Arielle’s Favorite Tuna Casserole 🍽️
Tuna casserole is a classic and comforting dish that has been a staple in many households for generations. It’s known for its rich and creamy texture, and it’s a great way to incorporate canned tuna into a tasty meal. Here’s the breakdown of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make it:
What is Tuna Casserole? 🥘
Tuna casserole is a baked dish typically made with canned tuna, pasta, a creamy sauce, and various additions like vegetables and a crunchy topping. It’s a one-dish meal that’s both hearty and budget-friendly.
History 📜
The history of tuna casserole can be traced back to the mid-20th century when canned tuna became widely available. During the Great Depression, home cooks started looking for ways to make affordable, yet delicious, meals. Tuna casserole quickly gained popularity because it was easy to prepare and utilized pantry staples.
Components 🥫
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (commonly egg noodles)
- 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of diced celery
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of crushed potato chips (for the topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps 🍳
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cooked pasta, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced onion, and frozen peas. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
-
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
-
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
-
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
-
Finally, spread the crushed potato chips over the cheese as a crunchy topping. This gives the casserole a delightful texture contrast.
-
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the top is golden brown.
-
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting tuna casserole!
Time Needed ⏱️
Preparing Arielle’s Favorite Tuna Casserole typically takes around 15-20 minutes for the prep and assembly, and then an additional 25-30 minutes for baking. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 40-50 minutes from start to finish.
I hope you find this information useful, and that you enjoy making and savoring this classic and delicious dish! 😊🍽️
Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Tuna Casserole:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugar: 3-5 grams
Health Information:
- Protein: Tuna is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle development and overall health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Carbohydrates: The dish provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, which can be a source of energy.
- Fiber: While not particularly high in fiber, the inclusion of peas and other veggies does add some dietary fiber to the meal, which supports digestive health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Tuna casserole contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D (from tuna), B vitamins, calcium, and iron.
- Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, as canned soup and tuna often contain added salt. Choose low-sodium options if you’re concerned about sodium intake.
- Calcium: The cheese used in the casserole contributes to calcium intake, which is important for bone health.
- Caloric Content: The calorie count may vary based on portion size, ingredients used, and the topping. For a lighter version, you can make substitutions or reduce portion size.
As with any dish, moderation and ingredient choices can impact the overall healthiness of the meal. If you’re looking to make it healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber and choosing lower-fat options for mayonnaise and cheese. Additionally, you can increase the vegetable content to boost the nutritional value of the casserole.
