Tuna Casserole • Greatest Tuna Casserole Recipe {video} • Two Purple Figs

November 8, 2024

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This Tuna Casserole is the last word cozy consolation meals. Flakey Tuna, mushrooms (no cans!), peas, cheese, a luscious sauce, egg noodles and a zesty lemon panko topping with caramelized lemons. Severely that is the last word Tuna casserole recipe to make!

A hand using a large spoon to scoop up some tuna casserole showing the texture of the noodles and tuna and the crunchy topping

We’ve a THING for Tuna right here. So many Tuna Recipes to discover and severely, all SO GOOD! So this tuna casserole recipe is lengthy overdue right here. Let’s begin by saying that I didn’t recognize tuna casserole for years, and I knew precisely why. So I’ve examined so many recipes to determine a means across the canned soup and a means so as to add a refined taste of lemon.

While you do that recipe, you’ll know precisely what I imply. Take it from a tuna lover who tried so some ways to make this the perfect model it may be!

So What’s a Tuna Casserole?

The tuna casserole is without doubt one of the hottest recipes within the US, and it rose to fame within the 1950’s. A that point the whole lot creamy, wealthy and velvety was coming to life. Casseroles have been the factor.

This recipe was a type of cheap options to dinner and comfortable meals. All you wanted was a can of mushroom soup, some noodles, canned tuna, canned peas, cheese and crushed potato chips for topping. Such an reasonably priced meal that requires pantry objects solely, nothing perishable. Most households would have all these elements of their pantry at any given time.

In order time developed, some have stored the recipe as it’s, and others have swapped some objects. The commonest swap was the canned peas into recent or frozen peas. This was some time in the past when a number of folks started to draw back from canned veggies.

Finally the chips made the swap too with panko or any breadcrumbs. And at last, the canned soup. This was our first precedence when testing for this recipe. We made a luscious traditional bechamel sauce with recent mushrooms and it was the perfect factor ever!

Let’s get began with the perfect tuna casserole recipe, the elements, video and the best way to under!

Why You’ll LOVE This Tuna Casserole Recipe

No canned Soup, ever. Whereas this may very well be the traditional quaint means, there’s a means round it. A means that’s much more tastier and more healthy for you! Imagine me you gained’t miss that canned stuff!
We caramelize some lemon slices within the butter earlier than making the sauce after which add loads of lemon zest to the panko topping. The richness of the caramelized lemon and brightness of the lemon zest topping take this casserole to a different degree!
This recipe is fabulously made upfront, it’s additionally freezer pleasant and a potluck favourite.
Flavors are elevated. We flavored the creamy sauce for the tuna casserole with herbs and caramelized lemon, and the identical with the topping. So many stunning flavors right here whereas highlighting the tuna!
Wonderful textures! The luscious creamy sauce, completely cooked noodles. flakey tuna, peas, mushrooms and the crunch topping all come collectively like a dream!
A tuna casserole is a type of dinners or cozy meals that makes use of probably the most easiest of elements. Nothing fancy and nothing that requires a visit to a speciality retailer.

Elements You’ll Want

Ingredients on a large marble for tuna casserole. Caned tuna in a bowl, cheese in a bowl, some milk, some butter in separate bowls, the egg noddles uncooked in a bowl, sliced mushrooms on a board with diced onions, some garlic minced, a bowl of dijon mustard, some frozen peas in a bowl,some lemon slices, a bowl of seasoned panko, some half n half in a cup

Tuna. We’re holding with the traditional style and comfort of a tuna casserole and so we’re utilizing canned tuna. You should definitely purchase high quality canned tuna, ideally packed in lemon or water not oil. Additionally be sure to empty that fish very well earlier than utilizing right here. Whereas you should use our Tuna Steak Recipe, we really feel the feel and taste is finest with canned.
Noodles. Once more maintaining with the classics right here, we used the great outdated no yolks noodles. Be certain to prepare dinner them tremendous al dente as they are going to prepare dinner additional within the oven.
Béchamel elements. Butter, flour, milk or half n half. You may add in some inventory to exchange part of the milk or half n half for a lighter casserole recipe.
Seasoning. We use a bled of oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. We mix all of them collectively and that is the primary seasoning we use for the sauce, the topping and as we prepare dinner it.
Veggies. Frozen inexperienced peas are an ideal substitute for the canned and even for recent generally. We additionally use recent mushrooms for this recipe as a substitute of the canned stuff. So flavorful and superb texture!
Flavorings. Our fundamentals embrace onions, garlic and recent herbs like thyme.
Lemon. We use lemon zest and lemon slices right here for a unique degree of lemon taste.
Panko Combination. You need to use common breadcrumbs, however we use panko combined with seasoning (above), recent herbs, chilli flakes and lemon zest.
Cheese. The traditional cheddar cheese is what we use. Nonetheless you should use gruyere or another tender melting cheese.

