Creamy Tuna Casserole
This Creamy Tuna Casserole recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the creamy richness of a well-seasoned sauce with the tender goodness of tuna and vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to please the entire family. If you’re craving a quick and hearty meal, this casserole is a fantastic option, especially when paired with a serving of cooked rice.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this casserole checks all the boxes for a fulfilling, delicious dish that can be made in under an hour. Let’s dive into the recipe for this classic comfort food!
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Creamy Tuna Casserole |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Tuna |
| Cuisine | American |
| Recipe Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories per Serving | 334.5 kcal |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuna | 1 can (5 oz) |
| English peas | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Green pepper | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz, softened |
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Bread crumbs | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 334.5 kcal |
| Fat | 26.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 80.5 mg |
| Sodium | 176.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.8 g |
| Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugar | 2.6 g |
| Protein | 13.6 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the casserole cooks evenly once prepared. -
Prepare the Casserole Dish
Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleaning up afterward much easier. -
Combine the Tuna and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the drained tuna, peas, chopped onion, green pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Set aside to allow the flavors to mingle while you make the creamy sauce. -
Make the Roux
In a skillet, melt the butter and margarine over low to medium heat. Add the flour to the melted butter and margarine, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. This will form the base of the creamy sauce. Continue stirring for about 2 minutes to ensure the flour cooks through, but avoid letting it brown. -
Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, allowing the garlic to cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step enhances the overall flavor of the sauce. -
Incorporate Milk
Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Continue stirring and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. -
Blend in Sour Cream and Cream Cheese
Once the milk mixture has thickened, stir in the sour cream and cream cheese. Keep stirring until the mixture is velvety smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. -
Combine Tuna Mixture with Sauce
Gently fold the creamy sauce into the tuna and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine, making sure all the ingredients are coated with the luscious sauce. -
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the tuna and sauce mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the top with bread crumbs to give it a crispy, golden finish when baked. -
Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp up and turn golden brown. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra comforting touch, serve it over a bed of warm, cooked rice. This helps absorb the creamy sauce and adds a hearty element to the meal.
Tips and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or corn for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese Lovers: For an extra cheesy dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking. This will melt and create a cheesy crust.
- Make it Spicy: If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuna Casserole
This Creamy Tuna Casserole brings together the rich, velvety texture of a homemade cream sauce with the comforting flavors of tuna, peas, and vegetables. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly. Plus, with the option to serve it over rice, this casserole becomes a hearty and satisfying meal that will keep you and your loved ones full for hours. The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, and the result is a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Make it your own by customizing the vegetables, adding your favorite seasonings, or topping it with extra cheese. This casserole is versatile, and you can adjust it to suit your preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic tuna casserole or a modern twist on the dish, this recipe will meet your needs.
Enjoy this delicious, creamy casserole as a warm, comforting meal any time you need a quick, satisfying dinner. Happy cooking!
For more easy and delicious recipes like this one, visit Love With Recipes!
