Tuna Casserole
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
12 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
6
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Calories
397 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Tuna Casserole
Description
Tuna Casserole combines tender shell pasta with a savory mixture of sautéed celery, onion, peas, and garlic, enriched by a creamy sauce made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth, while lemon juice and dill provide a subtle tang and herbal note. The casserole is topped with a crunchy blend of crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter, which crisps during baking at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes.
The dish presents a pleasant contrast between the creamy interior and crispy topping, complemented by the light flakiness of canned albacore tuna. This baked casserole functions well as a filling main course and can be prepared ahead of time or frozen without the topping, which is added before baking for freshness.
To assemble, cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables are folded into the creamy sauce along with tuna, then transferred to a baking dish, topped with parmesan and cracker mixture, and baked until bubbly. It serves well as a family meal and stores safely in the refrigerator for several days.
For best results, use quality canned white albacore tuna and consider alternatives like crushed breadcrumbs or potato chips for the topping as desired. Preparing sautéed vegetables, sauce, and pasta in advance can speed assembly. When freezing the casserole, omit the cracker topping to avoid sogginess and add it fresh before baking after thawing.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces shell pasta medium-size
- 5 Tablespoons butter , divided
- 2 ribs celery , diced
- 1/4 cup onion , diced
- 3/4 cup peas frozen
- 1 clove garlic , miced
- 5 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 cup milk , warmed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice more if desired, fresh
- 2 Tablespoons parsley minced, fresh chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, freshly grated
- 5 ounces albacore tuna or more if desired, canned, packed in water
Topping:
- 1/2 cup Ritz crackers crushed
- 1 Tablespoon butter , melted
Instructions
- Cook the noodles just until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Sauté the veggies: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Add celery, onion, peas and garlic and sauté for a few minutes. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted, add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and stir constantly, until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and add salt, dill, lemon juice, parsley, and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Taste and add additional seasoning, if needed.
- Combine: Remove from heat and stir in the pasta, vegetables and tuna. Pour mixture into a 9x13’’ or similar size baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
- Add Topping: Crush ritz crackers and add melted butter. Sprinkle mixture over the casserole.
- Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use good quality canned white albacore tuna for best flavor and texture.
- For the topping, alternatives like crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or cornflakes can be used instead of Ritz crackers.
- Make ahead by preparing sautéed vegetables, sauce, and cooked pasta separately; store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- For freezing, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping in a freezer-safe container, freeze up to 3 months, thaw overnight, then add the topping and bake.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 397 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 397kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 598mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 306mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2321IU | 46% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 233mg | 23% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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