Baked Tuna Mac

Baked Tuna Mac:

Hey Hey! Alyssa, the helpful Hoosier here. Growing up in Indiana we do not have great access to produce year-round, so we usually end up with starchy, yummy to the tummy, fill up the belly and pass out meals. Since I have lived in California, I have been able to expand my cookbook quite a bit. I have learned how to cook different meals with fresh produce and healthier ingredients. But today, today we going to make one of my quickie Hoosier Heart Clogging meals. This is my Baked Tuna Mac recipe that I turn to after a long day. Now bare with me because I do not do a whole lot of measuring when I cook but I clearly enjoy salt…

Ingredients Needed:

•         2 boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (cheese packs included)
•         Canned Tuna 2/5oz
•         1 tsp Garlic Salt
•         2 tsp Garlic Powder
•         1 tsp Onion Powder
•         2 tsp Dried Onion
•         1 tsp celery salt
•         1tablespoon pepper

For the baking:

•         1 cup Italian Breadcrumbs

Cook time 30min (with a lot of sitting in between-required)

This is where I usually set the oven to 350°F. We are going to give it the appearance that we worked extra hard on this. Using a large pot, bringing 6 Cups of water to a boil on the stove top. I like to add a touch of all the seasoning to the water, so it gives the noodles some extra flavor Once boiling, add  both boxes of noodles the water (don’t forget to remove the cheese packets- and don’t worry, the bags can survive if they hit the water…don’t ask me why I know this).  (Time to sit again) The noodles usually take about 10 minutes to cook all the way through. Stir noodles about halfway through to ensure there is no sticking. (This is another opportunity to sit by the way. Once the noodles are done send them to the drainer. Put the drained noodles back in the pot. Follow the directions on the box for required ingredients to make the Mac and Cheese and then stir in the tuna, garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried onion, celery salt, and pepper. Once all ingredients are blended, move the contents of the pot to a casserole dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the tuna mac. I usually put the casserole dish in the oven for about 15minutes (yup, time to sit again) to get that nice golden-brown top. Through it on a plate (and add a salad if you would like) and ENJOY!

One thing I really appreciate about this meal is it can be easily altered to match your taste. Using garlic cloves and onion instead of dried seasoning. Adding cut veggies, making healthier mac and cheese or even Vegan Mac. It’s dealer’s choice.