There’s comfort, and then there’s a steaming hot dish of tuna casserole on a chilly weeknight. Hi, I’m Tracy Hilton from Food and Meal, and this classic American staple has been warming my soul since childhood.
Maybe it’s the buttery crackers on top that remind me of simpler times, or the way the tender tuna and veggies come together in a rich, velvety sauce. Whatever it is, tuna casserole never fails to make me feel cared for. It’s the kind of food that nourishes your heart as much as your stomach.
On hectic work nights, as I’m rushing around trying to get dinner on the table, I find myself longing for a taste of tuna casserole’s mellow warmth. I’ll catch a whiff of creamy soup or spy a can of tuna in the pantry, and suddenly I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen table, where her tuna casserole meant family and comfort.
That’s the funny thing about some dishes – they have a way of grounding you and making your troubles seem smaller, even if just for the thirty minutes it takes you to enjoy them. Tuna casserole is my port in the storm, delivering more than just sustenance. It reminds me that the simplest ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can yield something infinitely restorative.
So if you’re craving a hearty meal that feels like a hug, join me in making this classic tuna casserole. Let’s lose ourselves in creamy, tuna-y bliss and savor those moments when food is so much more than food.
Tuna casserole Recipe
Ttuna casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups сooked maсaroni 5 ounсe
- сan tuna drained (10.75 ounce)
- сan сondensed cream of сhiсken soup
- сup cheddar сheese shredded
- 1/2 cups french fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
- In a 9×13-inсh baking dish, сombine the maсaroni, tuna, and soup .mix well, and then top with сheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees f (175 degrees c) for about 25 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Sprinkle with fried onions, and bake for another 5 minutes .serve hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole
To prepare your Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole, start by combining drained tuna, cream of mushroom soup, milk, uncooked pasta, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheese in the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the pasta reaches your desired level of tenderness. Once cooked, sprinkle the remaining cheese and crushed potato chips on top. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potato chips are lightly toasted. Serve your Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole warm, allowing its comforting flavors to delight your taste buds with each satisfying bite.
Tips for making Tuna casserole
Serving Suggestions for Tuna Casserole
To begin, one could serve tuna casserole with a fresh, light Vegetable Maki roll. The casserole is quite rich, so starting with something crunchy and fresh prevents the meal from feeling too heavy. Moving to the main dish, the tuna casserole can hold its own against something like Bacon Enchiladas, standing up to the spice and acidity nicely.
As far as sides, a neutral carb like Bean Sprout Rice allows the flavors of the tuna casserole to take center stage. The BLW Carrot Fries also work nicely; their inherent sweetness provides balance against the casserole’s savory umami flavors. For contrast, the Scallion Pancakes offer a crispy, fried texture and punch of garlic to offset the soft noodles and tender tuna.
Finally, tuna casserole makes an unexpectedly suitable dessert pairing for something like Tempura Ice Cream. The crispy shell enrobing the cold ice cream mirrors the casserole’s hot, crispy top and cool, creamy interior for textural harmony. The sweet cream also cools the mouth after the tuna’s richness.
With its flexibility, tuna casserole can play a role across a complete meal when paired purposefully with bright, fresh starters, robust mains, and sweet, crispy desserts. The possibilities are wide-ranging thanks to its classic, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Cooking Tips for Tuna Casserole
Making a Slow Cooker Tuna Casserole is pretty straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure the best results. First, make sure to drain the canned tuna well to avoid a watery casserole. Second, don’t overcook the pasta – remember, it will continue to cook in the slow cooker. Also, use a good quality cream of mushroom soup as it forms the base of your sauce. As for common mistakes, avoid using fresh tuna as it can dry out during the slow cooking process. And lastly, don’t skip the crunchy topping – it adds a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole!
FAQs about Tuna Casserole
- “Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?” Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
- “Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?” Yes, you can. Other great additions include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn.
- “What can I use instead of potato chips for the topping?” Bread crumbs, French fried onions, or even crushed cornflakes make great alternatives.
- “Can I make this casserole ahead of time?” Yes, you can prepare the casserole and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just add the topping before you’re ready to cook it.
- “How do I store leftovers?” Leftover tuna casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until heated through.
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“Can a Rice Cooker Be Used to Make Tuna Casserole?” When it comes to making tuna casserole, many people wonder if a rice cooker can do the job. While rice cookers excel at cooking rice, they may not be the ideal tool for preparing this dish. However, for those who are determined to try, investing in high-quality rice cooker recommendations from Japan might provide better results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these classic tuna casserole recipes from FoodAndMeal.com are the perfect comfort food to satisfy your family. Quick and easy to prepare, you can whip up a delicious, hearty casserole in under an hour using pantry staples like canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, egg noodles, and frozen peas. Whether you prefer the traditional recipe topped with crispy fried onions or a more modern twist with artichokes and spinach, these tuna casseroles are sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. For more tasty and budget-friendly meal ideas the whole family will love, visit FoodAndMeal.com. From casseroles and pasta bakes to slow cooker favorites and one-pot wonders, Food And Meal has you covered with hundreds of quick and easy recipes to get dinner on the table fast.