Quick & Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake
This Quick & Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake combines the comforting flavors of a classic macaroni and cheese dish with the wholesome goodness of tuna and peas. In just ten minutes, you'll have a creamy, cheesy casserole that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's an effortless meal that includes pantry staples, making it both budget-friendly and convenient. Your family will love the rich flavor, and you'll appreciate how easy it is to prepare. One bite, and you'll see why this dish has become a favorite in our home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Mix
2 (5 1/2 ounce) boxes (Set cheese packets aside after opening.)
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 (10 ounce) can (No preparation needed.)
Sweet Peas
1 (15 ounce) can (No preparation needed; use undrained.)
Tuna
1 (5 ounce) can (Use undrained.)
Pepper
To taste (Grind fresh if possible for better flavor.)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
2
In the same pot, add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, undrained can of sweet peas, and undrained tuna. Stir well and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is bubbly.
3
Once the soup mixture is hot, add both cheese packets from the macaroni and cheese dinner mix. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
4
Fold in the drained macaroni noodles until they are well-coated with the cheesy sauce. Season with pepper to taste.
5
Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious, quick, and cheesy tuna noodle bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make the Quick & Cheesy Tuna Noodle Bake?
The entire dish can be prepared in just about ten minutes once the water is boiling.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it uses affordable pantry staples like canned tuna, soup, and boxed macaroni and cheese.
Should I drain the tuna before adding it to the pot?
No, the recipe specifically calls for using the tuna undrained to add moisture and flavor.
Do I need to drain the canned sweet peas?
No, you should use the undrained can of sweet peas for this recipe.
What kind of soup is required for this tuna bake?
This recipe uses one 10-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
What type of macaroni and cheese should I buy?
You will need two 5.5-ounce boxes of standard Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Mix.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is largely a one-pot meal as you cook the noodles and then mix everything in the same pot.
When do I add the cheese packets from the mac and cheese boxes?
Add the cheese packets once the soup, pea, and tuna mixture is hot and bubbly.
Do I need to bake this dish in the oven?
Despite the name 'bake', the instructions provided are for a quick stovetop preparation.
How should I cook the macaroni noodles?
Cook the noodles in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until they are al dente.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can stir the mixture over heat until it reaches your desired consistency, or add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, the description notes it is designed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters with its familiar cheesy flavor.
Can I use fresh pepper in this recipe?
Yes, grinding fresh pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
While mushroom soup is classic, you could use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as a substitute.
Do I need to add milk or butter as requested on the mac and cheese box?
No, the soup and the liquid from the canned goods replace the need for extra milk and butter.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses two boxes of mac and cheese and several canned items, typically serving 4 to 6 people.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can easily add corn or sautéed onions to customize the dish.
Is canned tuna the only protein I can use?
While designed for tuna, canned chicken or salmon would also work well in this cheesy base.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat this meal?
Yes, it can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave; add a teaspoon of water or milk to restore creaminess.
What makes the sauce thicken?
The combination of the condensed soup and the cheese powder packets creates a thick, creamy sauce.
Should the noodles be hot when added to the sauce?
The noodles should be drained and added back to the hot sauce mixture to ensure everything is heated through.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it combines the comforting elements of macaroni and cheese with a classic tuna casserole flavor.
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to add a little extra liquid (like milk or water) since the recipe relies on the liquid from the canned peas.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it immediately while hot and bubbly for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use gluten-free macaroni and cheese?
Yes, you can use gluten-free alternatives for the mac and cheese and the soup to make it gluten-friendly.
Why do I need to stir the mixture constantly while heating?
Stirring constantly prevents the soup and cheese mixture from scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Is salt needed in the recipe?
Salt is used primarily for boiling the pasta; the soup and cheese packets usually provide enough salt for the final dish.
How does this compare to a traditional tuna casserole?
It is much faster than traditional versions because it uses pre-made cheese mix and doesn't require a long baking time.
What kind of tuna should I buy?
Standard canned tuna (5-ounce size) works perfectly; use it undrained as directed.