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    BeeyondCereal » Recipes » Casserole Recipes

    Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole

    Modified: Oct 18, 2023 Published: Mar 28, 2021 by Nicole Durham This post may contain affiliate links. 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.69 from 19 votes

    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

    fresh parsley with a dish of mac and cheese tuna casserole.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • 🍯 Why This Recipe Works
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions for Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole
    • 🍴 Recipe Tips
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • ❤️ More Delicious Casserole Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍯 Why This Recipe Works

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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

    ingredients needed to make mac and cheese tuna casserole.

    Ingredient Notes:

    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 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.

    Before draining, add peas. Drain and rinse. Return pot, melt butter, cook onions, add tuna, stir.

    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).

    Add milk, soup, cheese packets. Stir well. Return noodles, peas. Mix.

    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

    Pour noodles into greased dish. Sprinkle with crushed crackers. Bake.

    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!

    White dish with mac and cheese tuna casserole, topped with fresh parsley.

    🍴 Recipe Tips

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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

    What's in tuna noodle casserole?

    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.

    What goes well with tuna noodle casserole?

    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.

    How to reheat tuna noodle casserole

    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.

    Serving of mac and cheese tuna casserole on plate, more in baking dish background.

    ❤️ More Delicious Casserole Recipes

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      Tater Tot Corn Casserole
    • Instant Pot Tater Tot Casserole on a plate.
      Instant Pot Tater Tot Casserole
    • Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole.
      Overnight Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
    • a serving of creamy tilapia with spinach and cherry tomatoes on a plate with pasta noodles.
      Tilapia with Spinach and Tomatoes

    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 in a casserole dish with parsley on top.
    Print Recipe
    4.69 from 19 votes

    Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole

    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.
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 408kcal
    Cost Recipe $6.94 / Serving $0.87
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Large Pot
    • Measuring Cups
    • Whisk
    • Large spoon
    • 2 quart Casserole dish

    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)
    US Customary - Metric

    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.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 2scoops | Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 37.8g | Protein: 19.9g | Fat: 19.8g | Saturated Fat: 9.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 821mg | Potassium: 275.8mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4.6g | Vitamin A: 156.5IU | Vitamin C: 5.2mg | Calcium: 155.1mg | Iron: 2.4mg
    Author Nicole Durham
    Course dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Tried this recipe?Mention @BeeyondCereal on Instagram and hashtag it #BeeyondCereal
    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used. To view how this recipe was calculated you can visit my Pricing Disclosure Page for more information.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Paula says

      January 24, 2025 at 9:28 pm

      Smells so good!
      I cut in half, added shredded cheese and buttered my ritz crackers.
      Thank you for the recipe

      Reply
    2. Lori says

      February 15, 2024 at 7:02 pm

      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

      Reply
    4.69 from 19 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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    The proud owner and recipe developer behind BeeyondCereal. Here, I'm passionate about showing people how to navigate the kitchen with frugality in mind, whipping up family-friendly recipes that not only save money but also bring joy to every meal.

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