Slow Cooker Tuna Mac – Just Dump and Go!

Slow Cooker Tuna Mac – Just Dump and Go!…. Put undrained canned tuna right into your slow cooker with 4 more simple things from your kitchen. You’ll make a cheesy pasta dish so tasty, your family will yell “More, please!”

This 5-ingredient slow cooker cheesy tuna mac is cozy food that moms and dads in the Midwest have made forever. It’s like the warm casseroles from church dinners when times were tough. We use canned tuna with its juice for great taste and wetness. The slow cooker cooks the macaroni soft and melts the cheese into a yummy sauce. Dump it all in on a crazy busy day, and it tastes like you worked super hard!

Scoop it out family-style with a big spoon. Add a fresh salad or cut-up tomatoes and cucumbers to make it not too heavy. Buttered peas or green beans go perfect with the creamy pasta. Warm bread or rolls soak up all the cheese. For extra, give apple slices or fruit salad at the end.

What You Need (Makes 4 bowls)

• 2 small cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, don’t drain

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (about 8 oz)

• 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, save some for later

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (add salt and pepper if you want)

How to Make Slow Cooker Tuna Mac

1. Spray or butter your 4-6 quart slow cooker so nothing sticks.
2. Dump the tuna and all its water in the bottom. Mash it a bit with a fork into flakes – no need to be perfect!
3. Shake garlic powder on top. Add a tiny bit of salt and pepper if your family likes flavor. Cheese adds salt too, so go easy.
4. Put dry macaroni in an even layer on the tuna. Don’t mix yet!
5. Pour milk slowly over the pasta. Push down dry bits with a spoon so it’s all wet. Don’t stir to the bottom – keep tuna down there.
6. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups cheese on top. Save 1/2 cup for the end.
7. Put the lid on. Cook on LOW for 2 to 2 1/2 hours till pasta is soft, not soggy. At 1 1/2 hours, stir quick – scrape bottom and sides so it doesn’t stick. Put lid back fast.
8. Taste a bit. Add salt or pepper if needed. It gets thicker when it rests.
9. Add the last 1/2 cup cheese on top. Cover and wait 5-10 minutes on LOW till it melts.
10. Stir once more to mix in the melty cheese. Serve hot! If it becomes too thick, pour in a little milk and mix it.