Tuna Casserole : This creamy, savory comfort tuna casserole is a classic choice that never disappoints with a perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory tuna for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty dish for a potluck.
What Makes a Great Tuna Casserole?
A great tuna casserole combines the flavors of tender pasta, creamy sauce, hearty tuna, and crunchy toppings. The best recipes bring out the savory notes of tuna while enhancing the overall texture and flavor with various add-ins like vegetables and cheese. Let’s dive into the components that make a tuna casserole irresistible.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Tuna Casserole
- Use Good-Quality Tuna: Opt for solid white or albacore tuna for a better flavor and texture. If you prefer a richer taste, go for tuna packed in oil.
- Customize the Creaminess: Add a dollop of sour cream or mayonnaise to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or dill can elevate the flavors and add a burst of freshness.
- Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar cheese provides a great depth of flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan.
- Boost the Crunch: Besides potato chips, crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or fried onions work wonders for a crispy topping.
Delicious Variations of Tuna Casserole
Healthy Tuna Casserole
For a lighter version, replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade low-fat sauce using skim milk and Greek yogurt. Swap egg noodles for whole wheat pasta and add more veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Gluten-Free Tuna Casserole
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version or make a sauce with gluten-free flour.
Keto-Friendly Tuna Casserole
To make this casserole keto-friendly, replace the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets and use heavy cream instead of cream of mushroom soup. Top with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly.
Spicy Tuna Casserole
For a kick of heat, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the mix. A dash of hot sauce also works great if you like it spicy!
Cheesy Tuna Casserole
Make it ultra-cheesy by doubling the cheese in the sauce and sprinkling extra cheese on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Tuna casserole is a filling dish on its own, but pairing it with some simple sides can create a more complete meal. Here are a few options:
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the creamy casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Add a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables for added nutrients and flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A bright fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the rich casserole.
How to Store and Reheat Tuna Casserole
Storing: Tuna casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s covered tightly with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container.
Freezing: Tuna casserole freezes well! To freeze, cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or store individual portions in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, though the oven will maintain the best texture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make tuna casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add a few minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or celery soup can work if you’re not a fan of mushrooms. You can also make a homemade cream sauce by whisking together milk, butter, and flour with a pinch of salt.
What’s the best way to make the casserole more flavorful?
Use sharp cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
Can I add other proteins besides tuna?
Definitely! Canned salmon, cooked shredded chicken, or even leftover turkey make great alternatives.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives and replace the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version or a thickened vegetable broth.
Tuna Casserole
Tuna Casserole : This creamy, savory comfort tuna casserole is a classic choice that never disappoints with a perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory tuna for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty dish for a potluck.
Ingredients
Casserole Base:
- 1 can (5-6 oz) tuna, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cups egg noodles (dry, about 6 ounces)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ⅔ cup frozen peas, thawed
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Crumb Topping:
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Mix the crumb topping ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Boil the noodles al dente per package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and cook the onion and celery until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked noodles, onion-celery mixture, peas, mushroom soup, milk, cheese, tuna, and parsley. Stir well.
- Spread the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, sprinkle on the crumb topping, and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 390Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 67mgSodium 691mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 15g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Tuna casserole is an easy, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, it’s a comforting meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients, flexible substitutions, and endless topping possibilities, tuna casserole will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Try these other tuna recipes:
