Baby Boomer Tuna Casserole Recipe

Relive childhood memories with this classic Baby Boomer Tuna Casserole recipe! Grandma's 1960s secret? Creamy, dreamy tuna, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a crunchy potato chip topping that's pure comfort food. Easy to make and guaranteed to bring back warm, fuzzy feelings. Get ready for a taste of nostalgia!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 286.4 kcal
Protein 41g
Rating 3.9 (12 Reviews)
Baby Boomer Tuna Casserole

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baby Boomer Tuna Casserole

  • Elbow Macaroni
  • Tuna In Water
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • Frozen Peas
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup crushed potato chips

How to Make Baby Boomer Tuna Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook 1 pound elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well.
  3. While macaroni cooks, finely chop 1/2 medium onion.
  4. In a large bowl, combine 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna (drained), 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 cup frozen peas (thawed), 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Gently fold in the cooked macaroni.
  6. Pour the mixture into a lightly buttered 6-cup casserole dish.
  7. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Top with 1/2 cup crushed potato chips.
  10. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

31 g

Sugar

14g

Fat

12g

Carbs

11g