Creamy Dreamy Tuna Casserole A Modern Classic
Creamy Dreamy Tuna Casserole A Modern Classic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of nostalgia? Remember mum's tuna casserole ? Well, this creamy tuna casserole recipe is that, but better.
We're talking proper comfort food with a twist. It's dead easy and packed with flavour!
Brief Overview
The tuna casserole is a dish with humble origins and its popularity grew throughout the 20th century in both the UK and the USA.
Our version is easy peasy to make, taking about 50 minutes start to finish. This tuna casserole recipe serves 6 hungry people.
Main Benefits
This recipe is a great source of protein and omega-3s. It is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.
It makes this homemade tuna casserole special because it combines familiar flavors with a modern, satisfying crunch.
Getting Down to Brass Tacks: Ingredients
Time to gather what you need for this classic tuna casserole . You’ll need olive oil, onions, and garlic for the base.
Don't forget flour, milk, and thyme for the creamy tuna casserole sauce. Parsley, tuna, peas, and egg noodles complete the filling.
Potato chips and melted butter make for a wicked topping.
Elevating Your Tuna Casserole
The real magic happens when we get the creamy sauce just right. Honestly, the sauce is make-or-break. For a cheesy option, try a tuna casserole with potato chips and cheddar cheese.
Also, you can play around with the topping - some people like breadcrumbs! Don't be shy to try tuna casserole variations .
Remember to drain the tuna properly!
Tips for a Top-Notch Tuna Casserole
Here is a secret; the crisper the topping, the better! Don't overcook the noodles, mind. Nobody likes mushy pasta! Feel free to substitute bits green beans for peas work well.
Also, for a quick tuna casserole, try using a can of cream of mushroom soup. It is alright to keep it simple! If you're aiming for a quick tuna casserole this is an easy win.
Enjoy your yummy comfort food casserole .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Right, so you fancy making a tuna casserole recipe , eh? Fantastic choice! I've tweaked my nan's classic tuna casserole recipe, so even you can nail it! And let me tell you, the right ingredients and kit make all the difference.
Forget boring tuna noodle casserole , we're going gourmet!
Main Players in this Creamy Tuna Casserole Drama
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) - for sizzling those onions.
Yellow Onion: 1 medium (approx. 1 cup / 150g) , chopped. Go for a nice firm one.
Garlic: 2 cloves (approx. 2 teaspoons) , minced. Fresh is best, trust me!
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) - this helps thicken things up.
Whole Milk: 3 cups (720 ml) . Full fat all the way for maximum creaminess!
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon - Don't skimp!
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste.
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (approx. 5g) , chopped. Adds a lovely freshness.
Tuna: 2 (5 ounce/142g each) cans in water, drained well . This is important, otherwise it'll be a soggy mess.
Frozen Peas: 1 (10 ounce/283g) package , thawed. Tuna casserole with peas is a winning combo.
Egg Noodles: 8 ounces (227g) , cooked. Don't overcook them!
Potato Chips: 1 cup (100g) , crushed.
Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) , melted.
Seasoning Secrets & Flavour Boosters
We're using thyme and parsley for that comforting, herby vibe. Salt and pepper, obviously! But honestly? A dash of Worcestershire sauce wouldn’t go amiss either.
It just adds that je ne sais quoi . Don't have thyme? A pinch of mixed herbs will do.
Kit You'll Need: No Fancy Pants Required
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Large Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
That's it! You probably already have all this in your kitchen. No need to splash out on fancy gadgets. A wooden spoon will work instead of a whisk.
This easy tuna casserole recipe is all about using what you've got and getting stuck in! And if you want to vary it up a bit, you could always try adding cheese for a really creamy tuna casserole .
Creamy Dreamy Tuna Casserole : A Modern Classic
Right then, fancy some proper comfort food casserole ? This tuna casserole recipe is not your typical school dinner disaster.
Oh no, this is a classic tuna casserole revamped! We're talking flavour, texture, and that warm fuzzy feeling you get from a good home cooked meal.
My nan always made tuna noodle casserole , but honestly, it was a bit… bland. This recipe? This one sings!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place: Chop your onion, mince the garlic, cook your egg noodles and drain that tuna, really well . I cannot stress that enough. Honestly, soggy tuna? Nightmare.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: Get all your ingredients measured out before you start. Trust me, it's a game changer. Also, preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . I learned that the hard way and had to wait for it heat up.
- Safety Reminders: Be careful when handling hot pans and the oven. Oven gloves are your best friend, alright?
