Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Tuna Casserole Recipe: Cheesy-Tuna Comfort in One Skillet

This Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Tuna Casserole recipe brings back the nostalgic comfort of childhood dinners with a modern twist—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flaky tuna, all baked in one skillet.

The secret lies in balancing the rich, melty cheese sauce with bright canned tuna and crispy breadcrumbs, creating layers of texture that make every bite satisfying. I developed this recipe during a particularly chilly week when I needed something hearty yet simple, and it became an instant family favorite.

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples and 30 minutes of active time, followed by 25 minutes of baking.

You start with perfectly cooked macaroni, then layer in the cheesy sauce, flaked tuna, and a crispy topping that adds crunch without overpowering the creamy base.

The result is a casserole that’s comforting enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company, all while being completely adaptable to whatever tuna and cheese you have on hand.

What you’ll end up with is a golden, bubbling casserole that smells like home the moment it comes out of the oven—creamy cheese sauce clinging to tender pasta, flaky tuna adding protein and a touch of oceanic brightness, and a crispy topping that holds it all together.

It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving only empty plates and happy faces behind. Ready to make dinner effortless? Here’s everything you need.

This recipe works just as well as a main course or a side dish for larger meals, and leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day. The best part? It’s a one-skillet wonder, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum comfort. Let’s get cooking—your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients for kraft macaroni and cheese tuna casserole

Just 12 pantry staples for cheesy-tuna comfort that tastes like childhood—creamy, crispy, and ready in one skillet.

The Kraft Macaroni and Cheese powder is non-negotiable here—it’s the secret to that nostalgic, melty flavor. Grab the original flavor, not the low-fat version, and if you can’t find it, Box Macaroni and Cheese works in a pinch. For the tuna, flaked in water keeps the dish light—oil-packed tuna will make it greasy. The cheddar? Freshly shredded (the good stuff, not pre-shredded) melts better and tastes richer. I always grab mine from Walmart or Kroger—their block cheddar is cheap and works perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, swap the shredded cheddar for a mix of sharp cheddar and a little Parmesan for depth.

No Kraft powder? Make your own sauce with 2 cups shredded cheddar, 2 cups milk, and 4 tbsp butter—just melt everything together until smooth. Short on tuna? Chicken or shrimp works too, but keep the flaked texture. The breadcrumbs can be swapped for crushed crackers or even Ritz crackers for extra buttery flavor. If you’re missing garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder adds a nice kick. And if you’ve got fresh parsley, toss it in—it brightens up the whole dish. The secret to the crispy topping? Mix the breadcrumbs with flour and butter first before sprinkling on top.

This casserole reheats like a dream—just pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until bubbly. Keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge, but honestly, it disappears faster than that. For leftovers, I like to portion it into individual skillets or ramekins so everyone gets their own cheesy serving. Freezes beautifully too—just bake straight from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes. The best part? It’s a one-skillet meal, so cleanup is a breeze. Perfect for lazy nights or when you’ve got a crowd to feed.

Step-by-step instructions for Kraft macaroni and cheese tuna casserole

Here's how to make this cheesy-tuna comfort dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 2 cups elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until 1 minute before al dente—you want it slightly firm because it'll finish cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly and set aside in a large bowl.

I like to use a colander with holes big enough to drain quickly, then shake it gently to remove any excess water. The drier the pasta, the better the sauce will cling later. Don't rinse it—those surface starches help create that creamy texture we're after.

In the same bowl with the drained macaroni, add the 2 cups Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Powder, 2 cups milk, 2 cans flaked tuna, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder.

Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together until the macaroni is fully coated and the cheese powder is completely dissolved. You'll see the mixture transform into a thick, creamy sauce that clings to each noodle. If it looks too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk at a time until it reaches a thick but spreadable consistency.

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, combine the 0.5 cup breadcrumbs and 0.25 cup all-purpose flour. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon to help it stick.

This crispy topping is what makes this dish so satisfying. The breadcrumbs add texture while the flour helps create that golden-brown crust. I like to make little swirls with a knife to create decorative patterns—it makes the dish look even more inviting when it comes out of the oven.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You'll know it's ready when the cheese is fully melted and the topping has crisped up nicely.

Here's a pro tip: If you notice the top browning too quickly before the center is fully heated, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This ensures the entire dish cooks through evenly without burning the top.

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

This casserole tastes best served immediately while still warm and bubbly. The combination of creamy macaroni and cheese with flaky tuna creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Health benefits of this recipe

Protein-Packed Meal

This casserole delivers a serious protein punch—about 30 grams of protein per serving—thanks to the flaked tuna and cheddar cheese. The tuna provides lean protein with all nine essential amino acids, while the cheese adds calcium and fat-soluble vitamins.

It’s a complete meal that keeps you full for hours, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. 💪

Calcium-Rich Comfort

The combination of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese powder and shredded cheddar delivers 40% of your daily calcium needs per serving. Calcium isn’t just for strong bones—it supports muscle function and nerve signaling, which is why this dish feels so satisfying after a long day.

I notice my kids (and I!) sleep better when we include calcium-rich meals like this at dinner.

Omega-3 Benefits

Canned tuna is one of the most accessible sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. A 2-can serving provides about 1,200mg of omega-3s, which is nearly half of what the American Heart Association recommends for weekly consumption.

The omega-3s in tuna also help improve brain function—great for anyone needing a mental boost after work. 💡

Low-Carb Adaptation

If you’re watching carbs, this recipe can easily be adapted by reducing the pasta to 1 cup and adding 1 cup of cauliflower rice to the mix. The tuna and cheese still provide plenty of protein and fat to keep you satisfied.

I’ve made this version for my carb-conscious friends, and they swear it’s just as filling as the original.

Budget-Friendly Nutrition

This casserole is a nutritional powerhouse that won’t break the bank. The ingredients are all pantry staples—no specialty items required. A single serving costs about $1.50 to make, providing protein, calcium, and omega-3s without the price tag of fancier seafood dishes.

It’s the kind of meal that proves comfort food can be healthy too.

Vitamin Boost

The cheddar cheese contributes vitamin A (for eye health) and vitamin B12 (for energy metabolism), while the tuna adds niacin and vitamin D. The garlic powder and parsley garnish provide antioxidants and vitamin K. It’s a one-dish way to cover multiple nutritional bases without trying.

Honestly, I didn’t realize how balanced this dish was until I started tracking the nutrients! 🥗

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