Cable Car Tuna Casserole
Creamy tuna casserole with crunchy almonds, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. egg noodles
- 2 (7 oz.) cans solid white tuna ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Hickory Pride Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a 2-quart casserole, gently toss cooked egg noodles, drained tuna, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and sliced water chestnuts.
- In a saucepan, combine cream of celery soup and milk.
- Heat, stirring until smooth.
- Add chopped green onions, mayonnaise, thyme, salt, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Heat and stir until cheese melts.
- Pour sauce over the noodle mixture in the casserole and mix gently and thoroughly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and toasted slivered almonds on top.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce. If you don't have hickory cheddar, any sharp cheddar will work. You can substitute the water chestnuts with chopped mushrooms for a different texture. For a heartier dish, toss in some frozen peas or corn before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A side of garlic bread or a light vinaigrette on the salad enhances the dish's flavors. For a comforting twist, serve with a warm bowl of Fish Chowder, a favorite from the '76 Cookbook.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cable Car Tuna Casserole contains roughly 328 calories, with 16g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1618mg per serving (70% 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?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Just cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. Make sure to season it well, as canned tuna is already pre-seasoned. Fresh tuna will give a different texture and flavor, adding a gourmet touch to your dish.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the tuna with chickpeas or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version. Use a vegetable-based cream soup to keep the flavors rich and satisfying while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top before baking can also enhance the flavor profile. Adjust to your spice preference for a customized kick!
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).