5 Easy Tuna Casserole Recipes You'll Love

Tuna casserole, a beloved comfort dish, combines the flaky texture of tuna with creamy, cheesy sauce, often topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. It's a simple meal that can be thrown together with pantry staples, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or a hearty dinner for the whole family. Below, we dive into five easy tuna casserole recipes that promise to delight your taste buds and simplify your cooking routine.

1. Classic Tuna Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-ounce) can tuna, drained
• 10 ounces egg noodles
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain them well.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna, cooked noodles, frozen vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and cheese. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.

🔔 Note: You can substitute cream of celery or cream of chicken soup if you prefer.

2. Green Beans and Tuna Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 (6-ounce) cans tuna, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can French-style green beans, drained
• 1 can condensed cream of celery soup
• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise
• ¹⁄₄ cup milk
• 1 cup crushed potato chips
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the tuna, green beans, cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
4. Top with crushed potato chips.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until the topping is crispy and the casserole is heated through.

3. Spicy Southwestern Tuna Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 (6-ounce) cans of tuna, drained
• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain.
3. In a large bowl, combine tuna, salsa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder. Add pasta and mix well.
4. Place the mixture in a greased casserole dish, top with cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

4. Low-Carb Tuna Noodle Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna, drained
• 3 cups of cauliflower florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup crushed pork rinds (for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Steam or boil the cauliflower until tender, then roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix tuna, cauliflower, heavy cream, sour cream, and most of the cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
5. Top with remaining cheese and crushed pork rinds.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.

5. Greek-Inspired Tuna Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 (6-ounce) cans of tuna, drained
• 2 cups penne pasta
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¹⁄₂ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent, add garlic, and cook for another minute.
4. Mix in tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and cooked pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese begins to brown.

These tuna casserole recipes showcase how versatile and delicious this dish can be. Whether you're in the mood for something classic, spicy, or with a Mediterranean twist, there's a tuna casserole to satisfy every palate. Not only are these recipes simple to prepare, but they're also rich in protein and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, like low-carb or heart-healthy eating. Enjoy exploring these comforting and flavorsome dishes!

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned in these recipes?

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Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Simply sear or grill the tuna until it’s cooked to your liking, flake it, and substitute it into the recipe in place of canned tuna.

Are these recipes freezer friendly?

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Most of these tuna casseroles freeze well. Prepare the casserole as instructed but hold off on adding the breadcrumb or cheese toppings until after defrosting. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; when ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.

Can I make these casseroles ahead of time?

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Absolutely! These casseroles can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add any crunchy toppings right before baking to keep their texture.

How can I make these casseroles more nutritious?

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Consider adding more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutrient profile. Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta options, or reduce cheese amounts and use low-fat dairy products for a healthier casserole.