from the oven for a hearty meal. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Tuna Cheese Coneys for a casual gathering. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley can enhance the presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna Macaroni contains roughly 161 calories, with 9g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 572mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

161 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 7.3g 9% DV
Carbs 15.8g 6% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 5.3g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 571.5mg 25% DV
Potassium 130.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 16.7mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 99.4mg 8% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Fish

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?

Yes, you can use shredded cheddar or mozzarella instead of the cheese slices for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta in place of the Velveeta shells. Just ensure the other ingredients, like Miracle Whip and canned tuna, are gluten-free as well.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even spinach to boost the nutritional content. Just make sure to sauté them slightly before adding to the mixture for the best texture.

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).

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