Step-by-Step: From Ingredients to Irresistible
- Cook your egg noodles, drain them, and set aside. Don't overcook them ! Mushy noodles? No thanks.
- Sauté chopped onion in olive oil. Then add minced garlic, fry the garlic until smells lovely. About 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. It should be smooth. Simmer it!
- Add thyme, salt, pepper. Let it all thicken, takes about 5 minutes .
- Mix in fresh parsley, drained tuna, and peas. Peas are very important!
- Stir in the cooked noodles. Then pour everything into the baking dish.
- Mix crushed potato chips with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery chips on top and bake. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) until golden, about 25- 30 minutes .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game
- Crispy Topping is King: Don't skimp on the crushed potato chips! They give it that fantastic crunch. Tuna casserole with potato chips is the way forward.
- Don't Overcook the Noodles: They need to be al dente or they will go mushy. No one likes a mushy casserole.
- Make ahead: The creamy tuna casserole can be made ahead of time, then topped before baking.
So there you have it. A quick tuna casserole that's easy, delicious and a world away from the stuff your nan made.
This easy tuna casserole recipe is a proper winner. There are many tuna casserole variations . Give it a go, you won't regret it!
Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Dreamy Tuna Casserole Recipe
Right then, before you get cracking on this classic tuna casserole , a few notes to make sure yours is absolutely spot on.
Honestly, even a quick tuna casserole deserves some TLC, yeah?
Serving Suggestions: Turning Heads with Your Tuna Noodle Casserole
Presentation matters, even for comfort food casserole . A nice dollop served in a pretty dish? Top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Serve it with a crisp green salad for a bit of freshness. How about a side of garlic bread? It's creamy tuna casserole heaven! For drinks? A cold glass of Pinot Grigio or even a sparkling water with lemon.
Job done.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Easy Tuna Casserole Recipe Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with foil or cling film. Pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze it? Portion it out into freezer safe containers first. It'll keep for about 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Then, bake it at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, usually around 20- 25 minutes. Watch it doesn’t burn.
Variations: Spicing Up Your Tuna Casserole with Peas (or not!)
Fancy a change? This tuna casserole is easily adaptable. To make it gluten free, use gluten free noodles and check your tuna casserole with potato chips are gluten free too! You could add some mushrooms sautéed with the onions.
For a veggie boost, swap the peas for some green beans. Honestly? The possibilities are endless.
Nutrition Basics: A Bit About What You're Eating
Each serving of this beauty clocks in at around 450 calories. It’s packed with 25g of protein, thanks to the tuna.
There's 20g of fat and 40g of carbs, too. Don't forget about the fiber (3g) and a bit of sugar (8g).
Sodium is around 600mg, so watch the salt. But hey, it's homemade tuna casserole , so you know exactly what's going in!
So there you have it! A few extra tips to take your tuna casserole variations to the next level. With these tweaks, your tuna casserole with potato chips will be a culinary masterpiece! Now go forth and bake like you mean it! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tuna casserole recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assembling the tuna casserole ahead of time is a great way to save time during the week. Just prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
You might need to add a few minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.
What's the best way to store leftover tuna casserole?
Leftover tuna casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven until heated through.
It might lose a little of its original crispness, but it will still taste great think of it as "day-after the-Sunday roast" comfort food!
My tuna casserole recipe is too dry. How can I fix it?
Nobody wants a dry casserole! If your tuna casserole is coming out dry, it could be from a few things. Make sure you're using full fat milk for the sauce, and don't overcook the noodles. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to the casserole before warming it up. This will help add back some moisture.
Next time you make this tuna casserole recipe, add a bit more milk in general.
Can I use different types of tuna for this tuna casserole recipe?
Definitely! While canned tuna in water is a budget friendly choice, you can certainly elevate the flavor by using tuna in olive oil, just make sure to drain it very well. Albacore tuna has a firmer texture and a milder flavor compared to skipjack.
You could even use fresh tuna that's been seared and flaked, though that's a bit more "MasterChef" than "Ready Steady Cook"!
How can I make tuna casserole healthier?
There are several ways to lighten up your tuna casserole. Use whole wheat egg noodles for added fiber. Load up on the vegetables add broccoli florets, chopped spinach, or even shredded carrots to the filling.
You can also reduce the amount of potato chips in the topping or substitute them with whole wheat breadcrumbs. Consider using low-fat milk, but be aware this may change the overall texture and flavour.
