Tuna Casserole

Tuna Casserole Recipe - A Flavorful North American Dish

Region / culture: North America, USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tuna casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines tender tuna, creamy mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, and macaroni, all topped with a crunchy cornflake topping.

History

Tuna casserole has been a popular dish in American households since the 1950s. It was a convenient and budget-friendly meal that could be made with pantry staples during a time when canned goods were widely available. Over the years, variations of the recipe have emerged, but the basic concept of combining tuna, vegetables, and a creamy sauce remains the same.

Ingredients

1 package (7 oz (198 g)) of cooked macaroni
1 cup of low-fat milk
0.25 tsp of black or red pepper
1 can (10.75 oz (305 g)) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 package (10 oz (283 g)) of thawed frozen mixed vegetables
1 can (6 oz (170 g)) of drained tuna
2 cups of crushed corn squares (like corn Chex) or 2.75 cups of corn flakes
1 tbsp of melted margarine or butter
0.5 cup of shredded low-fat cheese (colby, cheddar, mozzarella, or swiss)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole, mix together the cooked macaroni, milk, pepper, soup, drained vegetables, and tuna.
Combine the crushed cereal with margarine or butter.
Sprinkle the cereal mixture over the casserole.
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until it becomes bubbly around the edges.
Sprinkle cheese over the top and allow it to set for 5 minutes.
Serve the casserole hot, plain, or with any seafood.

Variations

Substitute the tuna with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
Use a different type of condensed soup, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery.
Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese to the topping for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Thaw the frozen vegetables before adding them to the casserole to ensure even cooking.

- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions, garlic, or herbs to the casserole mixture.

- To make the topping extra crispy, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter before sprinkling over the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tuna casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, mixing, sautéing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of macaroni.

- Swap the mixed vegetables for your favorite frozen or fresh vegetables.

- Use any type of cheese in place of low-fat Swiss.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the tuna casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this tuna casserole with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Contains dairy (milk, cheese) and wheat (macaroni).

Summary

This tuna casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tuna casserole is a classic dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. With a creamy sauce, tender tuna, and crunchy topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a rainy day in the small town where I grew up, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a worn piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Tuna Casserole.

I had never made Tuna Casserole before, but the ingredients listed on the paper seemed simple enough. Tuna, noodles, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese. It sounded like the perfect comfort food for a dreary day like that one. Excited to try something new, I set to work gathering the ingredients and following the instructions written on the paper.

As the casserole baked in the oven, the warm, savory aroma filled the kitchen and brought back memories of my own mother cooking in that very same spot. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the steps, just as she had done when I was a little girl learning to cook alongside her.

When the timer dinged, I pulled the casserole out of the oven and took a bite. It was delicious. Creamy and flavorful, with just the right amount of cheesy goodness. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Tuna Casserole countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I have added vegetables like peas and carrots, or swapped out the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade white sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish, or mix in a little hot sauce for an extra kick.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing it down through the generations just as it was passed down to me. Each time I make it, I feel a connection to those who came before me, to the women who stood in their own kitchens and stirred pots of bubbling goodness.

One of my favorite memories of making Tuna Casserole is from a summer evening when my grandchildren came to visit. They had spent the day playing in the sun, and by dinnertime, they were tired and hungry. I knew just what to make to warm their bellies and their hearts.

As I stirred the ingredients together, my grandchildren gathered around the kitchen island, eager to help. They took turns adding the tuna and noodles, carefully measuring out the cheese and stirring in the soup. Their faces lit up with pride as they watched me put the casserole in the oven, knowing that they had helped create the meal before us.

When we sat down to eat, the kids devoured their portions with gusto, each one declaring it the best Tuna Casserole they had ever tasted. I smiled to myself, knowing that I had passed on a piece of my own history to them, a recipe that would become a part of their own culinary journey.

As I look back on that day, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes I have collected over the years, each one a piece of my past and a link to my heritage. And while Tuna Casserole may seem like a simple dish, to me it represents so much more. It is a reminder of the love and care that goes into preparing a meal for those we hold dear, a tradition that I will continue to uphold for as long as I am able.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a comforting, delicious meal, I urge you to give Tuna Casserole a try. Let the aroma of cheesy goodness fill your kitchen and transport you to a place of warmth and nostalgia. And remember, the best recipes are the ones that come from the heart.