Robert's Tuna Bake

Robert's Tuna Bake Recipe - A Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Robert's Tuna Bake is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. This creamy and cheesy tuna casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

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. Robert's Tuna Bake puts a delicious twist on the traditional recipe by adding a creamy tomato soup base.

Ingredients

1 can (7 oz (198 g)) of water-packed tuna, broken into small pieces
1 can (10 oz (283 g)) of tomato soup
0.5 cup of milk
0.25 lb (113 g) of American or cheddar cheese
1 lb (454 g) box of elbow macaroni, cooked

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine the first four ingredients and heat until the cheese melts. Add the macaroni to the sauce and mix well.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350° for 20 minutes.

Variations

Chicken Noodle Bake: Substitute cream of celery soup for tomato, use 1 cup of diced chicken instead of tuna, and cooked noodles instead of elbow macaroni.
Egg Noodle Bake: Substitute cream of chicken soup for tomato, use 3 or more sliced hard-boiled eggs instead of tuna, and cooked noodles instead of elbow macaroni.
Substitute the tomato soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or Swiss for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tuna well before adding it to the dish to prevent excess liquid.

- You can add in additional vegetables such as peas or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Robert's Tuna Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of elbow macaroni.

- Swap out the tuna for canned chicken or salmon.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Robert's Tuna Bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Robert's Tuna Bake with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 22g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese) and fish (tuna).

Summary

Robert's Tuna Bake is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Robert's Tuna Bake is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy tomato soup base and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was given to me by a dear friend named Robert, who had spent years perfecting his Tuna Bake recipe. He was known among our group of friends as the resident chef, always whipping up delicious dishes for gatherings and potlucks.

I remember the day Robert handed me the recipe, a neatly handwritten card with detailed instructions and a list of ingredients. As I read through it, I could tell that this Tuna Bake was no ordinary recipe. It was a labor of love, with layers of flavors and textures that promised to tantalize the taste buds.

Robert had learned to make this dish from his own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. He shared with me the story of how his grandmother used to make Tuna Bake for special occasions, using only the freshest ingredients and taking great care in the preparation.

I was eager to try my hand at making Robert's Tuna Bake, and so I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients. I made sure to pick out the best quality tuna, fresh vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices that would complement the dish perfectly.

As I started cooking, I could feel the familiar rhythm of the kitchen coming back to me. The sizzle of vegetables in the pan, the aroma of garlic and onions wafting through the air, and the sound of bubbling sauce simmering on the stove brought a sense of comfort and joy.

I followed Robert's instructions carefully, layering the tuna, vegetables, and creamy sauce in a baking dish before popping it in the oven to bake. The anticipation of tasting the final dish was almost too much to bear as I waited for it to cook.

Finally, the timer dinged, signaling that the Tuna Bake was ready. I carefully removed it from the oven, the golden crust glistening in the light. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a blend of savory ingredients that made my mouth water.

I couldn't wait to dig in, and so I served myself a generous portion of Robert's Tuna Bake. The first bite was pure bliss, a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. The tuna was tender and flaky, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the creamy sauce tied everything together beautifully.

As I savored each mouthful, I couldn't help but think of Robert and his grandmother, who had passed down this wonderful recipe for generations. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience their culinary legacy and to share it with my own family and friends.

Since that day, Robert's Tuna Bake has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I make it often for special occasions and gatherings, always remembering the joy and excitement I felt the first time I saw the recipe.

I am grateful for the friendships that have enriched my life and for the recipes that have been shared with me over the years. Each dish tells a story, a tale of love and tradition that transcends time and space. And for that, I am truly blessed.