Macaroni Tuna Casserole
Macaroni Tuna Casserole is a classic American comfort food, typically made with elbow macaroni, canned tuna, a creamy sauce (often from condensed soup), peas, and a crunchy topping like breadcrumbs or potato chips, all baked until golden. It's a staple of home cooking, especially popular for its simplicity and use of pantry-friendly ingredients.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and often contains moderate fat from the creamy sauce and tuna, with a good amount of protein from the fish. A typical serving can range from 400 to 600 calories, providing nutrients like omega-3s from tuna and fiber if peas or whole-grain pasta are used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Phosphorus | 320 mg |
| Selenium | 55 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents mid-20th century American 'convenience cooking,' rising to fame with the popularity of canned tuna and condensed soups. Nutritionally, it's an interesting case of a one-pot meal that balances shelf-stable ingredients with potential for customization to boost its vegetable and whole-grain content.
