Tuna and Spinach in Lemon Sauce Casserole
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Description
This delightful Tuna and Spinach in Lemon Sauce casserole is the perfect blend of simplicity and taste, especially for those who enjoy the bright zest of lemon. Inspired by a recipe from New Casserole Cookery, it features tender spinach and flaky tuna, harmoniously combined with a creamy lemon sauce. For an added textural twist, consider topping it with crispy Chinese noodles for a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/4 cup (plus 2 tsp for breadcrumbs) |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups, cooked and chopped |
| Frozen chopped spinach | 1 cup, thawed and drained |
| Solid white tuna | 1 can (5 oz), drained and flaked |
| Chunk tuna | 1 can (5 oz), drained |
| Bread crumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1/4 cup, strained |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Egg yolk | 1, beaten |
| Sugar (optional) | 1/2 – 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 396.7 |
| Total Fat | 13.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 83 mg |
| Sodium | 1076.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 31.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 2.8 g |
| Protein | 37 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for baking your casserole.
-
Prepare a 2-3 quart casserole dish by either greasing it with butter or spraying it with non-stick vegetable spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
-
In a small bowl, melt 2 teaspoons of butter or margarine, then combine it with the bread crumbs until evenly mixed; set aside to allow the crumbs to absorb the buttery flavor.
-
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
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Gradually incorporate the chicken broth, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
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Increase the heat slightly and continue stirring until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon, then remove it from heat.
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Quickly whisk in the beaten egg yolk, strained lemon juice, salt, and pepper. (If you wish, add sugar at this point for a slight sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon.)
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Mix half of the sauce with the cooked, chopped spinach and transfer this mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
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Layer the flaked tuna over the spinach mixture, followed by pouring the remaining sauce evenly over the top, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
-
Sprinkle the buttery bread crumb mixture over the casserole to create a delightful topping that will become golden and crispy during baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is beautifully browned.
-
For an optional crunch, serve each portion topped with crispy chow mein noodles, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Enjoy this comforting Tuna and Spinach Casserole as a wholesome lunch or snack, sure to become a family favorite!
