Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
523 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Description
Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe features cooked bow tie pasta enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, enriched further by flaked tuna, sweet corn, and peas. The sauce is made by cooking onions and garlic in butter, then thickening with flour and milk before melting cheese into it. Combining the sauce with the pasta and vegetables creates a hearty mixture baked until bubbly and topped with additional cheese that melts and slightly browns during baking. The resultant casserole has a creamy texture contrasted by tender pasta and vegetables, making it suitable for a satisfying main dish.
Flavor comes from the savory cheddar cheese sauce highlighting the tuna’s mild seafood taste, balanced by the sweetness of corn and peas. The gentle baking melds flavors and provides a comforting warmth. The recipe suggests garnishing with parsley for freshness. Cooking pasta al dente helps prevent it from becoming mushy during baking, maintaining good texture.
The casserole is convenient for family meals and can be served warm, with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete plate. It holds well when cooled slightly, making it adaptable for leftovers.
Notes recommend adjusting sauce thickness with extra flour or cornstarch as needed and suggest heating milk before adding for a richer sauce. For a crunchy top, broiling the casserole briefly after baking can add golden, crispy spots.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces bow tie pasta (or rotini pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter salted
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tuna in water 15 ounce cans, drained
- 1 sweet corn drained, canned
- 1 sweet peas drained, canned
- parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
- Preheat the oven to 350° and spray a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Heat the butter in a large saucepan, add the onion and garlic and cook for 4 minutes.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for an additional minute, then whisk in the milk till smooth.
- Continue to stir and cook till the milk has thickened a little, then add 2 cups of cheese and stir till melted.
- Stir in the tuna, corn and peas and heat through, then stir in the pasta.
- Pour the pasta into the casserole dish and top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese has melted.
- Remove and cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley.
Notes
- If your cheese sauce is too thin, gradually add more flour or cornstarch to reach the right consistency.
- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy during baking.
- Reduce heat and stir the sauce if it starts bubbling to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Warming the milk before adding it to the roux can enhance the sauce's richness.
- For a crunchy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking until golden.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 523 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 523kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 77mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 432mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 509mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1041IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 358mg | 36% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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