Description
This Tuna Melt Casserole has all the cozy comfort of a classic tuna melt, baked into a creamy, cheesy, family-style dish. Tender macaroni, flaky tuna, sweet peas, and a golden buttery breadcrumb topping come together in one bubbling pan. It’s weeknight-friendly, budget-conscious, and seriously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (5 oz / 142 g each) tuna, drained
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, cooked macaroni, frozen peas, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until everything is evenly combined and the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the tuna mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened and clump slightly.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, slice or scoop into portions, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use solid albacore or chunk light tuna based on your preference; albacore is meatier, while light tuna is milder.
- If the mixture looks too thick before baking, add an extra splash of milk for a looser, creamier texture.
- You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal (approximate)
- Sugar: 3 g (approximate)
- Sodium: 650 mg (approximate, will vary by brand)
- Fat: 20 g (approximate)
- Saturated Fat: 7 g (approximate)
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g (approximate)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approximate)
- Carbohydrates: 24 g (approximate)
- Fiber: 2 g (approximate)
- Protein: 20 g (approximate)
- Cholesterol: 55 mg (approximate)
Keywords: tuna melt casserole, tuna noodle casserole, cheesy tuna bake, easy weeknight dinner, creamy tuna pasta