12-Can Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tuna, vegetables, and creamy soups, topped with crunchy fried onions—perfect for a comforting family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, French fried onions, mushrooms, evaporated milk, chicken rice soup, cream of chicken soup, mushroom soup, sliced water chestnuts, chopped green pepper, and chopped celery. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle French fried onions on top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like parsley or dill in the casserole. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute low-fat evaporated milk and use canned tuna packed in water instead of oil. You can also switch out the French fried onions for crushed potato chips for a different texture. Experiment with adding cooked vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be a main dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside Green Rice (Broccoli And Rice Casserole) for a comforting dinner. For a complete meal, crusty bread or rolls would be excellent to soak up the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 12-Can Casserole contains roughly 708 calories, with 13g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1690mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked tuna instead of canned. You'll need to cook and flake the tuna before adding it to the casserole. This will add a fresher flavor and texture to the dish, but it may require additional seasoning to match the richness of canned tuna.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using a roux of butter, flour, and chicken broth mixed with heavy cream. This will maintain the creaminess of the dish while providing a different flavor profile.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions as usual for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).