How you can Make Tuna Casserole

Put together the Sauce

lemon slices caramelizing in the bottom of the pot

We begin by infusing a wealthy deep lemon style which pairs so superbly with our recipe. To do this, simply add in lemon slices to some melted butter within the pot over medium warmth. Caramelize the lemon for 1 minute per aspect till golden, then take away from the pan.
Start the sauce in the identical pot the place the butter is infused with the lemon taste. Add within the onions and seasoning. You need to use Italian seasoning mix or easy mix salt, pepper, oregano, onion and garlic powder and a few paprika.
As soon as the onions have cooked till tender and translucent, you’re going so as to add in some sliced mushrooms and garlic. Whereas you should use white button mushrooms, we want cremini. Prepare dinner the mushrooms with the onions till they’ve softened however not completely wilted down.
Now you’re going so as to add within the flour together with a tablespoon extra of butter. That is the bottom for the béchamel sauce and that is the way it will thicken up.
At this level it’s KEY to sauté the flour with the mushrooms and onions for a minimum of 1 minute or till barely golden. This step removes the uncooked flour style out of your sauce.
You’re now prepared so as to add within the liquid. We’re utilizing milk and half n half, this creates a brilliant luscious and creamy tuna casserole recipe. You need to use solely half n half for a richer consequence, or use half inventory and half milk for a lighter recipe. We guarantee you both means it is going to be scrumptious. Now ensure you season the liquid with the identical seasoning above.
Improve the warmth barely to medium excessive and convey the combination to a boil whereas mixing. You’ll discover how the liquid will thicken and at that time, drop the warmth to medium low. Let the sauce bubble for 2-3 minutes to infuse with the flavors.
At that time you’re going so as to add the drained tuna, peas and cheese. Give it a mixture till all blended.

Prepare dinner the Noodles

It’s finest to prepare dinner them tremendous aldente. That’s as a result of the noodles will additional prepare dinner within the oven. We’ve used right here the traditional no yolks noodles, however you’ll be able to most positively use pasta or a gluten free choice if wanted.

Assemble the Casserole

the noodles mixed into the post with the remaining ingredients and spread into a baking dish

The noodles are tossed into the pot and coated effectively with the sauce, tuna, peas and mushrooms. Now we pour the entire pot right into a 9 by 13 inch dish, and unfold the noodle tuna combination evenly into the baking dish. You need to use the identical pot if that’s your desire.

Topping

topping ingredients all mixed in a bowl which is panko bread crumbs, thyme, chilli flakes lemon zest

That is frankly a MUST for the recipe, so please don’t skimp. The topping is a combination of panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, recent thyme, chilli flakes and lemon zest. An absolute taste and texture addition to your dish!
Sprinkle the topping evenly all around the baking dish overlaying all of the tuna casserole. And to complete off, add the caramelized lemon slices ontop.

Baking the Casserole

The tuna casserole out of the oven with golden tops and perfectly cooked

Bake for about 25 minutes till it’s golden and bubbly. You need the crispy golden tops and bubbly insides.
As soon as out of the oven , we added some chopped chives (non-compulsory) and a touch of chilli flakes.
Be tremendous cautious about serving it immediately as it is going to be actually scorching and bubbly. So give it about 10 minutes earlier than serving.

