Overnight Tuna Casserole

Swiss Overnight Tuna Casserole Recipe with Cream of Celery and Swiss Cheese

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Overnight Tuna Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. This creamy and cheesy casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

History

Tuna casserole has been a popular dish in American households for decades. It gained popularity during the mid-20th century as a convenient and budget-friendly meal option. The addition of cream of celery soup and Swiss cheese gives this classic dish a rich and creamy texture.

Ingredients

1 can of cream of celery soup
1 cup of milk
1 can of water packed tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni
3 tbsp of mustard
1 tbsp of sour cream
1 cup of fresh peas
0.5 cup of chopped yellow onion
1 cup of grated swiss cheese

How to prepare

In a saucepan, whisk together the soup and milk until well blended.
Add all the remaining ingredients except for 0.25 cup of cheese.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate it overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the mixture for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return it to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Variations

Substitute the tuna with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
Add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tuna well before adding it to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

- To make this dish even more decadent, add a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this casserole is to let it sit overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. Baking it at a moderate temperature ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. You can also use any type of pasta in place of elbow macaroni.

Make Ahead Tips

This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color. Serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a well-rounded meal. For dessert, serve a fruit tart or a slice of cheesecake.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Overnight Tuna Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Overnight Tuna Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Overnight Tuna Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Overnight Tuna Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cheese, sour cream) and fish (tuna). It may also contain gluten if using regular pasta.

Summary

Overnight Tuna Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Overnight Tuna Casserole is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a creamy sauce, tender pasta, and cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it for dinner or bring it to your next potluck for a crowd-pleasing meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a beautiful summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha for lunch. As we chatted over tea and sandwiches, she mentioned that she had a new recipe she wanted to try out for dinner that evening – Overnight Tuna Casserole.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but Martha assured me that it was delicious and easy to make. She pulled out a well-worn recipe card from her collection and handed it to me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could tell that this was a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

Martha explained that the key to the dish was letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator before baking it the next day. This allowed the flavors to meld together and created a rich and creamy casserole that was perfect for serving to guests.

I was intrigued by the idea of an overnight casserole and decided to give it a try myself. I asked Martha if she would mind sharing the recipe with me, and she gladly agreed. As I sat down to copy the recipe onto my own card, I couldn't help but think about all the wonderful meals I had shared with Martha over the years.

Martha and I had been friends since we were young girls, and we had shared many meals together. She was always trying out new recipes and techniques in the kitchen, and I had learned so much from her over the years. I knew that this Overnight Tuna Casserole would be another one of her culinary masterpieces.

That evening, I set to work making the casserole. I followed Martha's instructions carefully, layering the tuna, noodles, and creamy sauce in a baking dish before covering it with foil and placing it in the refrigerator to chill overnight.

The next day, I eagerly preheated the oven and slid the casserole inside to bake. As the rich aroma of tuna, cheese, and herbs filled my kitchen, I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe.

When the casserole was finally ready, I pulled it out of the oven and set it on the table to cool. Martha arrived just in time for dinner, and we sat down together to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

The first bite of the Overnight Tuna Casserole was pure bliss. The creamy sauce clung to the tender noodles, while the chunks of tuna added a savory depth of flavor. The cheese on top had melted into a golden crust, adding a hint of richness to each bite.

As Martha and I savored our meal, she smiled at me and said, "I knew you would love this recipe. It's been a favorite in my family for generations."

I couldn't help but agree. The Overnight Tuna Casserole was a true delight, and I knew that it would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

From that day on, I made the casserole whenever I needed a comforting and delicious meal. I shared the recipe with my own friends and family, passing on the tradition that Martha had started so many years ago.

And so, the Overnight Tuna Casserole became a beloved dish in my own repertoire of recipes, a reminder of the special bond that Martha and I shared over our love of good food and great company.