Old-fashioned Tuna-Olive-Macaroni Loaf Recipe 🍽️

Overview:

This Old-fashioned Tuna-Olive-Macaroni Loaf recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Combining the goodness of tuna, olives, and macaroni, this dish promises to be a savory delight straight from your oven. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour and 20 minutes, it’s a convenient option for busy evenings. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this comforting meal!

Recipe Details:

Name: Old-fashioned Tuna-Olive-Macaroni Loaf
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Category: Tuna
Keywords: Cheese, Weeknight, Oven, Stove Top, < 4 Hours

Ingredients:

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
2 egg whites
2 onions, finely chopped
2 cans tuna in water, drained
2/3 cup pitted olives, sliced
12 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon horseradish
8 ounces reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 373.2
Fat: 9.3g
Saturated Fat: 4.2g
Cholesterol: 86.9mg
Sodium: 744.5mg
Carbohydrates: 41.8g
Fiber: 3.1g
Sugar: 7.5g
Protein: 30g

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the pan: Line a standard-size loaf pan with aluminum foil, ensuring to cover the sides as well.
Grease the pan: Give the foil-lined pan a light spray of non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
Cook the macaroni: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly.
Add butter: Transfer the drained macaroni back to the pot and add the butter, stirring until it melts and coats the macaroni evenly. Set aside.
Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs and egg whites together. Add the finely chopped onions, drained tuna, sliced olives, and bread crumbs to the bowl. Mix the ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
Prepare the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the milk, salt, dry mustard, and horseradish. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Add cheese: Gradually add the shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the cheese starts to melt and incorporate into the sauce.
Combine the mixtures: Pour the cheese sauce into the bowl containing the tuna mixture. Add the cooked macaroni to the bowl as well. Gently fold and mix all the ingredients until they are well combined.
Fill the loaf pan: Carefully spoon the prepared mixture into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring to distribute it evenly. Use your hands or a spatula to press the mixture down firmly into the pan.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes. After cooling, carefully invert the loaf onto a serving dish or cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice the loaf into 8 equal portions.

Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in this Old-fashioned Tuna-Olive-Macaroni Loaf. Whether served hot or at room temperature, it’s sure to be a hit at your next mealtime gathering. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal experience. Happy cooking! 🍽️🥗