Tuna Mac and Cheese

The combination of pasta and tuna is hardly a new concept. In fact, if you’ve ever traveled to southern Italy or Sicily, you may have noticed that canned tuna is frequently used in pasta dishes. Here in the United States, it’s not uncommon to come across tuna pasta salad or tuna noodle casserole at potlucks or picnics. But tuna mac and cheese? Yes, please! The creamy, cheesy, buttery and toasty flavors come together to create a decadent flavor combination of simple ingredients. This tuna mac and cheese recipe packs all those same savory, delicious flavors into a luscious, gooey casserole. The mild tuna adds a delicate balance to the rich taste of the buttery cheese. When you pull out this comforting, bubbly casserole from the oven, everyone will be lining up with plate in hand.

Tuna Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic shape for mac and cheese, but any tubular pasta that can hold onto the melty cheese will work. However, not all store-bought pasta is created equal, so our Test Kitchen has chosen the top brands delivering on taste and texture.
• Butter: Creamy real butter provides the necessary fat to create the roux, which will be the foundation of the cheese sauce.
• Flour: All-purpose flour mixes with the butter to serve as a thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk creates the rich and creamy cheese sauce. Lower-fat milk can be substituted, but the cheese sauce will taste less luxurious.
• Mild cheddar: Classic cheddar is the traditional choice for macaroni and cheese. Using mild cheddar won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the tuna.
• Monterey Jack: Mild, buttery Monterey Jack cheese is a mellow melting cheese that adds a creamy and smooth texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Tangy, nutty shredded Parmesan brings a salty, umami burst of flavor that is an excellent enhancement to the mild tuna.
• Tuna: Light tuna packed in water is the best choice for this recipe. Not sure which brand of tuna to choose? Our Test Kitchen experts have done the legwork for you and chosen their favorite tuna brands.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni

Diana Rattray for Taste Recipes

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Fill a large stock pot with salted water and place on the stovetop over high heat. Bring the water to a boil and add the dried macaroni. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Make the sauce

Diana Rattray for Taste Recipes

In a large sauce pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth and bubbly. Slowly pour in the milk a little at a time while continuing to whisk. Add salt and pepper and whisk until blended and smooth. Simmer for three to four minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Combine the mac, tuna and sauce

Diana Rattray for Taste Recipes

Stir in the shredded cheddar, jack and Parmesan, continuing to mix until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Add in the cooked macaroni and the tuna and mix well.

Step 4: Bake the tuna mac and cheese

Diana Rattray for Taste Recipes

Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased 13×9-inch casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Remove the cover and bake for an additional five to seven minutes until the top is golden brown. Remove the dish from the oven and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the cheese to thicken before serving.

Diana Rattray for Taste Recipes

Tuna Mac and Cheese Variations

• Make it spicy: Spice up this dish by adding a pinch of cayenne when you add the spices or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Top the tuna mac with shredded pepper jack cheese before baking.
• Add some greens: Mix in some frozen peas, broccoli or spinach for a vibrant color and a dose of vitamins. Green veggies add an earthy, fresh flavor, giving more balance and contrast to the rich and savory cheese.
• Top it off: Give it a Minnesota hot dish-inspired twist by adding frozen tater tots over the top of the mac and cheese before baking. The tots will provide a crisp, savory, and satisfying layer of heartiness to the tuna mac and cheese.

How to Store Tuna Mac and Cheese

After the mac and cheese has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days.

Can you freeze tuna mac and cheese?

You bet you can! You can freeze leftovers by wrapping them in foil and placing them into a freezer-safe zipper bag or make a double batch and use the same method to freeze before baking. The mac and cheese will freeze safely for up to three months.

How do you reheat tuna mac and cheese?

If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 400° for 25 to 30 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re heating up leftover portions, cover and warm in the microwave or in a 350° oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Tuna Mac and Cheese Tips

Diana Rattray for Taste Recipes

Can you make this recipe gluten-free?

You absolutely can. Sub-in your favorite gluten-free pasta for the macaroni and a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour substitute to make the roux. Finish the recipe as directed, and even those with gluten sensitivity can enjoy this hearty dish.

How can I make sure to use good melting cheese?

The cheeses in the recipe will all melt together well. However, if you choose a lower-fat cheese option, keep in mind that they typically don’t melt as well as their full-fat cousins. Also, grating your own cheese from a block will produce better results than using grated cheese. Bagged shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents to keep the shreds from sticking together. This powder can affect the cheese’s melting ability.

Do I have to bake this mac and cheese?

You don’t, actually. Baking will create a crispy top layer, which adds a nice texture and contrast to the creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. Baking the casserole will also enhance the flavor by allowing the cheese to caramelize and the flavors to further meld. However, if you prefer a non-baked mac, you can skip baking and spoon the tuna mac and cheese directly out of the pan and onto your plate.