Spicy Southwest Tuna Mac & Cheese Bake
This Spicy Southwest Tuna Mac & Cheese Bake is a delightful blend of classic comfort food with a zesty twist that your whole family will love! I whipped it up using pantry staples and was amazed by how quickly it disappeared. Packed with creamy tuna, hearty macaroni, and the fiery flavor of pepper jack cheese, this dish is not only simple to make but also a surefire hit at any table. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser during gatherings, it feels indulgent without all the fuss. Trust me, you won’t have any leftovers - even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
417
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
solid white tuna (Albacore)
12 ounces (drained)
Campbell southwest-style pepper jack soup
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
milk
10 3/4 ounces (1 soup can full)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (preferably Hellman's)
Progresso Italian-style fine bread crumbs
2 tablespoons (for topping)
margarine
1-2 tablespoons (cut into slivers for topping)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (for mixing and topping)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart glass baking dish.
2
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let drain thoroughly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Campbell Southwest-style pepper jack soup, mayonnaise, and milk. Whisk together until smooth and well-blended.
4
Add the drained macaroni, flaked tuna, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper into the soup mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the Progresso Italian-style fine bread crumbs over the top, and dot with the slivers of margarine.
6
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
33g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Spicy Southwest Tuna Mac & Cheese Bake?
The dish is a blend of classic comfort food with a zesty southwest twist, featuring creamy tuna and fiery pepper jack cheese.
What oven temperature should I use for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C).
How long does the bake need to stay in the oven?
Bake the dish uncovered for approximately 30 minutes until it is golden and bubbly.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 2-quart glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much macaroni do I need to start with?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked macaroni.
What type of tuna is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of drained and flaked solid white tuna (Albacore).
Which canned soup serves as the base for the sauce?
The sauce uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of Campbell Southwest-style pepper jack soup.
How much milk should I add to the mixture?
Add one soup can full of milk, which is approximately 10 3/4 ounces.
Is there a specific brand of mayonnaise suggested?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, preferably Hellman's.
What kind of bread crumbs are used for the topping?
The topping uses 2 tablespoons of Progresso Italian-style fine bread crumbs.
How many calories are in a serving of this tuna mac?
There are approximately 417 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 25g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 25g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this bake?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of shredded cheese is used?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used for both mixing and topping.
How should the macaroni be cooked before baking?
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
Should I rinse the macaroni after boiling?
Yes, rinse the macaroni under cold water to stop the cooking process and let it drain thoroughly.
How do I prepare the sauce base?
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soup, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth.
When do I add the tuna and cheese?
Add the drained macaroni, tuna, and cheddar cheese into the soup mixture after the base is blended.
How do I finish the top of the dish before baking?
Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top and dot with slivers of margarine.
Does the dish need to be covered while baking?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered.
How much margarine is used for the topping?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of margarine cut into slivers.
Should the tuna be flaked?
Yes, the tuna should be drained and flaked before being stirred into the mixture.
Can I season the dish with salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the mixture to taste.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is described as an easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
What makes this bake 'Southwest' style?
The use of Campbell Southwest-style pepper jack soup provides the signature regional flavor.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe includes a total of 10 ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tuna casserole, macaroni and cheese, southwest flavors, and comfort food.
What should the final texture of the bake be?
The bake should be creamy on the inside with a golden, bubbly top.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy.