Deluxe Cheesy Tuna Mac
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Deluxe Cheesy Tuna Mac, a rich and savory twist on classic mac and cheese. This recipe combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a creamy, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and parmesan, infused with a hint of garlic and paprika for extra flavor. Tender, flaky chunks of canned tuna take it to the next level, offering a hearty and satisfying bite. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch, this dish is broiled to perfection in just minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, with a quick prep and cook time of 40 minutes, this cheesy tuna casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm and watch as it disappears from the table! Perfect for keywords like "cheesy tuna casserole," "easy comfort food," and "baked mac and cheese recipe."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 5 oz cans canned tuna, drained
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (this is the roux).
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk and cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Fold the drained tuna into the cheese sauce, breaking up the tuna chunks slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheesy tuna sauce. Mix until all noodles are evenly coated.
Preheat your broiler to high. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni mixture.
Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3896 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 170.8 g | 219% | |
| Saturated Fat | 95.0 g | 475% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 585 mg | 195% | |
| Sodium | 6997 mg | 304% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 351.9 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.5 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.7 g | ||
| Protein | 235.5 g | 471% | |
| Vitamin D | 25.7 mcg | 129% | |
| Calcium | 3151 mg | 242% | |
| Iron | 22.4 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 1744 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
