Tender Tuna Delight Casserole 🍅🐟

Tomato Tuna Casserole

Description:
This Tomato Tuna Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a cherished family heirloom, passed down through generations, carrying with it the flavors of nostalgia and love. Originally shared by the user’s mother, who inherited it from her father, this recipe holds sentimental value as the only culinary legacy from loved ones now gone. A childhood favorite for the user, it continues to serve as a source of comfort, blending simplicity with heartiness in every bite. Its versatility extends to freezer-friendly portions, making it a convenient go-to meal for busy days or planned leftovers.

Cooking Times:

Note: All times are approximate.

Recipe Category:
One Dish Meal

Keywords:
Tuna, Vegetable, Potluck, < 60 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 347.5
• Fat Content: 14.9g
• Saturated Fat Content: 8.1g
• Cholesterol Content: 44.1mg
• Sodium Content: 718.6mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 39.2g
• Fiber Content: 1.4g
• Sugar Content: 10.1g
• Protein Content: 14.4g

Ingredients:

• 19 1/2 ounces tuna
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 jar pasta sauce
• 1 box macaroni and cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare Mac n Cheese: Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the macaroni and cheese. However, cook the noodles for only half of the recommended time to ensure they retain some firmness.

2. Prepare Tuna Pasta Sauce: Drain the canned tuna and set it aside. In a saucepan, bring the pasta sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add the drained tuna to the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Caramelize Onion: While the pasta sauce is simmering, take a separate pan and melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes caramelized and tender.

4. Combine Ingredients: Once the onion is caramelized, add it to the simmering Tuna Pasta Sauce, stirring to incorporate. Alternatively, you can add the Tuna Pasta Sauce to the caramelized onions, depending on your preference. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to develop further.

5. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the prepared Tuna Pasta Sauce to the pot containing the partially cooked macaroni and cheese. Stir well to ensure the sauce coats the noodles evenly, creating a delicious blend of flavors.

6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixed pasta and sauce to a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together further and finishing the cooking process for the noodles.

7. Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the Tomato Tuna Casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this cherished family recipe.

This Tomato Tuna Casserole not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul with each comforting bite, embodying the essence of cherished family traditions passed down through generations. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or shared at potlucks and gatherings, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your own family recipe collection.