Macaroni Cheese with Tuna
Macaroni Cheese with Tuna is a comforting, baked pasta dish that combines elbow macaroni with a creamy cheese sauce and flaked canned tuna. It's a staple of British home cooking, often made with cheddar cheese and sometimes topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. This dish is a popular, budget-friendly meal that transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty and satisfying dinner.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a balanced source of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the tuna and cheese, and fat from the cheese sauce. It provides key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids from the tuna, with a typical serving containing around 500-600 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 200 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 300 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Macaroni Cheese with Tuna is a classic example of 'comfort food' in the UK, often associated with childhood and home cooking. Its popularity surged during times of rationing and economic hardship, as it was a way to create a filling, nutritious meal from inexpensive, shelf-stable ingredients.
