Copycat Tuna Helper Base Mix
This creamy base mix is the secret behind all your favorite Tuna Helper-style dinners. Whisk it up once, store it in a quart jar, and scoop out what you need to build quick, comforting meals in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups nonfat dry milk powder or soy milk powder
- ¾ cup cornstarch or 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
- ¾ cup cheese powder white or mild cheddar
- ⅓ cup chicken or vegetable bouillon granules
- 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk all ingredients until evenly blended.
- Pour into an airtight quart jar and label clearly.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 12 months.
- 🧺 To Use:
- Use ½ cup mix per pint-jar meal.
- Mix with 2 cups water + 1 cup milk when cooking.
- Add 1 (5–6 oz) can tuna and your choice of seasoning blend.
Notes
Easily prep your favorite copycats
🫙 Pint Jar Variations
Each variation uses:
2 cups small pasta (elbows, shells, or egg noodles)
½ cup Tuna Helper Base Mix
Seasonings listed in each recipe below.
Layer pasta on bottom, seasoning + base on top. Seal tightly and label.
🧀 Classic Cheddar Tuna Helper
Add to the jar:
1 tablespoon extra cheese powder
1 teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon mustard powder
To Cook:
Add contents of jar to skillet with 2 cups water + 1 cup milk + 1 can tuna.
Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring often. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. 🍄 Creamy Mushroom Tuna Helper Add to the jar: 1 tablespoon mushroom powder ½ teaspoon thyme ½ teaspoon onion powder To Cook:
Same method as above — substitute a splash of half-and-half for part of the milk if you want a richer texture. 🌿 Garlic Herb Tuna Helper Add to the jar: 1 teaspoon parsley ½ teaspoon dill ½ teaspoon garlic salt Pinch of black pepper To Cook:
Simmer as usual. Stir in frozen peas before serving for a bright touch. 🌶️ Southwest Cheesy Tuna Helper Add to the jar: ½ teaspoon chili powder ¼ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon cumin 1 tablespoon extra cheese powder 🍋 Lemon Parmesan Tuna Helper (Pint Jar Variation) Add to the Jar: 2 cups small pasta (elbows, shells, or egg noodles) ½ cup Tuna Helper Base Mix 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese powder ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning ¼ teaspoon parsley flakes Pinch of black pepper To Cook:
Add contents of jar to a skillet with 2 cups water + 1 cup milk + 1 (5–6 oz) can tuna.
Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving — the sauce will become creamy and tangy with that lemon-parm kick. 🍋🧀 🌿 Tuscan Herb Tuna Helper (Pint Jar Variation) Add to the Jar: 2 cups small pasta (elbows, shells, or rotini) ½ cup Tuna Helper Base Mix 1 tablespoon tomato powder ½ teaspoon dried basil ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon black pepper Layering Order: Pasta on bottom Base mix Tomato powder + herbs + spices on top To Cook:
Add jar contents to a skillet with 2 cups water + 1 cup milk + 1 (5–6 oz) can tuna.
Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and pasta is tender.
Let sit 5 minutes before serving — the broth deepens into a creamy, tomato-herb sauce. 🍅✨ Optional Add-Ins: Stir in freeze-dried spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or a spoonful of Parmesan before serving for a cozy Italian flair.
Add contents of jar to skillet with 2 cups water + 1 cup milk + 1 can tuna.
Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring often. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. 🍄 Creamy Mushroom Tuna Helper Add to the jar: 1 tablespoon mushroom powder ½ teaspoon thyme ½ teaspoon onion powder To Cook:
Same method as above — substitute a splash of half-and-half for part of the milk if you want a richer texture. 🌿 Garlic Herb Tuna Helper Add to the jar: 1 teaspoon parsley ½ teaspoon dill ½ teaspoon garlic salt Pinch of black pepper To Cook:
Simmer as usual. Stir in frozen peas before serving for a bright touch. 🌶️ Southwest Cheesy Tuna Helper Add to the jar: ½ teaspoon chili powder ¼ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon cumin 1 tablespoon extra cheese powder 🍋 Lemon Parmesan Tuna Helper (Pint Jar Variation) Add to the Jar: 2 cups small pasta (elbows, shells, or egg noodles) ½ cup Tuna Helper Base Mix 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese powder ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning ¼ teaspoon parsley flakes Pinch of black pepper To Cook:
Add contents of jar to a skillet with 2 cups water + 1 cup milk + 1 (5–6 oz) can tuna.
Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving — the sauce will become creamy and tangy with that lemon-parm kick. 🍋🧀 🌿 Tuscan Herb Tuna Helper (Pint Jar Variation) Add to the Jar: 2 cups small pasta (elbows, shells, or rotini) ½ cup Tuna Helper Base Mix 1 tablespoon tomato powder ½ teaspoon dried basil ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon black pepper Layering Order: Pasta on bottom Base mix Tomato powder + herbs + spices on top To Cook:
Add jar contents to a skillet with 2 cups water + 1 cup milk + 1 (5–6 oz) can tuna.
Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and pasta is tender.
Let sit 5 minutes before serving — the broth deepens into a creamy, tomato-herb sauce. 🍅✨ Optional Add-Ins: Stir in freeze-dried spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or a spoonful of Parmesan before serving for a cozy Italian flair.