Easy Tuna Mac
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, Easy Tuna Mac is the ultimate weeknight comfort food that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying. In just 35 minutes, this one-dish wonder combines tender elbow macaroni, a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, and hearty chunks of canned tuna for a meal your whole family will love. A golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, lightly kissed with olive oil, adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Perfect for busy evenings or budget-friendly dinners, this versatile recipe uses pantry staples like canned tuna and dried pasta, while a quick roux elevates the dish to creamy perfection. Serve it hot and bubbly straight from the oven for a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 5-ounce cans canned tuna
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 cups bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, drain the canned tuna and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and drained tuna. Stir until evenly coated.
Preheat your broiler to high. Transfer the tuna mac mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the tuna mac.
Place the baking dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Easy Tuna Mac!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2556 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 101.0 g | 129% | |
| Saturated Fat | 47.6 g | 238% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 328 mg | 110% | |
| Sodium | 4059 mg | 176% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 237.8 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.2 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.5 g | ||
| Protein | 154.7 g | 309% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.5 mcg | 42% | |
| Calcium | 1159 mg | 89% | |
| Iron | 15.3 mg | 85% | |
| Potassium | 1811 mg | 39% | |
*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.
