Homemade Tuna Helper
Savor the comforting flavors of 'Homemade Tuna Helper,' a quick and delicious alternative to the classic boxed meal, made entirely from scratch! Featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy cheddar sauce infused with sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of spice, this recipe is brimming with wholesome goodness. The addition of canned tuna and vibrant frozen peas turns this dish into a protein-packed, one-pan dinner that’s both satisfying and kid-friendly. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights, this easy tuna casserole-style meal is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly dinner or a nostalgic homemade twist on an old favorite, 'Homemade Tuna Helper' has you covered!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup Chopped onion
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 12 ounces Canned tuna, drained
- 1 cup Frozen peas
- 1 cup Grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the all-purpose flour to coat the onions, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Add the drained tuna and frozen peas to the sauce, stirring gently to combine and heat through, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
Add the drained macaroni to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Tuna Helper!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2408 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.2 g | 99% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.7 g | 218% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 359 mg | 120% | |
| Sodium | 3556 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 244.8 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.2 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.4 g | ||
| Protein | 175.0 g | 350% | |
| Vitamin D | 28.9 mcg | 144% | |
| Calcium | 1514 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 2230 mg | 47% | |
*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.
