Tuna Mac and Cheese

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Bake: 25 min.
Yield 8 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
On the flavor spectrum, this tuna mac and cheese has more in common with a gooey tuna melt than a tuna noodle casserole. Even the most steadfast tuna casserole objectors will have difficulty finding fault with this cheesy, protein-rich dish!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) light tuna in water, drained and flaked

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain; set aside.
  2. In a large sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, salt and pepper; bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes, whisking occasionally. Add shredded cheeses; stir until cheese has melted. Add cooked macaroni and tuna.
  3. Transfer mixture to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, covered, until cheese is bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Remove foil, bake until top is browned, 5-7 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 495 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.

We all know (and love!) tuna pasta salad or tuna noodle casserole. But tuna mac and cheese? Yes, please! The mild tuna and buttery, toasty mac and cheese come together to create a decadent flavor combination of simple pantry ingredients. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Recipe Creator

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