Oven-Baked Tuna Casserole
Here is how to make Baked Tuna Casserole recipe. It is creamy and crusty and full of wonderful Parmesan cheese the best tuna casserole around
Here is how to make Baked Tuna Casserole recipe. It is creamy and crusty and full of wonderful Parmesan cheese the best tuna casserole around
- cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.25 cup flour
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 6 oz uncooked pasta (i used bow-tie pasta.)
- 0.5 large water salted with 1 tablespoon salt
- 1.5 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups milk (i use skim milk) for cheese sauce
- 1 can chunk light tuna in water
- 1 cup milk (while blending casserole together)
- 0.5 cup frozen green peas
- Carbohydrate 37.54375375 g
- Cholesterol 118.94 mg
- Fat 24.27191 g
- Fiber 2.50281250447035 g
- Protein 43.38870375 g
- Saturated Fat 14.17500975 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (306g)
- Sodium 974.13975 mg
- Sugar 35.0409412455297 g
- Trans Fat 1.92094224999999 g
- Calories 548 calories
Step-by-step
- Fill a medium to large pot one-half full of water. Add 1 tablespoon salt, and bring the water to a full boil.
- Add the 12 oz. of pasta, and bring to a boil. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, until al dente (chewy--not mushy).
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your casserole cheese sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan on the stove.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup flour and stir vigorously, until the two are blended into a roux.
- Add 12 oz. (1 1/2 cups) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups milk (I use skim milk), and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Now cook and stir continuously for a minute or two, and then occasionally. The sauce should be thick and smooth about the same time that the pasta is cooked.
- Drain the pasta in a colander in the sink and place the pasta back in the pot.
- Stir in 1 additional cup milk, (2) 6 oz. cans chunk light tuna, drained, and 1/2 cup frozen green peas.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into an large oven-proof dish, which has been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Bake in an oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven, and let stand about 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve to your grateful guests!
My Go-To Comfort Food: Oven-Baked Tuna Casserole
As a busy working mom, time is always of the essence. Finding quick, easy, and delicious meals is a constant quest. This Oven-Baked Tuna Casserole has become a staple in my household, a true lifesaver on those hectic weeknights. It's not just quick; it's also incredibly satisfying and versatile. My family loves it, and honestly, so do I. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the tender pasta and tuna, creating a symphony of flavors that's both comforting and surprisingly elegant. It's a dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners, a comforting embrace in a bowl. The best part? It's easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to serve at a casual get-together. Believe me, your guests will be asking for seconds!
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its adaptability. I often adjust it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add different vegetables, like diced carrots or broccoli, to boost the nutritional value and add some extra color. Other times, I'll swap out the bow-tie pasta for something else – rotini, penne, even shells all work wonderfully. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; you can customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment! The creamy cheese sauce is the star, providing a rich and decadent base that ties all the ingredients together perfectly. The Parmesan cheese lends a sharpness that cuts through the richness, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.
Beyond its ease of preparation and adaptability, this tuna casserole also offers fantastic value. It's a budget-friendly meal that stretches far, perfect for feeding a large family or having leftovers for lunch the next day. The leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. I often double the recipe, knowing that having a portion ready in the freezer is a real time saver on those crazy days when everyone's running in different directions. This casserole is more than just a meal; it's a time-saving strategy, a delicious comfort food, and a crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
The experience of making this casserole is also a joy. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is heavenly, a promise of the deliciousness to come. It’s the kind of smell that instantly evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, reminding me of home and simpler times. And the satisfaction of creating such a delicious and satisfying meal for my loved ones is immeasurable. So, next time you're looking for a quick, easy, delicious, and budget-friendly meal, give this Oven-Baked Tuna Casserole a try. You won't be disappointed! It's a true family favorite, and I’m confident it will become one of yours too.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to elevate your Oven-Baked Tuna Casserole experience:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.
- Add some crunch: Top the casserole with breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crispy layer.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the tuna with chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian option.
- Boost the veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Asiago, for a unique flavor profile.
Serving suggestions: Serve this casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
