Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented

Kraft Mac and Cheese. Tuna Casserole. Two iconic comfort foods, often enjoyed separately, but when combined, they create a symphony of cheesy, savory goodness that transcends individual expectations. This recipe for Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole elevates the humble boxed mac and cheese into a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s a nostalgic dish with a modern twist, easy to prepare and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. We’ll delve into a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole, including tips and tricks to customize it to your liking.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Familiar Comfort:** The combination of Kraft Mac and Cheese and tuna casserole evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia. It’s a taste of childhood, elevated with simple, yet flavorful additions.
* **Easy to Prepare:** This recipe is incredibly simple and quick to make, using readily available ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Kraft Mac and Cheese and canned tuna are inexpensive staples, making this casserole a budget-friendly option for families.
* **Customizable:** The basic recipe is a blank canvas, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables, spices, and toppings to create a personalized dish.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The cheesy goodness of Kraft Mac and Cheese is a guaranteed hit with kids, and the tuna adds a boost of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Kraft Mac and Cheese (Original Flavor):** 2 boxes (7.25 oz each). Using two boxes ensures a creamy, cheesy base for the casserole. You can use other flavors, but the original provides the most classic taste.
* **Canned Tuna:** 2 cans (5 oz each), drained. Tuna packed in water or oil works equally well. Drain the tuna thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Chunk light tuna is a good choice for its affordability and mild flavor.
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup. Peas add a pop of color, sweetness, and nutrients to the casserole. You can substitute other vegetables like corn, green beans, or mixed vegetables.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** 1 can (10.75 oz). Cream of mushroom soup adds richness, creaminess, and depth of flavor to the casserole. You can substitute cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup if desired.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. Milk helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole.
* **Bread Crumbs:** 1/2 cup. Bread crumbs add a crispy topping to the casserole. You can use plain bread crumbs, Italian bread crumbs, or panko bread crumbs.
* **Melted Butter (for topping):** 2 tablespoons. Mixing melted butter with the bread crumbs helps them to brown evenly and adds flavor.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Chopped onion, chopped celery, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole:

**1. Prepare the Mac and Cheese:**

* Cook the Kraft Mac and Cheese according to the package directions. This typically involves boiling water, adding the macaroni pasta, and cooking until tender. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
* Stir in the cheese sauce packet(s), milk, and butter. Mix well until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside.

**2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Casserole Dish:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the casserole to bake evenly without burning the topping.
* Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish.

**3. Combine the Ingredients:**

* In a large bowl, combine the cooked Kraft Mac and Cheese, drained tuna, frozen peas, and cream of mushroom soup. Gently fold the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the tuna mushy.
* If you’re using any optional add-ins like chopped onion, chopped celery, garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper, add them to the bowl and mix well.

**4. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

**5. Prepare the Topping:**

* In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
* Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
* If you’re adding shredded cheddar cheese to the topping, sprinkle it over the bread crumbs.

**6. Bake the Casserole:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the topping is golden brown.

**7. Let it Rest:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and cool slightly, making it easier to serve.

**8. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Serve the Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole hot. It’s delicious on its own or served with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole

* **Don’t Overcook the Mac and Cheese:** Cook the macaroni pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole.
* **Drain the Tuna Thoroughly:** Excess liquid in the tuna will make the casserole watery. Be sure to drain the tuna well before adding it to the mixture.
* **Use Frozen Vegetables:** Frozen vegetables are a convenient and affordable way to add nutrients and color to the casserole. You can use fresh vegetables as well, but they may require pre-cooking.
* **Customize the Soup:** Cream of mushroom soup is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other cream soups like cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cream of broccoli.
* **Add Extra Cheese:** For an extra cheesy casserole, add shredded cheddar cheese to the mac and cheese mixture or sprinkle it on top of the casserole before baking.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper to the casserole for extra flavor. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
* **Use Different Toppings:** Get creative with the topping! Try using crushed crackers, potato chips, or even fried onions instead of bread crumbs.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
* **Leftovers:** Leftover Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

## Variations and Additions

The beauty of this Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create a dish that suits your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Vegetable Medley:** Add a mix of your favorite vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach. Pre-cook any vegetables that require longer cooking times.
* **Cheesy Broccoli:** Substitute the peas with broccoli florets and add extra shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy broccoli casserole.
* **Spicy Tuna:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole for a spicy kick.
* **Italian Casserole:** Add Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired casserole.
* **Mexican Fiesta:** Add diced green chilies, corn, black beans, and cheddar cheese for a Mexican-inspired casserole. Top with crushed tortilla chips.
* **Creamy Spinach and Artichoke:** Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts for a creamy and flavorful casserole.
* **Ham and Cheese:** Substitute the tuna with diced ham for a ham and cheese casserole.

## Serving Suggestions

Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious additions to the meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to casseroles.
* **Coleslaw:** Coleslaw adds a tangy and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Fruit Salad:** A fruit salad provides a sweet and refreshing finish to the meal.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use different types of tuna?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of canned tuna you prefer. Chunk light tuna is a good choice for its affordability and mild flavor. Solid white albacore tuna has a firmer texture and a slightly stronger flavor.

**Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?**
A: Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. However, you may need to pre-cook them to ensure they are tender before adding them to the casserole.

**Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free Kraft Mac and Cheese and gluten-free bread crumbs. Also ensure that the Cream of Mushroom soup is also gluten-free.

**Q: Can I freeze this casserole?**
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. Cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese are all good choices.

**Q: My casserole is too dry. What can I do?**
A: If your casserole is too dry, you can add a little milk or cream to the mixture before baking. You can also cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking to prevent it from drying out.

**Q: My casserole is too watery. What can I do?**
A: If your casserole is too watery, make sure you drain the tuna thoroughly. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture before baking to help thicken it.

## Conclusion

Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and customizable. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and savory tuna flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to create a casserole that’s perfect for you. Happy cooking!