And there you have got absolutely the Tuna casserole filled with freshness and taste, and but simply as cozy.
close up of the baked tuna casserole showing very up close the texture of the golden panko and caramelized lemons

Suggestions For the Greatest Tuna Casserole Recipe

Use high quality canned tuna for the perfect tasting casserole recipe. Ensure you use the fish packed in water or lemon, not oil. The oil will make it exhausting for the tuna to mix within the sauce. And at last, be sure to empty it effectively earlier than utilizing.
Frozen peas are an ideal selection for this recipe, higher than recent peas. Keep away from canned by all means.
Cremini mushrooms have a richer style in comparison with white button mushrooms, nonetheless you’ll be able to nonetheless use them.
The selection of cheese is totally non-compulsory so long as it’s a tender melting cheese.
For a richer recipe, use all half n half. And for a lighter style, use half inventory and half milk. Both choice tastes nice!
The lemon slices add a wealthy candy lemon style to the sauce, whereas the zest on high provides a vivid recent tangy taste.
We want panko over common breadcrumbs, nonetheless you’ll be able to nonetheless use it.
When including the flour, ensure you toast it for 1-2 minutes to take away the uncooked flour style out of your sauce.
Enable the sauce to bubble and thicken earlier than including the remaining elements, and observe the thickness.
To skinny out your sauce, add extra liquid. To thick out the sauce, hold simmering it for longer than 8 minutes.
You ca use retailer purchased Italian seasoning or just combine oregano, garlic and onion powders, salt and pepper and paprika.
Don’t overcook the noodles, you could below prepare dinner them as they are going to proceed cooking within the oven.
You may bake the casserole in the identical pot for those who’d like so long as it’s oven proof.
Control the panko topping, it needs to be golden and crisp.
Keep away from serving the dish immediately as it is going to be tremendous scorching, somewhat look ahead to 8 minutes earlier than having fun with it.

Tuna Casserole Variations

Ass extra veggies like corn, bell peppers, broccoli, solar dried tomatoes, spinach or whichever you favor. Don’t overshadow the tuna, however be at liberty to be as artistic as you’d like.
Make it spicy by including jalapeños or extra chilli flakes.
Use cajun spice for a ravishing twist. Additionally add roughly of your favourite spice mix like extra onion powder than garlic.
Swap cheeses round, and check out completely different varieties.
Add in additional seafood. You may add in some canned or cooked Sardines. Whereas they’ve a foul fame, I urge you to strive my grandmother’s recipe!
Change the topping and use your favourite flavored chips or crackers, ensure you crush them.

close up of the casserole dish showing one slice removed and the texture on the inside

How you can Make Forward Tuna Casserole?

Put together all of the recipe and assemble it in your baking dish able to bake. Have in mind to underbake the noodles much more, and having the sauce barely thinner than regular.
Now cowl the dish and refrigerate for as much as 3 days.
When able to bake, ensure you take away the dish from the fridge for 1 hour earlier than baking. Bake as regular including an additional 15-18 minutes extra baking time.

How you can Freeze and Reheat?

Put together the casserole and pour into the baking dish as above. Be certain the sauce has cooled earlier than wrapping and freezing.
You may freeze for upto 3 months.
To Reheat, take the dish out of the freezer the day earlier than. Be certain to thaw it fully. Bake as above including an additional 20 minutes.

Why is my casserole dry?

The 2 foremost causes for dryness are that the dish is over baked, or the sauce was very thick to start with. When tossing the noodles with all of the elements, the sauce needs to be thick, but skinny sufficient to evenly coat each noodle and have some liquid left for baking.

How you can inform when the casserole is finished?

The sides might be bubbly, and the tops might be golden and crisp. You need to use the fork knife take a look at and insert a knife within the casserole, and whenever you take away it, the knife ought to have a thick coating on it not a skinny one.

What to Serve with Tuna Casserole

Quite a lot of Salad Recipes right here so that you can select from. We love a pleasant salad and a few Garlic Bread.

Extra Canned Tuna Recipes

Straight from the Mediterranean is that this Tuna Salad Recipe with Olive Oil Dressing and it makes the perfect Sandwich too!

Viral Tuna Recipes

Tuna Tataki
Crudo
Wrap
Ahi Tuna Salad
Ceviche
Carpaccio
Tuna Tartare

A plate with a serving of tuna casserole and a fork next to it

Tuna Casserole

This Tuna Casserole is the last word cozy consolation meals. Flakey Tuna, mushrooms (no cans!), peas, cheese, a luscious sauce, egg noodles and a zesty lemon panko topping with caramelized lemons. Severely that is the last word Tuna casserole recipe to make!