Mac and Cheese with Tuna

Mac and Cheese with Tuna is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with flaky canned tuna. This dish is a staple in American home cooking, often considered a quick and budget-friendly pantry meal. It's a classic example of transforming simple, shelf-stable ingredients into a satisfying family dinner.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the cheese and milk, while the tuna provides a good source of protein. A standard serving offers a balance of macronutrients and is a notable source of calcium and B vitamins, with a calorie range of approximately 400-600 per serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	40 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	850 mg
Calcium	250 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Vitamin A	150 mcg
Vitamin D	1.5 mcg
Vitamin B12	1.8 mcg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Selenium	35 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this dish represents a practical evolution of the classic 'tuna noodle casserole,' showcasing American ingenuity in creating filling meals from pantry staples. Nutritionally, it's unique for pairing a comfort food base with the lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids found in tuna, creating a more nutritionally complete meal than plain mac and cheese.