This mac and cheese tuna casserole is a simple one pot meal that the whole family (and your budget) will enjoy. With frugal and tasty coming together for this cheesy and easy tuna noodle recipe.
Recipe: $6.94 | Per Serving: $0.87 | Servings: 8
This tuna macaroni casserole mixture is often referred to as "poor man's tuna noodle casserole" because it's a cheaper way of getting similar results to the real deal cheesy tuna noodle casseroles you'd expect.
We took the classic Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole and made it faster, easier, and just as cheesy good.
This is a classic comfort food dish that combines two beloved favorites into one delicious and satisfying, and Easy Comfort Food Casserole.
This casserole is a hearty and creamy creation that brings together the rich, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the savory, flaky tuna and bursting fresh peas. The result is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that leaves your taste buds craving more.
For more macaroni recipes, make sure to check out our Homemade Hamburger Helper, Taco Mac and Cheese (with Rotel), and Mac and Cheese Quesadilla.
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🍯 Why This Recipe Works
- It's affordable. We call it "poor man's tuna casserole," and I mean, boxed macaroni is cheap. I think this entire pot costs me less than $7 to make, so I can see how the name might stick. But actually, the name came from my childhood when we ate boxed mac and cheese and Crispy Fried Tuna Patties. My mom called that "poor man's dinner" and it's a nostalgic meal we've eaten ever since.
- It's easy to make. If you're looking for a simple one pot meal, this macaroni and cheese with tuna and peas recipe really hits the spot. I love it as a Lazy Sunday Dinner Idea.
- The whole family can love it. My son may pick out the peas on his plate, but this is a recipe that everyone enjoys to eat. Cheesy, savory, meaty and delicious.
🥘 Ingredients
Boxed Macaroni and Cheese- You can use any brand to make this recipe, but I find that Walmart's Great Value Thick and Creamy Mac and Cheese is our favorite.
Frozen Peas- You will want to add in some frozen peas to the plate for added color. If desired, you can use canned sweet peas, but drain them and add them in at the very end.
Canned Tuna- Adding in canned tuna is what gives us that great taste and adds an affordable protein to the dish. If you still have cans of tuna, try our Spicy Tuna Sandwich, Tuna Cabbage Salad, and Air Fryer Tuna Melt.
Ritz Crackers- This is an optional topping, but I highly recommend it. The buttery crispness just adds so much to the recipe as far as flavor depth and textures go. (We also love this on top of our Chicken Divan Casserole).
For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.
🔪 Instructions for Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole
Step 1: Cook your macaroni noodles according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: Just before draining the water, stir in the frozen peas. Then dump the contents into a colander and rinse under cold water (Image 1).
Step 3: Return the empty pot to the stove over medium heat. Add butter and onions to the pot. Cook the butter until melted and the onions are soft (Image 2).
Step 4: Add in the drained tuna (Image 3).
Step 5: Stir to break up the chunks (Image 4).
Step 6: Add in the milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese packets (Image 5).
Step 7: Stir until well mixed (Image 6).
Step 8: Add the drained noodles and peas back into the pot (Image 7).
Step 9: Stir until well mixed (Image 8).
Optional Steps
Step 10: Pour the cheesy noodles into a greased 1 ½ quart or quart casserole dish (Image 9).
Step 11: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the top (Image 10).
Step 12: Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!
🍴 Recipe Tips
- Soup Optional- This mac and cheese with tuna recipe can be enjoyed with or without canned mushroom soup, offering flexibility to suit individual preferences. Trying both variations is the best way to determine personal preference.
- Adjusting Ingredients- If preferred, substitute frozen peas with canned peas by draining and rinsing them before use. Add them to the dish just before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Crumb Topping Option- For an extra touch of flavor and crunch, try topping your stovetop tuna casserole with crushed Ritz cracker crumbs. Experimenting with toppings can elevate the dish and cater to different tastes.
- Macaroni Variations- Experiment with different brands and types of macaroni and cheese, including Kraft, store brands, "creamy" versions, and various shapes. Each variation offers unique flavors and textures, allowing you to customize the dish according to your preferences.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Traditionally, tuna noodle is a dish with noodles, cheese, cream of soups, tuna, and a veggie (usually peas). The toppings (if any) can vary from crushed potato chips to breadcrumbs. This dish is very simple with boxed macaroni and cheese, tuna, cream of mushroom, peas, and onion.
I usually serve the dish alone as-is but sometimes I enjoy serving it up with more veggies like a simple green garden salad or steamed broccoli. Sticking with this that tastes great with cheddar cheese is a pretty safe bet for getting a good tasting meal on your plate.
To heat this dish you can simply place a serving on a plate in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or you can reheat it on the stovetop. To avoid it drying out consider adding a tablespoon of butter or a dash of milk to keep the mix hydrated.
❤️ More Delicious Casserole Recipes
If you tried this Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 boxes macaroni and cheese, like Kraft ($1.16)
- ½ cup butter ($0.99)
- 1 small onion (1 cup), finely diced ($0.90)
- 2 cans (5oz) tuna in water, drained ($1.92)
- ½ cup milk ($0.10)
- 1 can (10.5oz) cream of mushroom soup ($0.54)
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas ($0.84)
- ½ sleeve Ritz crackers *optional ($0.49)
Instructions
- Cook your macaroni noodles according to package directions until al dente.
- Just before draining the water, stir in the frozen peas. Then dump the contents into a colander and rinse under cold water.
- Return the empty pot to the stove over medium heat.
- Add butter and onions to the pot.
- Cook the butter until melted and the onions are soft.
- Add in the tuna and stir to break up the chunks.
- Mix in the milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese packets until well mixed.
- Stir the noodles and peas.
Optional Step
- Pour the cheesy noodles into a greased 1 ½ quart or quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the top.
- Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Experiment with canned mushroom soup or omit it according to personal preference.
- If using canned peas, drain and rinse before adding at the end.
- Top the casserole with crushed Ritz crackers for extra flavor and texture.
- Try different brands/types of macaroni and cheese for varied results.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop with butter/milk to prevent drying out.
Paula says
Smells so good!
I cut in half, added shredded cheese and buttered my ritz crackers.
Thank you for the recipe
Lori says
It’s in the oven as I write this. My friend and I were talking about having this as kids.
Will report back to see how the family likes it