If you’ve never tried Tuna Macaroni Casserole before, you’re in for a treat. Imagine tender macaroni enveloped in a creamy, cheese-laden sauce, combined with the mild, savory taste of tuna. The casserole is topped with a crunchy layer of cracker crumbs, which adds a delightful contrast to the dish's soft interior. This casserole is a texture lover's dream, combining creamy, chewy, and crunchy in each bite.
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Tuna Macaroni Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Tuna Macaroni Casserole
Ingredients
- 180 g 14 oz macaroni
- 6 tablespoon butter
- ⅓ cup white onion chopped
- ⅓ cup red bell pepper chopped
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups milk
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- 2 cans 28 oz tuna in juice, drained
- 3 tablespoon capers chopped
- 1 cup cheese shredded
- ⅔ cup crackers crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
- Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted water half the time that is listed in the instructions.180 g 14 oz macaroni
- Melt 4 tablespoon of butter in a large pan. Saute onions and bell peppers in it for 10 minutes. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.6 tablespoon butter, ⅓ cup white onion, ⅓ cup red bell pepper, 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Pour milk into the pan and cook the sauce for 7 minutes or until it thickens. Whisk sauce with cream cheese, mix in capers and tuna. Combine the sauce with the macaroni. Transfer into the baking dish.2 ½ cups milk, ¼ cup cream cheese, 3 tablespoon capers, 2 cans
- In a small bowl mix salted cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoon of melted butter.⅔ cup crackers, 6 tablespoon butter
- Top the casserole with shredded cheese and finish with breadcrumbs.1 cup cheese
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 180 g (14 oz) macaroni
- 6 tablespoon butter
- ⅓ cup white onion, chopped
- ⅓ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups milk
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- 2 cans (28 oz) tuna in juice, drained
- 3 tablespoon capers, chopped
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- ⅔ cup crackers, crumbled
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted water half the time that is listed in the instructions.
Melt 4 tablespoon of butter in a large pan. Saute onions and bell peppers in it for 10 minutes. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
Pour milk into the pan and cook the sauce for 7 minutes or until it thickens. Whisk sauce with cream cheese, mix in capers and tuna. Combine the sauce with the macaroni. Transfer into the baking dish.
In a small bowl mix salted cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoon of melted butter.
Top the casserole with shredded cheese and finish with breadcrumbs.
Bake for 20 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Tuna Macaroni Casserole is a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of sides, enhancing your dining experience.
Salads
A fresh, crisp salad is always a great option; consider a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette that adds brightness to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables
For a heartier touch, roasted vegetables like seasoned carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers can provide a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole.
Bread
If you're in the mood for something comforting, serve it alongside garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the rich sauce.
Grains
Additionally, fluffy rice or quinoa can serve as a great base to complement the casserole's flavours.
Each of these sides brings its own unique twist, making your Tuna Macaroni Casserole dinner a well-rounded and satisfying affair.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Choose High-Quality Tuna
Opt for high-quality canned tuna in juice rather than oil to keep the dish light and healthy. The mild flavor of the tuna will shine through better in the casserole.
Don’t Overcook the Macaroni
Remember to cook the macaroni only halfway in boiling water. This step is crucial to prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked and mushy during baking.
Customize the Toppings
Feel free to experiment with different toppings. You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of umami goodness.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Macaroni?
Absolutely! Just ensure you cook the gluten-free pasta according to its specific instructions, as cooking times may vary.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep the casserole creamy.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed but add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I Freeze Tuna Macaroni Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Tuna Macaroni Casserole. To do so, prepare the dish up to the point before baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
What Variations Can I Try?
There are numerous variations you can explore to personalise the casserole. Consider adding vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition, or try different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique flavour. You can also substitute the tuna with cooked chicken or other seafood for a different twist.
How Spicy Is This Recipe?
This recipe is mild in flavour, as it primarily features the creamy sauce and tuna. However, if you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an added kick.
Is It Suitable for Kids?
Definitely! The Tuna Macaroni Casserole is often a hit with kids due to its comforting, cheesy nature and familiar flavours. It's a great way to introduce them to different proteins, and you can sneak in some vegetables without them noticing.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you loved this Tuna Macaroni Casserole, you'll be thrilled to explore our other comfort food casseroles. From Chicken Cordon Bleu to Cheesy Gnocchi, these dishes are perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week. Each recipe is designed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Martha Johnson
Can't wait to try...❤🙏👍👏👏👏